Building signs are a key part of any office or commercial facility. They help customers and clients locate the business and provide directions and other essential information.
Styles of Building Signs
- Awning signs are mounted above doors and windows. They are typically made from durable vinyl but can also be metal. Awnings often have the company logo and name as well as contact information. They provide shade from the sun and cover from rain and snow. Awnings are commonly seen covering building entrances, employee smoking areas, and vending machines.
- Channel letters are individually shaped three-dimensional letters. Each letter contains a channel which houses the lighting element. This channel is within the metal return (side) of the letter. It is covered with a colored translucent panel which allows the light to shine through. These are commonly used to list a business’s name on the side of their building.
- Dimensional letters are three-dimensional letters cut from various materials, including metal, foam, and acrylic. They differ from channel lettering as they do not have a channeled return or internal lighting element. They are mainly seen indoors but can be used outdoors in sheltered locations.
- Blade signs are hung perpendicular to a wall and are illuminated internally. The perpendicular placement allows them to be seen while walking adjacent to the building. They can be made from various materials, including metal and acrylic. Blade signs often label side doors for deliveries and employee entrances.
Selecting the Right Building Sign
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing building signs. Building signs should be considered an investment in a company’s image and carefully considered before purchasing.
- Location: Signs should be placed in an area where it will not be obstructed by parked cars, trees, and other obstacles. For example, an office complex with a parking garage would want the main sign to be placed near the street, not the garage. Also, the location of the building will affect the type of sign. A building in a windy area would not be able to support an awning sign.
- Size: The size of the sign should be appropriate for the location. A small sign will seem lost in a large area, while a large sign may overwhelm a small space. If a sign is hung on a building, make it no larger than one-eighth the height. For example, a 20-foot-tall building should have a sign no more than 2.5 feet tall.
- Material: The material should be appropriate for the location. A sign made of metal will weather well outdoors but may be too heavy for some locations. Plastic and foam signs may be better option in those cases.
- Image: The sign should reflect the company’s image. A law firm typically wants a more high-end traditional-looking sign than a daycare center. This means the sign’s font, colors, and overall design should send the right message to customers. A law firm will have trouble attracting clients if the sign is written in comic sans while the font may be ideal for a daycare.
Call us, your local sign company, FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento – Arden-Arcade, CA, today. We are available to answer any questions.
