Southern California Sign Blog

Are You Confused about ADA Signs, ADA Tactile and Braille Materials?

The ADA Tactile & Braille Signage Code is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability. The lack of accessibility or certain services can be considered discrimination, regardless of who it actually affects. This creates a need for ADA compliant signs. No individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, or accommodations. When the law was first put into effect, there was a problem with ADA signs not being esthetically pleasing. Now that it's been in existence for some time, the question of esthetics has been resolved and the industry faces new problems with ADA signs. We continually add articles to this section, so be sure to check back often.

ADA Guidelines
Letters can't be smaller than 5/8-inch or larger than 2 inches. All letters must be a minimum 3/32 inches thick for tactility. And, generally, you cannot use elaborate or decorative fonts. San Serif fonts, like Helvetica, are the staple of most ADA signs. It may sound restrictive, and it is at some level, but the goal is not to stifle creativity. The goal is to serve an intended audience.

While ADA guidelines define font size, contrast and other criteria, the law does not define specific design criteria as it relates to aesthetics. Letter height, Braille placement, font, and color contrast make only minimal impacts on the visual appearance. There are ways to make ADA signage more attractive while still adhering to the guidelines.

ADA Materials
ADA-compliant materials are one way to make the difference between a ho-hum sign and an attractive presentation. Sign frames with the ability to change printed inserts are another. Finally, understanding what the guidelines really say about color contrast and icons could give you more freedom than you thought. Signs can be designed and made from an amazing variety of materials ranging from basic plastics to very elaborate designs of natural stone, woods, or metals.

For further information or questions, please call The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Brushed Aluminum Letters vs. Other Metal Letters for your Signage

SOLID METAL LETTERS - How beautiful and elegant they really are!

STAINLESS STEEL LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face or Polished – you just can’t go wrong with the look, absolutely gorgeous! Available sizes from 1” - 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from solid 304 Alloy.

ALUMINUM LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face or Polished – Great pricing! Great look for economical prices. Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 5052 Alloy.

BRASS LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face, Oxidized or Polished – Very Classy look! Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 260 Alloy.

COPPER LETTERS

- Satin Grained Face, Mirror Polished, Verde Patina – Breathtaking! Available sizes from 1” – 48” with thicknesses that range from 1/8” – ½” / Waterjet Flat Cut from Solid 110 Alloy.

For further information or if you need a quote, please contact us at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail with your request thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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Channel Letters - Standard, Open Face, Reverse Halo & Front/Back Lit

What style channel letter are you looking for? Here are some examples of the most common channel letters for your information.  Please give us a call if you have any questions or if you are stilll confused as to what channel letter is best for you?

STANDARD:
Aluminum Backs with Acrylic Faces and Trimcap.  You can choose from LED or Neon Illumination. Note: Make sure your channel letter is UL Listed.

OPEN FACE:
Painted any colo with Aluminum Backs; Choice of acrylic clear faces; Neon  Illumination. Note: Make sure your channel letter is UL Listed.

REVERSE HALO:
Painted any color you want, Aluminum Backs, Structural Polycarbonate Backs, Aluminum Faces; Neon or LED Illumination. Note: Make sure your channel letter is UL Listed.

FRONT/BACK-LIT:
Prefinished Aluminum Returns; High Reflective White Interior; Structural Polycarbonate Backs; Acrylic Faces and Trimcap; Choice of LED or Neon Illumination. Note:  Make sure your channel letter is UL Listed.

If you have any questions or need further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.  Vist our website at www.thesignstudioonline.com

SEE - EXAMPLE GUIDE TO WHAT CHANNEL LETTER IS BEST FOR YOU?

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Channel Letter Signs - Neon or LED Lighting?  What do you think?

Here are a few helpful items. Some of LED illumination's potential advantages over neon are:
• LED is less fragile. Neon tubes are much more susceptible to breakage both in transit and during installation.
• LED can mean a lower utility bill for you. LED is a more efficient light source, and the electrical transformer is smaller.
• LED is a more focused light source. An LED module produces a "cone" of light, where neon illumination is emitted from all sides of the neon tube (this can also be a disadvantage for LED, as noted below.)
• Installation of an LED channel letter signs can be easier, as it does not always require conduit on the secondary side.
• LED is a more environmentally friendly product. Neon tubes often contain mercury.
• LED is safer to install, service and maintain. LED is typically powered by 12 volts DC, where neon is powered by 4,000 - 15,000 volts AC. The high voltages required by neon present a significantly higher electrical hazard potential.
However, with all of these differences, neon still has its place. Here is where neon illumination can be better:
• Neon illumination has a certain warm glow that many think LED has yet to match. This is particularly true for reverse and front/back lit channel letter signs. Neon's 360 degree illumination is very easy on the eyes when used with front/back lit letters. LED's focused "light cone" is not as good with these letter types.
• Some custom colors can be better matched with neon. If your client is concerned about a specific color match (such as a logo color), neon may be a better choice.
• Open face channel letter signs still require neon - LED is not yet a viable option.
So, the short answer to "which illumination source is better?" is that it all depends on the project at hand. LED and neon are completely different illumination sources, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

If you have any questions or for further information, please contact The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or info@signstudiola.com.

How Important Stop Signs, Speed Limit Signs and Handicap Signs Are

PARKING AND TRAFFIC SIGNS - For Safety and Direction........a must have!

Traffic signs provide proper safety messaging and direction throughout your roadways and parking lots. Parking Signs maintain an organized and regulated parking lot. Parking Signs make it easy to provide specific directions and eliminate confusion. Traffic signs and Parking signs improve safety, prevent accidents and post your policies. Depending on what your needs are, you may want to consider reflective, high-intensity or engineer-grade made out of aluminum, steel or polyethylene.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TRAFFIC SIGN LAST LONGER -

All traffic and parking signs from all manufacturers are basically made from the same materials - steel, aluminum or plastic. These materials are susceptible to:

- Fading from sun damage
- Rust from rain and mist
- Cracking from the cold winds
- Graffiti from vandals

This can be prevented with a special, unique topcoat called Duroshield. Duroshield is a tedlar laminate on top of the vinyl sign face which is adhered to the sign's raw material. This special laminate is so tough that it is able to stand up to the harshest weather conditions and chemicals. The topcoat is graffiti-resistant blocking solvents and chemicals, allowing graffiti to clean right off and never damage the sign face.

For more information or questions, please e-mail thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net or give us a call at (818) 843-9200.

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SIGN LETTER & COLOR VISIBILITY INFORMATION FOR ALL YOUR SIGNAGE DECISIONS

If you are looking for signage or even thinking of adding or replacing new or old signage, prepare a checklist after reviewing our "Letter Visibility Chart?"

Have you ever wondered what the readable distance for maximum impact is? Make sure you review the "Length of Time Letters are Readable when Moving."  Have you ever wondered what the maximum readable distance is? Is the maximum impact of reading time important to you (length of time letters are readable when moving?) Have you looked over or discussed color combinations that have proven the most effective and the easiest to read?  If you haven't, it is important that you do your research first before you make any decisions. 

Remember, a good color selection can dramatically increase readability, especially when at a distance. Some color combinations provide better contrast than others.  If you review the Letter Visibility Chart you will see some of the combinations and how much of a difference the combinations make. 

Before you make any decisions, please review our "Letter Visibility Chart."

If you are confused or have any questions, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at info@signstudiola.com.

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Sign Permits, Engineering and Elevation Plans.......

Engineering

Our team of engineers will ensure that the best structural design is implemented. This includes design and specification for all sign components, including face decoration, lighting, structure, metal fabrication and painting. We will offer help with manufacturing suggestions, valued engineering and installation methods. We will find a solution for any technical issue.

Permits

Our company is aware of local municipal codes and city ordinances and will not fabricate or install any project until all the necessary permits have been issued. The Sign Studio Inc. will prepare and manage all paperwork involved in the permitting process. All costs associated with the permits (i.e. man-hours, city fees, etc.) will be added in the estimate upon request.

Survey

After a thorough examination of the property and surroundings we can determine where signs are needed at the site for identification and directional purposes. We will take accurate measurements, photos, determine if there is electrical access and local code information. Our goal is to find the most visibility & access of your sign to increase the volume of traffic that passes your location every 24 hours.

Design

At The Sign Studio Inc. we understand that a creative and marketable sign is necessary to attract the targeted audience. Our company's award winning design team incorporates all logos and related material into the sign it builds for the prospective client. They work close together with our engineers and production managers to assure a satisfactory and effective sign design.

If you have any questions, please call The Sign Studio at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BONDED, LICENSED AND INSURED:

Whenever a company offers its services, it's generally quick to note that it's bonded, licensed, and insured (when it applies and if they are) but are you certain what that actually means? You should only hire someone if they're bonded, licensed (if applicable) and insured. Often times someone who isn't will be cheaper, but you will have to accept all of the responsibility if something bad happens and, as Murphy's Law clearly states - if something bad can happen, it will.

BONDED

Being bonded means that a bonding company has secured money that is available to the consumer in the event they file a claim against the company. The secured money is in the control of the state, a bond, and not under the control of the company. Let's say that you hire a sign company to install some signs and they never show up and you can't get a hold of them and they have the signs or you have hired them to do some other work and they don't finish it? Well, you would file a claim against the company and, after an investigation, would be paid out by this bond. A company that is bonded means that a bonding company has funds.

LICENSED

For certain professions, a license is necessary to show that you're competent and permitted to conduct business in the city, municipality, or state in which the license was issued. For example, home improvement contractors will have to be licensed to perform certain types of work and that license number will be printed on every advertisement they print. You can take that license number and look up their performance at the Contractors State Board.

INSURED

This is probably the most commonly understood of the three (second to being licensed) and this refers to what happens if someone gets hurt on the job. Let's say a company is installing your sign and an employee falls and hurts him or herself. If the company isn't insured, then the claim gets filed against your insurance (bad). If the company is insured, then the claim gets filed against their own insurance.
In summary, it's important that anyone you work with is licensed, bonded, and insured. There's no reason why you should have to work with someone who isn't all three, unless being licensed doesn't apply. Once you know that they are, research and confirm that they are being truthful and are actually bonded.

The Sign Studio is a fully insured, bonded and licensed Sign Electrical Contractor Company in the State of California with a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy of $2,000,000 by The Hartford. Specific numbers and policy photocopies are available upon request. We are proud to have a 0 occurrence rating for any Workers' Comp. claim.

The Sign Studio not only has their Contractor's License but they also have their C-45 Electrical Sign License along with being fully bonded and insured. If you have any questions or need a licensed contractor to do your installations, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Do you need a Contractor's License to Install Signage?

Absolutely.

It is unlawful in the State of California to install any sign without a Contractor's License. The Sign Studio not only has their Contractor's License but they also have their C-45 Electrical Sign License. For everyone out there who does not have a contractor's license or hires someone without one, the Contractor's State License Board has been setting up sting operations to catch unlicensed operators. Consumers need to check for phony contractors or they can be held responsible for any injuries or damages.

All License numbers can be checked on-line at www.cslb.ca.gov . Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance should also be provided. Check carefully that a phony contractor is not using someone else's license and insurance. In reality, you likely won't pay any more by hiring a licensed contractor who provides the added assurance that you'll be protected from liability if a worker is hurt or anything goes awry during the project.

California State License Board provides many helpful consumer publications that can be downloaded or ordered from: www.CheckTheLicenseFirst.com, www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

CSLB urges consumers to remember the following tips when hiring a contractor:

• Be especially hesitant when approached by someone offering services door-to-door.
• Verify the contractor's license by checking online or via CSLB's automated phone system, and ask to see a photo

ID to make sure you're dealing with the correct person.

• Don't pay more than 50% down. Don't pay in cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.
• Check references, and get a written contract before your project begins.

The Sign Studio not only has their Contractor's License but they also have their C-45 Electrical Sign License. If you have any questions or need a licensed contractor to do your installations, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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 Do you have any questions about ADA and Title 24 Restroom Signs?

The Sign Studio is your information resource for ADA and Title 24 restroom signs. We realize regulations are difficult to understand and follow, that's why we do the work for you! If you have questions, we have the answers. We will provide you with high quality, custom-designed signs for use indoors or outdoors resolving your questions and concerns about compliance with ISA standards and ADA/Title 24 regulations.

The following information may answer one or more of your questions:
1. We offer raised and braille characters and pictograms.
2. We manufacture our compliant signs in eggshell, matte or other non-glare finishes.
3. We adhere to all mounting location and height requirements.
4. We follow the current International Symbols of Accessibility (ISA) guidelines.
5. We offer unique illuminated signs or convenient non-illuminated.

You can trust The Sign Studio to answer your ADA/Title 24 restroom sign questions and provide professional service, manufacturing and installation. We exist to help facilities and businesses requiring assistance with sign design and placement. We can research your questions and concerns. We are confident we can meet and surpass your expectations with our friendly customer service and knowledgeable team. Request a quote today at http://www.thesignstudioonline.com/quote/.

If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, please give us a call at The Sign Studio (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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