Southern California Sign Blog

TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

Lead the way with Directional Traffic Signs! Prevent confusion by clearly marking Entrances and Exits to parking lots and facilities. Keep your traffic flowing effortlessly with a well marked lot.

A direction sign, more fully defined as a direction, position, or indication sign is any road sign used primarily to give information about the location of either the driver or possible destinations, and are considered a subset of the informative signs group. Direction signs are far more varied internationally than other classes of sign.

Direction signs are the oldest type of road sign. Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of roads to provide information to road users. With traffic volumes increasing over the last eight decades, many countries have adopted pictorial signs or otherwise simplified and standardized their signs to facilitate international travel where language differences would create barriers, and in general to help enhance traffic safety. Such pictorial signs use symbols (often silhouettes) in place of words and are usually based on international protocols. Such signs were first developed in Europe, and have been adopted by most countries to varying degrees.

The Sign Studio provides street and traffic signs to help keep your roads safe and traffic flowing at a good pace. Traffic signs are a good way to inform drivers of areas that are entrances or exits only, alert them to upcoming speed bumps or closed roads and many other traffic warnings. Made from durable and reflective material, The Sign Studio's traffic signs are the perfect solution to your traffic control needs.
Point people in the right direction with these long lasting and well made signs.

• One Way, Entrance and Delivery signs direct people and let them know where to go.
• Directional Traffic Signs keep your parking lot, mall or road organized.
• Post signs to prevent accidents.

List of most common Traffic Directional Signs

Buckle Up-Seat Belt Signs
Crossing Signs
STOP Signs
Exit Signs
Crosswalk Signs
Do Not Enter Signs
Evacuation Signs
Pedestrian Crossing Signs
Prohibitive Traffic Signs
Reserved Parking
Dead End
No Turn On Red
No Left Turn
No Right Turn
No Turn Around
Do Not Block Intersection
No Thru Traffic
Private Road No Thru Traffic
Not A Thru Street
One Way
Two Way Traffic Ahead
No An Exit
Exit Only Do Not Enter
Slower Traffic Keep Right
Arrow Signs
Wrong Way
Bump Sign
Dip Sign
Dead Zone
Employee Entrance Only
Fasten Seat Belt
No Dumping Under Penalty of Law

We also custom design and make any Traffic Directional Sign you may need, just give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail with you request at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Evacuation Maps & Plans
Building evacuation plans, fire evacuation maps and emergency exit signs are essential to meet fire and building code requirements. The Sign Studio provides custom building evacuation maps and specialty signs. Building evacuation maps are carefully designed to meet all client and fire code requirements. Our exit signs and exit path marking systems are manufactured custom to your liking. Our building evacuation plans, stairtreads and path marking systems provide clear direction to exits and offer vital egress information and indicate the location of fire and safety equipment available.

Fire Evacuation Plans and Evacuation Diagrams
Public and commercial buildings (with 10 or more employees) are required by law to have an emergency action plan. An emergency action plan (EAP) details the actions employees and building occupants must take in the event of a crisis. The fire plan is a component of the EAP which emphasizes in-house fire safety protocols and procedures. The fire evacuation plan must include a schematic of the facility that details egress routes to fire exits, safety equipment locations, post evacuation assembly areas and other pertinent information. As a public safety measure, the authority having jurisdiction (Fire Marshal) requires that evacuation plans be posted for the building occupant.

What Are the Codes and Standards?
Much has been written into fire codes and occupational safety regulations about the necessity of posting fire evacuation diagrams. They are required by law in most facilities. Yet visit any number of buildings with posted fire evacuation signs and you will find as many different sign designs as there are buildings. With the absence of a nationally recognized standard to guide facility managers and sign designers with evacuation map development, we have to ask ourselves whether all building evacuation signs are equally effective? Can diagram size, color, floor plan orientation, text or icon styles affect viewer response during an emergency.

Our expert designers at The Sign Studio will design and prepare your layouts and work closely with you to create effective and proper Evacuation Maps and Signs for your needs. For more information or if you have any questions, please call us (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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Banners
Instructions for Banner Installation and Maintenance

Nothing can add more impact to a promotion than an attractive banner and nothing can be less effective than a poorly displayed one. All of THE SIGN STUDIO banners are made with a durable nylon-reinforced vinyl that should last a long time when properly installed. To prevent tearing and ensure long life, follow the guidelines below.

INSTALLATION
Banners are generally installed using one of three methods: stringing between two poles, directly mounting to a flat surface, or a combination of both.

STRINGING BETWEEN TWO POLES
When installing a banner between two poles, the main objective is to prevent an undue amount of stress on any one grommet hole. The best way to accomplish this is to hang the banner using bungee cords. Bungee cords will stretch with the banner allowing the wind to pass around the sides of the banner. Bungee cords also make the installation of your banner easier.
If you must use rope to hang your banner, follow these rules.

1. Determine how much rope is needed to tie off the banner. Be sure to give yourself a little extra length. If necessary, it can be trimmed later.

2. Weave the rope through the grommet holes from left to right (see diagram on reverse side). Do this for both the top and bottom of the banner.

3. Tie the top corners straight out and tight from the sides. Be sure the banner is centered and level before tying off the right side.

4. Tie the bottom corners at about a 15 degree angle down from the bottom edge of the banner leaving a slight amount of play in the rope. This will allow the air to escape out of the bottom of the banner.

NOTE: If the banner will be hung where it will be exposed to high winds (i.e. between two street poles), wind slits must be cut into the banner to allow air to pass through the banner. THE SIGN STUDIO can cut these wind slits for you when they are making the banner, or you can cut them yourself. A typical wind slit is a "smiley face" half circle, about 2" to 3" in diameter. They should be spaced about 12" to 18" apart. See the diagram on the reverse side for an example. Be sure not to cut slits through your graphics.

WALL INSTALLATION ("SCREW AND WASHER" METHOD)
If the banner is to be installed directly onto a wall, install it by driving screws through the grommet holes and into the wall.

1. Determine where you want the banner to be positioned.

2. Secure the top-left corner of the banner first.

3. Continue securing the banner across the top at each grommet hole, from left to right, making sure the banner is level.

4. Secure the bottom grommets from left to right.

CAUTION: When installing a banner directly onto a building, be careful because screws will leave permanent holes in the wall. Some surfaces may also require special fasteners to prevent the screws from pulling out. Before drilling, be sure to obtain landlord or property owner approval. If you have any doubts about installing a banner directly to a wall, refer the installation to a professional installer.

CITY ORDINANCES AND LANDLORD RESTRICTIONS
Before installing a banner, investigate local sign ordinances, and ask your landlord if any restrictions apply to displaying banners. If necessary, apply for permits at the city code enforcement department.

STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE
Banners should always be stored rolled up, with the lettering and graphics to the outside. A banner should never be folded, as doing so may cause vinyl graphics to pull away from the banner. If your banner becomes dirty, it can be cleaned with a soap and water mixture. Do not use any cleaning product that contains ammonia.

EXPECTATIONS: "It has been said that an outdoor banner is a sail without a ship. Be realistic in your expectations. While a banner is an excellent promotional sign, it is not a substitute for a permanent sign."

If you have any questions, feel free to call us AT (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at info@signstudiola.com

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REAL ESTATE SIGNAGE - Open House

Real estate signs are an integral component of the Realtors business arsenal. They allow the agent to effectively market a property, and they serve as an important directional aide when conducting an open house. With the advent of technology, real estate signs now function in conjunction with many other marketing tools available to the Realtor. However, they retain their status as one of the most important methods of marketing a home.

Unfortunately, real estate signs can become the source of controversy in a community. If residents perceive a preponderance of real estate signs, they will put pressure on local government officials to restrict the display of the signs. Fortunately, state laws exist to protect the rights of real estate practitioners and home owners to market properties via real estate signs. The laws balance these rights with the community’s need to control visual clutter and safety.

CITY OF BURBANK: OPEN HOUSE SIGN GUIDELINES

You must follow the directions contained herein and use common sense.
Signs will be picked up and destroyed if not in compliance:

1. Size - Total Face area no more than 24 (inches) x 24 (inches).
2. Height - Vertical distance from ground to highest point not to exceed 3 ft.
3. Can only advertise a residence in the City of Burbank.
4. No more than 4 signs per property on public rights-of-way
5. Must be on stake or A-Frame support.
6. Signs must be in good condition and of professional signage material.
7. No balloons or flags can be affixed to the sign, nor any other object that would call attention to it.
8. Time - Signs shall only be displayed during the “open house”. Saturdays and Sundays (or federal or state holidays) not earlier than 8am and must be removed no later than dusk or 6pm, whichever is earlier. Thursdays, signs may be displayed no earlier than 8am and removed no later than 2pm.
9. Must have a valid PERMIT as evidenced by valid DECALS on each side of the sign. These permits must be renewed annually.
10. Identification required. Must have your name, address and telephone number affixed to the sign in an area not to exceed 2”x3” (Business card taped to the sign would be ideal).

It is recommended that you read the entire ordinance for other provisions not set forth on this sheet. Avoid placing signs on the new Chandler Bike path -- it is considered a median. For a full copy of the sign ordinance please contact the Burbank Association of REALTORS at 818/845-7643.

Download your Public Works Department Application/Permit - Temporary Residential Real Estate Open House Signs http://www.burbankrealtors.org/pdfs/openhousesignage.pdf

If you have any further questions or need a professional sign made, please give us a call at THE SIGN STUDIO (818) 843-9200 or e-mail us at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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DIMENSIONAL LETTERS FOR YOU -

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Following are the 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations for construction and electrical sign contractors:

1. Scaffolding - Regulations require that "scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be
constructed and loaded in accordance with that design."

2. Hazard Communication - Employers are required to provide employees with training and information
on hazardous chemicals in their work areas at the time of initial assignment or whenever the hazard is
introduced.

3. Fall Protection Training - Employers are required to provide a training program for each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards.

4. Respiratory Protection - Employers are required to develop and implement a written respiratory
protection program with required worksite-specific procedures and elements for required respirator use.

5. Lockout/Tagout - Employers are required to establish a program and utilize procedures for affixing
appropriate lockout devices or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, and to otherwise disable
machines or equipment to prevent unexpected energizing, start up or release of stored energy in order to
prevent injury to employees.

6. Powered Industrial Trucks - Employers are required to ensure that each powered industrial truck
operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful
completion of training.

7. Electrical: Wiring and Design Protection - Employers are required to use either ground fault circuit
interrupter equipment or an assured equipment grounding conductor program.

8. Machine Guarding - One or more methods of machine guarding are required in order to protect the
operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of
operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

9. Ladders - The law requires that ladders be inspected by a "competent" person for visible defects on a
periodic basis and after any occurrence that could affect their safe use. Portable ladders with structural
defects such as broken or missing rungs, cleats, or steps, broken or split rails, corroded components, or
other faulty or defective components, shall either be immediately marked in a manner that IDs them as
defective, or be tagged with "Do Not Use" or similar language, and shall be withdrawn from service until
repaired.10. Electrical Wiring Methods, Components and Equipment - Regulations require that "for temporary wiring over 600v, nominal fencing barriers or their effective means shall be provided to prevent access of other than authorized or qualified personnel. Electrical feeds shall originate in a distribution center. Branch circuits shall originate in a panel board or power outlet. Receptacles shall be of the grounded type and flexible cords shall be protected."

The Sign Studio is proud to say that we have never been cited for any OSHA Violations. If you have any questions or need any safety signage, please feel free to call us at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net -
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The Sign Studio - Electrical Sign Contractors -

LET US DESIGN/FABRICATE AND INSTALL YOUR SIGN WHILE YOU BUILD YOUR BUSINESS!!

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Sign Buyer's Checklist

Here's a quick questionnaire to help identify your signage needs and guide your SIGN STUDIO consultant in making good recommendations for your project.

Use of your sign:
Are you directing, informing, or selling?

Image you want to project:
Professional? Sophisticated? Youthful? Fun? How should it coordinate with your other graphics and advertising?

Your target customers:
Whose attention do you want to attract?

Viewing distance and time:
How far will readers be from the sign? How long will they have to read it?

Mounting your sign:
Where will the sign be displayed? How will it be attached? Will you need the approval of a landlord or local sign code authority?

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

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What is an LED?

An LED (Light Emitting Diode) is an electronic semi-conductor that when turned on, converts electric energy into light.

One way LEDs differ from incandescent light bulbs is LEDs have no filament to burn out meaning LEDs can last for 100,000 hours or more. They are also far more efficient, producing substantially more light per watt than incandescent bulbs. Other advantages of LEDs are:

-Color: LEDs use no color filters like traditional lighting, thereby keeping costs down

-Shock resistant: LEDs are a solid state component making them difficult to damage

- On/Off time: LEDs produce light very quickly. Typically LEDs achieve full brightness in a less

than a microsecond giving them an incredible response time

-Cool light: An LED will radiate almost no heat that can damage adjacent materials. Excess energy is dissipated as heat through the base of the LED

- Size: LEDs are small in size, allowing them to be easily populated into face panels (in our industry)

- Cycling: LEDs are perfect for frequent on-off cycling, which cause traditional lighting to fail

- Low toxicity: An LED contains no mercury, thereby making them safe for the environment

In The Sign industry, one or more LEDs will make up a pixel. Typically, LEDs are red or amber for monochrome units and a combination red, green and blue for color displays.

It is also important to keep in mind differences in quality when it comes to LEDs. There are literally hundreds of LED manufacturers making a wide range of diodes, some are first-rate, others are poorly manufactured which usually result in diodes lasting only 25,000 to 50,000 hours.

In order to build a top of the line product, you need to start with top of the line components.

Make sure your display manufacturer is providing only superior LEDs. If you have any further questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to call us at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net

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Your trade show display booth is the canvas for your marketing message. Get noticed with a custom trade show display from The Sign Studio.

A Few Seconds. That's all the time you have to attract potential customers to your trade show booth. Get noticed with portable tabletop displays, pop-up displays, retractable banners, motion displays and even ceiling and floor graphics. The Sign Studio's state-of-the-art digital printing capabilities can help you create a custom display that will grab attention and draw potential customers into your booth.
Portable Trade Show Displays, Pop Up Display

The Sign Studio offers what is considered to be the strongest portable display system in the industry as well as the easiest to setup and break down. Multiple configurations and unique modular design allows you to modify the size and shape of your portable display booth as your needs grow. The versatility and customization make The Sign Studio pop-up displays the perfect solution for your exhibit presentations all in lightweight and compact design.

Retractable Banner Stands
Retractable Banner Stands are the most popular banner stand in today's market and can be seen throughout most all Trade Shows. Retractable Banner Stands store the banner safely inside the base where it's protected during travel or in storage. Once on location, simply unroll the banner from the body of the unit to present an instant display that can be continually re-used.

Tabletop Display Booth
Looking for a simple way to showcase your services or products? Not interested in transporting everything but the kitchen sink to each show. Then the solution is simple; a compact and lightweight, inexpensive tabletop trade show booth from The Sign Studio! The ease of set up and break down makes our tabletop displays a cinch to handle.

If you have any further questions or need more information, please call us at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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The Many Benefits of L.E.D. Illuminated Signs

WHAT IS LED LIGHTING?
LED stands for light emitting diode and the technology has been around since the 1960s. Its greatest benefit is that it uses only 12 volts. Neon uses up to 9,000 to 15,000 volts. LED has comparable brightness to neon and is rated to last up to 100,000 hours when properly installed.

SAFETY
Because LED is a low voltage system, fire hazards are greatly reduced over neon lighting.

ENERGY SAVINGS
LED lighting can save up to 80% power over comparable sized traditional neon-lighted signs. Return on investment can be made within three years via power costs savings.

WALL PENETRATION AND HARDWARE COMPARISONS
LED lighting and components require only one 3/8" wall penetration per channel letter. Compare this to neon which requires two 1" wall penetrations per channel letter. This means less wall destruction and excess conduit and GTO wiring. A LED lighting installation is clean and simple.

WHY AREN'T MORE SIGN COMPANIES USING LED?
Only recently has the technology advanced to the point where LED lighting is almost comparable in pricing to neon. Although it is still more costly to install LED, The Sign Studio DOES NOT pass this additional cost on to our customers. Our bids are competitive with other sign company neon lighting estimates.

Also, embracing change isn't easy. Neon has been a faithful lighting option for the sign industry for over a hundred years. There's no doubt that the change over to LED for sign lighting will eventually happen, however, The Sign Studio is on the leading edge of this exciting technology right now.

Installation Examples of LED vs. NEON:

L.E.D. CHANNEL LETTERS

NEON CHANNEL LETTERS

If you have any questions or would like further information, please give us a call at (818) 843-9200 or send us an e-mail at thesignstudio@sbcglobal.net.

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