Exterior Signage Guidelines.pdf

PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023

Exterior Signage GuidelinesProgramming Existing Signage Program Removal

Before implementing a new signage program, perform a thorough evaluation of the demolition requirements of the current signage program and the effects and impact on the facility's landscaping and irrigation system.

Old sign footings do not typically have to be removed completely. They should, however, be demolished to at least 1 foot below grade. Check to see what is required to patch, seal and repair building penetrations and surfaces exposed after the removal of signs or letters. Repairs should be planned to match adjoining surfaces.

Make sure the sign demolition scope of work requires the contractor to close off any live electrical connections. Remove existing conductors and conduit to the nearest junction box and make it safe.

Be sure to clearly identify signs that are supposed to remain. It is especially important to identify markers and signs related to special objects or displays on the medical center campus or a building.

DO NOT remove any traffic signs without having the replacement signs available and installed at the time the old signs are removed.

Section 2.5.2 157

Exterior Signage GuidelinesFacility Names

2.5.3 FACILITY NAMES

The following layouts depict the various ways that facility names are to be shown on the main identification sign. In all cases, note that there is a hierarchy in the presentation. The “VA Logo” and “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs” is always on the top of the sign and in larger letters than the rest of the name. VISN identification is always at the bottom of the sign and has the smallest letters.

Facility Name Message Layouts

Message Layout A Consolidated Medical Centers

Message Layout B Congressionally mandated named facilities

Message Layout C Typical facility naming practice

Message Layout D Combined VHA and VBA locations

Message Layout E Independent VBA Regional Offices

Message Layout F Health Care Centers

Message Layout G Large Outpatient Clinics

Message Layout H Smaller Community Based Outpatient Clinics

Section 2.5.3 158

Exterior Signage Guidelines Sign Overview

2.5.4 SIGN OVERVIEW

The following overview illustrates exterior signs for VA leased or owned facilities.

For exterior Mandatory VA Policy & Directive signage refer to Section 2.3 Mandatory VA Policy & Directive Signage Guidelines.

Section 3.5 Exterior Signage Drawings of this manual provides detailed drawings of each of these signs.

The drawings can be used as a starting point to develop a facility specific sign standard using colors, cabinet shapes, post styles, decorative caps / finials, and sign bases that tie into the wayfinding plan, geographic region, neighborhood, and architecture.

For more information on developing the look of the signage system, including VA standard fonts and arrows, refer to Section 4.1 Design Elements and the construction details in this section.

Sign Designations Each sign in the program manual has been given a specific sign type number designation. This designation provides a common description that can be referenced when programming a site and ordering signs. The following explains how the sign type designations are derived.

EI - 03 .01 A

E Designates an exterior sign.

I Identifies that the sign is internally illuminated.

03 Two-digit numbers identify a particular sign type family.

.01 The two-digit number following the period identifies a specific sign within the sign family.

A The letter designates a specific sign configuration, version, or layout for graphics.

This Section includes Exterior Illuminated (EI), Exterior Non-Illuminated (EN), and Parking Lot (PL) signage, all of which are illustrated in the following Overview pages.

Section 2.5.4 159

PG 18-10 Signage Design Manual

Sign Overview

EI-01.01

Site Monument Large – 5' x 12'

EI-01.02

Site Monument Medium – 4' x 10'

EI-01.03

Site Monument Small – 4' x 8'

EI-01.04

Vertical Site Monument Large – 12' x 5'

EI-01.05

Vertical Site Monument Small – 8' x 4'

EI-02.01

Directional Monument Large – 6' x 6'

EI-02.02

Directional Monument Small – 6' x 4'

EI-03.01

Post & Panel Site Identification – 4' x 8'

EI-03.02

Post & Panel Directional – 4' x 6'

May 16, 2023

Exterior Signage Guidelines

EI-01.01 EI-01.02

EI-01.03 EI-01.04 EI-01.05

EI-02.01 EI-02.02

EI-03.01 EI-03.02

Section 2.5.4 160

Exterior Signage GuidelinesSign Overview

EI-04.01

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 4' x 8'

EI-04.02

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 4' x 6'

EI-06.01

Wall Mounted Overhead

EI-06.02

Wall Mounted Building Identification

EI-06.02

EI-08.01

Wall Mounted Ambulance / Emergency Overhead

EI-08.02

Wall Mounted Ambulance / Emergency Identification

EI-08.03

Post & Panel Ambulance / Emergency Entrance Identification

EI-09

Illuminated Letters & Logo

EI-04.01 EI-04.02

EI-06.01

EI-08.01 EI-08.02 EI-08.03

EI-09

Section 2.5.4 161

Sign Overview Exterior Signage Guidelines

EI-14

4-Sided Site Monument

EI-15.01

4-Sided Directional Site Monument

EI-15.02

4-Sided Directional Site Monument with Address

EI-14 EI-15.01 EI-15.02

EI-16.01

Vertical Site Monument with Electronic Message Unit

EI-16.02

Horizontal Site Monument with Electronic Message Unit

EI-16.01 EI-16.02

EI-17

Information Center Monument

EI-17

Section 2.5.4 162

EN-02.01

Directional Monument Large – 6' x 6'

EN-02.02

Directional Monument Small – 6' x 4'

EN-02.01 EN-02.02

EN-03.02

Post & Panel – 4' x 6'

EN-03.03

Post & Panel – 3' x 4'

EN-03.04

Post & Panel – 2' x 3'

EN-03.05

Post & Panel Building Identification

– 3' x 3'

EN-03.06

Post & Panel Identification & Information – 2' x 2'

EN-04.01

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 4' x 8'

EN-04.02

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 4' x 6'

EN-04.03

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 3' x 4'

EN-04.04

Post & Panel Stacking Bar Directional – 2' x 3'

EN-03.02 EN-03.03

EN-03.04 EN-03.05 EN-03.06

EN-04.01 EN-04.02

EN-04.03 EN-04.04

Section 2.5.4 163

EN-05.01

Single Post & Panel Large – 2'-6" x 2'

EN-05.02

Single Post & Panel Medium – 2' x 1'-6"

EN-05.03

Single Post & Panel Small – 1'-6" x 1'

EN-06.01

Wall Mounted Overhead

EN-06.02

Wall Mounted Building Identification Large

EN-06.03

Wall Mounted Building Identification Large with Message Panel

EN-06.04

Wall Mounted Building Identification Medium

EN-06.05

Wall Mounted Building Identification Medium with Message Panel

EN-06.06

Wall Mounted Building Identification Small

EN-06.07

Wall Mounted Informational Medium

EN-06.08

Wall Mounted Informational Small

EN-05.01 EN-05.02 EN-05.03

EN-06.01 EN-06.02 EN-06.03

EN-06.04 EN-06.05 EN-06.06

EN-06.07 EN-06.08

Section 2.5.4 164

PL-12.01

Post & Panel Parking Identification

PL-12.02

Single Post & Panel Informational

PL-12.03

Single Post & Panel Parking Stall Designation

PL-12.04

Single Post & Panel Accessible Parking Stall Designation

PL-12.05

Single Post & Panel Accessible Parking Area

PL-12.06

Pole Mounted Parking Lot or Area Identification

EN-08.01

EN-09

EN-10.01 EN-10.02 EN-10.03

PL-12.07

Wall Mounted Informational

PL-12.08

Single Post & Panel Permit Parking Stall Designation EN-10.04 EN-10.05 EN-10.06

PL-12.09

Single Post & Panel Permit Parking Stall Designation

EN-10.07 EN-10.08 EN-10.09 EN-10

PL-13

Electronic Stall Availability Sign

PL-15

Painted Stall Identification Number

EN-08.02 EN-08.03

EN-11.01 EN-11.02 EN-11.03 EN-14

Section 2.5.4 165

Section 2.5.4

PG 18 10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023

PL-12.01

Post & Panel Parking Identification

PL-12.02

Single Post & Panel Informational

PL-12.03

Single Post & Panel Parking Stall Designation

PL-12.04

Single Post & Panel Accessible Parking Stall Designation

PL-12.05

Single Post & Panel Accessible Parking Area

PL-12.06

Pole Mounted Parking Lot or Area Identification

PL-12.07

Wall Mounted Informational

PL-12.08

Single Post & Panel Permit Parking Stall Designation

PL-12.09

Single Post & Panel Permit Parking Stall Designation

PL-13

Electronic Stall Availability Sign

PL-15

Painted Stall Identification Number

PL-12.01 PL-12.02 PL-12.03

PL-12.05 PL-12.06

Exterior Signage GuidelinesSpecifications

2.5.5 SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications for signs are available in the Master Construction Specifications (PG-18-1) area of the VA Technical Information Library, which is available on the VA web site under Office of Construction & Facilities Management.

Visit online: www.cfm.va.gov/til/spec.asp#10

Refer to Signage in the specifications, Division 10, Section 10 14 00.

For more information regarding specifications, contact the Office of Construction & Facilities Management, Facility Standards Service.

When preparing the specifications for a project, it will be necessary to adapt the specifications to the specific facility and project. This may include information regarding the facility’s specific component-based signage system, colors / finishes, and project requirements such as specific sign types or installation requirements.

Depending on the project type, signage specifications can include the Sign Message Schedule, Sign Location Plans, and Sign Drawings. The Sign Message Schedule is a table that lists each sign’s location number, sign type, and message, as well as other relevant details. The Sign Location Plans are a set of architectural plans showing numbered tags at the location of each sign. Sign Drawings illustrate the details and design intent for each sign type in the system. This information is required by the sign manufacturer and installer for production and implementation of the signs.

More information about signage system planning and programming, and submittal examples can be found in Section 1.1 Planning a Sign System.

Section 2.5.5 167

Exterior Signage GuidelinesConstruction

2.5.6 CONSTRUCTION

This section provides example design options and construction details relevant to exterior signs that meet the VA’s requirements.

Details showing the construction of monument signs, post-and-panel signs, wall-mounted signs, and stacking bar signs, are based on a concept of an aluminum extrusion component system. Many sign manufacturers currently market extrusions and component systems that will accomplish the illustrated objectives of an exterior signage system. These extruded, molded, and fabricated components are acceptable so long as the illustrated and stated specifications are adhered to. Once a manufacturer’s system is selected for a signage program, ongoing maintenance and replacement signs will need to come from that same manufacturer’s component system.

The illustrations are intended to show the desired configuration and intent of the various sign types. Sections of the extrusions are for illustration purposes and have not been engineered or configured for extruding and do not represent a finished form or a particular manufacturer. Many manufacturers’ extrusion systems will accomplish the illustrated objectives of the desired exterior signage system.

In the following pages, further discussion of shape and sign design is discussed along with examples.

Internally illuminated signs should have the electrical supply coordinated, and voltage confirmed, before a sign is ordered and fabricated. Illuminated signs should contain a “UL” sticker that their construction conforms to UL Standard 48.

Text for illuminated signs should also be confirmed and finalized before the sign is ordered and fabricated because revisions after fabrication, are expensive and time consuming.

Community reaction should be considered before large “skyline letters” are installed on top of a medical center. Various communities have standards that may not permit these types of signs and installing them could create a local controversy.

Also, when large letters are planned for a building, coordination should take place to ensure issues of building skin integrity, structural loads, installation, electrical service, and maintenance access are evaluated.

Monument signs larger than those shown in the Manual or include electronic message units may also create local community reaction. Check with the Planning Department of the local City or County to see if they have a sign ordinance with guidelines for the proposed sign type. Federal facilities are not required to obtain local sign permits but respecting the local ordinances will prevent possible controversy.

Care should be taken to ensure that sign footings and foundations are correctly matched to the type of sign being installed.

Section 2.5.6 168

Detail 1 - Posts:

Post-and-panel signage systems often come in a variety of profile shapes that can alter the design motif. The post style should complement the facility's architectural design and be used consistently throughout the exterior signage system.

Additional post shapes maybe available. It is recommended to only use post styles within the manufacturer’s standard extrusions.

Post: P1

Detail 2 - Post Caps:

Post caps, also known as finials, can be used to enhance the style of post and the design of the sign as a whole. The caps can come in a wide variety of designs but will need to be compatible with the post as well as complement the architectural design of the facility. Sign manufacturers will likely have a standard set of options compatible with their extrusion systems.

Section 2.5.6 169

Detail 3 - Reveals:

Component based exterior signage systems allow for a reveal or gap between the post and sign panel that can enhance the design. In some cases, a color accent can be applied to the reveal. Sign manufacturers may have a variety of options available.

No Reveal Reveal

Detail 4 - Facility Specific Sign Standard:

By incorporating various simple enhancements to a sign, a style can be created specific to a building or campus. Changing the post shape, incorporating a reveal, having the posts and cabinet in two different colors, or having an accent color in the reveal are all things that will give a sign a distinct style. Using dimensional letters can also provide a more upscale appearance for signs that identify buildings.

Adding shape to the sign cabinet and a distinct treatment to the top of the posts, adds cost to the sign, but these details can “de-institutionalize” a signage program and allow it to have a “personality” that aligns with a hospital’s architecture and wayfinding plan.

Basic Post & Panel Modified Post & Panel Sign

Modified Post & Panel Sign

Section 2.5.6 170

Detail 5 - Sign Cabinet Shapes and Forms:

This illustrates several examples of expanding the design of the exterior sign to incorporate different posts, caps, reveals, and cabinet styles.

Detail 6 - Internally Illuminated Sign Cabinet:

This sign is constructed with an illuminated double-faced sign cabinet mounted to a masonry base with a reveal between the base and the cabinet.

Sign face is aluminum with routed text and graphics backed with a translucent diffuser.

Illumination is by a grid of LED's attached to a white aluminum panel.

Sign face to slide out for sign maintenance or replacement of sign face without abandonment of entire sign.

Sign shall be constructed to conform to UL requirements.

Section 2.5.6 171

Detail 7- Internally Illuminated Post and Panel Sign:

This sign is constructed with an illuminated double-faced sign cabinet mounted to extruded aluminum posts with an adjustable reveal between the posts and the cabinet.

Sign face is aluminum with routed text and graphics backed with a translucent diffuser.

Illumination is by a grid of LEDs attached to a white aluminum panel.

Sign face to slide out for sign maintenance or replacement of sign face without abandonment of entire sign.

Sign shall be constructed to comply with UL requirements.

LEDs attached to

Detail 8 – Internally Illuminated Wall Mounted Sign:

This sign is constructed with a single faced illuminated sign cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. A complete enclosed back is required.

Sign face is aluminum with routed text and graphics backed with a translucent diffuser.

Illumination is by a grid of LED’s attached to a white aluminum panel.

Sign face to slide out for sign maintenance or replacement of sign face without abandonment of entire sign.

Sign shall be constructed to comply with UL requirements.

LEDs attached to

Section 2.5.6 172

Detail 9 - Internally Illuminated Sign Electrical:

Electrical connections to illuminated signs are to be made ina junction box that is located adjacent to the sign.

Exposed conduit is not to be mounted to the exterior of sign cabinets or posts.

Sign shall be constructed to comply with UL requirements.

Detail 10- Internally Illuminated Routed Text & Graphics:

Illuminated signs with cut out aluminum sign faces require white translucent diffusers.

The translucent acrylic or polycarbonate diffusers are to be mechanically fastened to the sign face.

Letter voids of all upper-case letters “A B D O P Q R” and all lower-case letters “a b d o p q r a b d e g o p q” and number voids “4 6 8 9 0” are to be mechanically fastened to the diffuser.

Diffusers are not to be installed on a sign face using any type of tape or adhesive system.

Section 2.5.6 173

Detail 11 - Internally Illuminated 4-Sided Monument Sign:

This sign is constructed with an illuminated 4 faced sign cabinet mounted to a masonry base with a reveal between the base and the cabinet.

Sign face is aluminum with routed text & graphics backed with a translucent diffuser.

Illumination is by a grid of LED's attached to a white aluminum panel for each side.

Sign face to slide out for sign maintenance or replacement of sign face without abandonment of entire sign.

Sign is to be constructed to conform to UL requirements.

Vertical Section Internal View Horizontal Section

Section 2.5.6 174

Detail 12 - Non-Illuminated Post & Panel Sign:

This sign is constructed with a non-illuminated sign cabinet mounted to extruded aluminum posts with an adjustable reveal between the posts and the cabinet.

The sign cabinet extrusion should have the capability to hold the sign faces and allow for the removal and replacement of faces without total sign disassembly or abandonment of the sign.

Detail 13 - Non-Illuminated Post & Stacking Bar Sign:

This sign is constructed with a series of aluminum tubes mounted to extruded aluminum posts with an adjustable reveal between the posts and the stacking tubes.

Tubes are to be flush and touching with no gaps between them.

Sign is constructed in a manner that will allow the removal or addition of faces at a future time.

Section 2.5.6 175

Detail 14 - Internally Illuminated Strip Sign:

A stacking strip illuminated sign incorporates individual extruded aluminum strips that enable the panels to be removed and rearranged as necessary.

The sign is constructed similar to the internally illuminated monument or post and panel sign.

The graphics on the strips are constructed in the same manner as an internally illuminated sign face.

Detail 15 - Internally Illuminated Changeable Strips:

Modular illuminated sign strip extrusions are to be interlocking in such a manner as to prevent light leaks and also provide flexibility for replacement and rearrangement.

Section 2.5.6 176

Detail 16 - Exterior Sign Utilizing Component Assembly:

The illustration shows how a sign is assembled which is constructed using an aluminum extrusion system of component parts.

Several manufacturers build signs in this manner and this approach allows for simplified manufacturing and a consistent appearing product.

Detail 17 - Exterior Sign Assembly Modifications:

The exploded view illustration shows how an exterior component-based sign can be installed to allow for simple future modifications or updating.

Section 2.5.6 177

Detail 18 - Basic Aluminum Post & Panel Sign:

Detail 19 – Non-Illuminated Wall Mounted Sign:

This sign is constructed with an aluminum panel mounted into an extruded aluminum frame configured for wall mounting.

Sign face is held within a frame which will allow for replacement of the sign face without disassembly or abandonment of the entire sign.

Section 2.5.6 178

Detail 20 - Single Post & Panel Recommended Mounting:

Extruded aluminum signpost with sliding dove tail groove. Aluminum sign panel with integrated dove tail tongue slides into pole extrusion with post filler and tension screw.

Sign panels have the corners eased with a 1/4" (6 mm) radius. The post shall have a permanent top cap.

Detail 21 - Single Post & Panel Street Signs & Alternate Conditions:

Aluminum sign panel mounted to a square aluminum post with tamper proof mechanical fasteners.

Sign panels have the corners eased with a 1/4" (6 mm) radius. The post shall have a permanent top cap.

Section 2.5.6 179

Construction Exterior Signage Guidelines Detail 22 – Street Identification:

Cast or fabricated aluminum post cap configured to hold aluminum name panel.

For double bladed signs there is a cast or fabricated aluminum connector that is mounted to the lower blade and holds the upper blade.

Detail 23 – Face Illuminated Letters:

Face Illumination with LED’s

Installation of these letters should be done only by a licensed electrical sign company.

Consult with a local electrical sign company regarding the wall surface, accessibility, and method of installation.

LED Guidelines:

LED’s to be UL recognized and carry the UL label

Rated life of LED’s to exceed 40,000 hours

Color temp to match 5000k to 6500k

Low voltage 12v system

Section 2.5.6 180

Detail 24 - Halo Illuminated Letters:

“Halo Effect” letters are illuminated with LED’s.

Installation of these letters should be done only by a licensed electrical sign company.

Consult with a local electrical sign company regarding the wall surface, accessibility, and method of installation.

LED Guidelines:

LED’s to be UL recognized and carry the UL label

Rated life of LED’s to exceed 40,000 hours

Color temp to match 5000k to 6500k

Low voltage 12v system

Detail 25 - Fabricated Metal Letter & Logo:

Fabricated metal letters and logo are intended for use on exterior building applications.

These letters are custom fabricated to meet the size, illumination, and mounting requirements for the intended location on a building.

Clear access is required to backs of the letters to allow installation of electrical connections and for maintenance.

Consult with a local exterior electrical sign company regarding these letters, their construction and installation requirements before ordering illuminated letters.

Section 2.5.6 181

Exterior Signage GuidelinesInstallation

2.5.7 INSTALLATION

This section describes the conditions to consider prior to the installation of exterior signs, ensuring successful implementation. It also includes figures that detail typical installation standards for exterior sign placement, footings and mounting.

Planning Sign placement in an exterior signage system is determined as part of a campus wayfinding master plan. Programming of the message schedule should be done just prior to manufacturing to ensure accuracy of information.

Visibility Exterior signs communicate to both drivers and pedestrians, and placement should be planned for optimal visibility in relation to the intended viewer. Signs should be installed at optimal viewing height for the speed and distance of the viewer. Avoid installing where conditions obstruct the viewing of the sign.

Readability Sign messages should have the correct letter height to be read at the speed and distance of the viewer. Additionally, consider the potential effects the sign’s design and content have on drivers. Signs with too much information can create confusion and slow traffic.

Coordination It is necessary to coordinate with irrigation systems, electrical service, and other underground utilities. Ideally this is done during the Planning and Programming phases.

Climate Every site has different climate conditions that effect an exterior signage program.

Wind load, snowfall, and frost line impact the post length and footing depth required for sign installation.

Footing Within this installation section of the manual there is a table to aid in determining the size of a footing for various signs. This is a general guide and structural engineering maybe required to confirm that footing is adequate for the conditions at a sign’s location.

Engineering Structural engineering should be consulted to ensure building walls can adequately support large “skyline letters and logo” before having them fabricated. Monument signs should also have their bases designed by a structural engineer to ensure the signs can withstand wind loads at their location.

Mounting Sign mounting methods have been standardized to create visual uniformity for all signs placed around a facility. Mounting heights and placement have been determined for ease of planning and are illustrated in the following diagrams.

The two principal methods of mounting signs are:

• Ground-Mounted: Placing a sign panel on one or more posts fixed in the ground or sign cabinets mounted to masonry or concrete bases.

• Wall-Mounted: Placing a sign on a vertical surface such as the wall or door of a building or fence.

Section 2.5.7 182

Placement:

Ground Mounted Signs

All signs should be located a minimum of 2'-0" (609.6 mm) from the curb. The exact location of a sign will vary depending on the type of sign and site conditions.

Sign placement must be carefully considered to ensure that the sign fits the location without major regrading. It may be necessary to clear some shrubs or bushes or relocate an obstruction.

When ground mounted signs on two posts are placed on sloping or inclined grades, adjustments must be made to the post lengths.

Extreme differences between post lengths should be minimized.

Section 2.5.7 183

Placement:

Wall Mounted Signs

Signs are placed to alert and inform in sufficient time to avoid a hazard or take appropriate action. They should be sized for easy reading from the viewing distance required.

A sign that is too small will be lost.

Conversely, an overly large sign can overwhelm an area.

Signs should be placed where they will not create distractions. Care should be taken to avoid grouping too many signs together in one location.

Small sign panels placed for close viewing should be appropriately placed at eye level. Larger signs posted in big spaces or for viewing at greater distances should be placed proportionally higher.

Signs should not be placed where objects may obscure them.

Before ordering a sign, you can place a cardboard panel in the proposed location to verify the size and placement location.

Section 2.5.7 184

Placement:

Parking Stall Identification

This illustration indicates the location of single post & panel signs in relationship to both handicapped and standard parking stalls.

Signs should be visually centered to the driver/vehicle at the head of the stall.

Make sure that the signpost cannot be struck by the bumper of a vehicle.

If an area of parking stalls are being signed with the same message, the number of signs can be reduced. A single sign can be used to label multiple stalls. A good guide is 1 sign for every 2 or 3 stalls. One sign for 4 stalls will not work because the sign will be too far from a driver’s vision.

For handicapped parking stalls it is best to provide a sign for each individual stall and then there is no opportunity for confusion.

Section 2.5.7 185

Placement:

Sight Triangle at Intersections and Driveways

For safety reasons, signs should not be placed in the sight triangle (shaded area) where they could obscure a driver’s vision. Also, make sure that a sign’s location is not blocking a drivers vision of pedestrians.

Ensuring that there are no signs in the sight triangle applies to roadway intersections as well as driveways.

Traffic regulatory signs are an exception to this rule. Traffic regulatory signs such as STOP and YIELD signs should be placed at the point at which compliance is to be made.

Footing:

Size Configurations

Footing depth requirements vary from location to location and size of sign.

A large sign requires a larger diameter and deeper footing or base to withstand higher wind loads. Poor soil compaction will also require larger footings.

The depth of winter frost penetration also effects the size of footing required.

Locate your area of the country on the map and then refer to the chart to determine the size of footings required for the various sizes of signs.

It is recommended that the base for all large monument signs be designed by a licensed structural engineer providing “signed and sealed” drawings. This is to ensure that the base will structurally support the sign taking into account wind loads, the type of soil, and winter frost penetration.

Section 2.5.7 186

Footing Configuration Chart (Imperial)

Footing Configuration Chart (Metric)

Section 2.5.7 187

Detail 1 - Footing: Post & Panel Signs

All footings must meet width and depth requirements to accommodate height and size of sign, soil conditions, wind loads and winter ground freezing.

Style 1:

Permanent installation in landscaped areas.

Signs installed in grass can have the raised concrete collars extended to cover the area between posts.

Style 2:

Permanent installation in paved areas. Either core drill or surface mount.

Style 1

Style 2 Core Drill

Style 2 Surface Mount

Section 2.5.7 188

Detail 1 - Footing: Post & Panel Signs (Continued)

All footings must meet width and depth requirements to accommodate height and size of sign, soil conditions, wind loads and winter ground freezing.

Style 3:

Semi-permanent installation in landscaped areas.

Use this type of installation when it is known that a sign will need to be removed or replaced in the near future.

Signs installed in grass can have the raised concrete colors extended to cover the area between the posts.

Style 4:

Semi-permanent installation. Use this type of installation when a sign will need to be removed or replaced in the near future.

Style 3

Style 4

Section 2.5.7 189

PG 18 10 Signage Design Manual May 16, 2023

Detail 1 - Footing: Post & Panel Signs (Continued)

Style 5:

Flexible sign posts may be useful for signage located in front of a parking stall. There are occasions when a driver may accidentally hit / bump these types of signs with their vehicle. Having a flexible sign will prevent damage to the sign as well as reduce damage to the vehicle.

There are different methods for installing these types of signs. The method of installation may be dependent on the type of flexible sign utilized as well as the conditions of the pavement where the sign is to be installed. A flexible sign post vendor should be able to provide installation instructions.

Style 5: Flexible Sign Post

Flexible component at bottom of post allows sign to Sign returns to upright position after be pushed in a single direction if sufficient force is pushing force is removed.

applied.

Section 2.5.7 190

Detail 2 - Mounting: Non- Illuminated Letters

Metal letters that are installed on the exterior of the building should be done with spacers behind the letters. This will allow for rain to run down the building surface without creating streaking under the letters.

The size and length of the studs are to correlate to the size of the letter and the depth that is required for installation on a particular building surface.

Plaster and stucco building surfaces should have complete adhesive sealant application around the stud, where it penetrates the building, to prevent water intrusion into the building.

Letters that are installed on wall surfaces below 8 feet (2438 mm) should be installed flush to the wall with no spacers and additional adhesive applied to the back of the letters. This will increase the security of the letters against vandalism or theft.

Section 2.5.7 191

Detail 3 - Mounting: Non- Illuminated Fabricated Metal Letters Fabricated metal letters that are installed on the exterior of the building should be done with a slight space between the letter and the wall. This will allow for rain to run down the building surface without creating streaking under the letters.

Plaster and stucco building surfaces should have a complete adhesive sealant application around the mounting clip where its fastener penetrates the building.

This is to prevent water intrusion into the building.

Letters that are installed on wall surfaces below 8 feet (2438 mm) should be installed with tamperproof fasteners. This will increase the security of the letters against vandalism or theft.

Detail 4 - Mounting:

Illuminated Letters

Installation of these letters should be done only by a licensed electrical sign company.

Consult with a local electrical sign company regarding the wall surface, accessibility, and method of installation.

Section 2.5.7 192

Detail 5 - Wall Mounting:

Non-Illuminated Signs

Aluminum wall panel signs shall be fastened with a minimum of 2 mechanical fasteners.

Anchors should be provided in the wall that are suitable for the particular type of wall surface where the sign is being installed.

Section 2.5.7 193