School Signage Advice, Tips and Trends
By: Gardner Wright
"Deciding the signage for our school was sometimes a daunting undertaking and involved more time and effort than everyone on our school building committee realized," according to one school leader I know.
That said, here are some simple tips to follow for most of your school signage needs.
New Building Signage
If you are in the process of building a new school, your signage for the building should be carefully planned out. For most new buildings, your architect has already specified your signage layouts and needs in the building plans. The signage "specs" probably fit your building's architectural feel and also meet the ADA requirements for new buildings. Your general contractor may already have a signage company lined up for the making and installation of the buildings signs. It is also possible that the general contractor might only meet the minimum signage requirements to complete the building (per your city codes), which would be signs for restrooms, stairways, elevators, and electrical rooms. In this case, all of the other room signage would be left up to you to find a signage solution that meets your needs and works well with the building.
Remodeling a School Building
If you have hired an architect to handle the remodeling layout, it's highly likely that he or she has also put some thought into your signage needs as well. For many architects, signage in the building is somewhat like the icing on the cake. They know that signage in the building is a vital necessity for everyone involved in the daily activity of that school. The most common signage question asked in the remodeling of a school building is, "Do we need to have all the rooms ADA compatible?" The simple answer to that is, "Yes." State and federal guidelines are pretty explicit, but more importantly, it's the right thing to do.
ADA Guidelines
The United States government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1992, which set a series of guidelines for public and private businesses, schools, and government buildings to follow in order to make their facilities accessible to people with physical handicaps. Theses laws were a necessary move forward in the representation of the rights of individuals with special needs. Prior to the passing of the ADA , a business or school could have little or no access for those with disabilities, making it virtually impossible for such individuals to utilize the commercial space. This put those with disabilities at a terrible disadvantage.
As a concerned school administrator, you should pay attention to these guidelines. Most, if not all, signage professionals are fully aware of the ADA guidelines.
City Sign Ordinances
Check all city sign ordinances prior to making a final decision on your exterior signage. Never assume that what you want for your outdoor sign meets your city requirements. Exterior signage applies both to lettering on the building and to the size of your new school sign out in front of the building.
Taking a quick look on the city Web site or calling and asking for the exterior sign ordinance requirements will lay out all your signage options. You will probably also have to file a sign permit for your exterior sign. The fee for a permit is generally based on the square footage of the sign area; the bigger the sign, the bigger the fee. The permit will only be granted if your signage layout meets your city's guidelines. Never assume that getting a city permit is an easy process. You might be required to file your permit and appear before the city council for approval. This process could take as little time as a day or several months; it all depends on the city.
Keep It Simple
Keep your exterior signage simple and easy to read. In most cases, the signage for the outside of a school will be dictated by the amount of room the city will allow. The best type of signage, whether it's for the inside of your school or for the exterior of your building, should only be seen when you're looking for it. If your signage becomes so noticeable that it becomes a distraction to the area it is in, then someone failed in their signage duties.
For the outside of your building, city codes will pretty much control the overall size and look of your sign or letters, but still try to keep the colors neutral and complementary to your building.
Interior signage is where you can run into problems with overpowering a space. Your signage that goes on the walls for room identification or directions should complement the color of the wall and a possible trim color. Keep it simple and clean.
Sign Letter Types
1. Metal Sign Letters
There are a variety of metals available to choose from when looking at metal sign letters. Aluminum is by far the most common metal letter choice. You can paint it, polish it, brush it, apply a clear coat, and even dye the metal to look like other metals. Also, aluminum letters will not rust. Bronze and brass letters are very nice choices, as well, but they can get expensive in a hurry. Copper letters look great when they are first put up, but they will fade to a green color over time, and they cost quite a bit in today's metal markets. Steel letters are great for a rustic look on any building, but hence the word "rustic;" these letters will rust faster than you can put them up.
2. Cast Metal Sign Letters
These are a great option when considering metal letters. Why? Because cast metal letters are not solid; they have a hollow core. This is part of the process when they are made. They become a great value when you want a thick letter in depth and dimension, but can't afford a "solid" metal letter.
3. Flat Cut Acrylic Letters
Acrylic letters are by far the most common letter types used in schools. They are inexpensive, come in a variety of standard colors and thickness, and can be cut into almost any shape or size. You can also paint acrylic to match the look of metal letters, and it will cost considerably less than a metal letter.
4. Formed Plastic Letters
These letters follow the same principle as cast metal letters, meaning that they save you money when you are looking for a letter with some depth and dimension. They come in a variety of standard colors, and they can be painted to any color you can imagine. They also come in different face types (round, flat, or bevel), depending on the font you are choosing.
5. Foam Letters
These are great letters for strictly interior usage and for those wanting letters with some depth to them. The foam most commonly used is called "Gator Foam," and it is fairly rigid and holds paint well. Foam sign letters also come with metal laminates for the faces, which can give the illusion of a solid thick metal letter at a fraction of the price.
6. Channel Letters
These letters are most commonly used for exterior illumination purposes. You will see these letters on the sides of buildings in a variety of colors or sizes, illuminated using either neon or LEDs. They also come in "reverse channel" as well, meaning that they have a reverse illumination. These are becoming more common and requested because of their classy appearance.
Interior & Exterior Signage Wayfinding Systems
A very important rule of wayfinding sign systems is that more is not better. When planning a wayfinding program, use signs and display information only as necessary. This will minimize visual clutter and create a more effective wayfinding solution. Simply adding more signs will do nothing more than overwhelm and confuse the person trying to "find their way," and it will create a lasting negative impression of your school. There are many wayfinding systems available that can be customized to fit your budgetary needs.
Outdoor Changeable Copy and LED Signage
Changeable copy signs allow you to effectively communicate with students, parents, teachers and the community. These signs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, illuminated and non-illuminated. These signs can be mounted directly on the outside walls of your building, or they can be installed on your property. They are constructed of an aluminum frame, and most come with vandal-resistant changeable copy faces. The changeable copy ranges in sizes from three inches to six inches in height and two to six lines. It is very important to check with your city ordinances as to what size of sign you are allowed to put up on your building and/or if you can put a sign out by the street.
LED school message signage is the latest form of school signage for exterior use. Each year, the messaging technology that goes in LEDs is a little more advanced.
Selecting a Company
Most sign companies today have a Web site offering signage products or a portfolio of the work they are capable of doing. You will probably find some companies that specialize in certain products and not in others, and very few companies can do all of what is mentioned above. Become as educated and familiar about all of your different options that are available for your signage needs. Select a sign company that is knowledgeable about their products and their installation requirements, as well as one that is willing to answer your questions.
Installation of Letters and Signs
Your sign letter options can easily be installed and should not require a signage professional. You will need a level, maybe a drill, clear silicone, and double-sided tape. Your wayfinding sign systems should come directly from the plant or sign company - ready for installation, which, in most cases, requires a drill, a couple of screws, and some double-sided tape. Make sure you get templates or layout patterns for all of your signage installations. Your larger signs, such as the changeable copy signs or LED message signs, come pre-assembled and ready for mounting, and will in most cases require two people for installation. In some cases, you might need a hammer drill and some basic knowledge on how to pour a cement footing.
Ultimately, the two Golden Rules of signage are 1) More is not better and 2) Keep it simple.
Gardner Wright is president of www.lettersandsigns.com . He is a member of the United States Sign Council, a board member of the International Sign Association, and a past board member of the AIGA.
Sidebar
Electronic Message Centers Become Viable Communication Tool
By Troy Erickson
"Our new message center display in front of our school has been the best investment we've made in years. Our message management has never been easier, and we are dynamically communicating with our students, parents, and community."
It's a testimonial that can be yours when you install an electronic message center display to transform your vision into a tangible tool of success that so many schools are experiencing.
Understandably, Christian school budgets are being stretched more than ever before. The good news is that LED (light emitting diode) technology has brought electronic displays to a level of affordability and convenience that have never been seen before. With a message center, Christian schools can rethink their fundraising methods by allowing sponsors to display their message in rich, eye-catching images.
Besides the unlimited possibilities an electronic message center offers, the displays are energy efficient, and LEDs last up to 100,000 hours. They require minimal maintenance and are proven to be weather resistant.
Also, time is a premium in every school. Animation and information are edited, stored, sequenced, and transmitted from a single computer terminal in an office. Recent products have the ability to be controlled from a central location, and the convenient computer-based message control system saves valuable time throughout the day to allow your staff to focus on more pressing matters.
Your community deserves to know you exist. Being involved in the local community is an asset for any school. A message center is one of the most effective tools to communicate, not only to your own students and staff, but also to parents and those driving by your facility. Gain the respect and credibility of your community by letting them know what is happening day to day on your campus. Your students themselves deserve the recognition of their awards and timely announcements of upcoming events.
And, what is this convenience and advanced technology without dependability? Choose a provider with a proven track record of manufacturing the most dependable message centers in the industry. Quality-made displays last, but in the event that a display malfunctions, make certain your provider stands behind its product with local service to keep your message center always communicating.
Troy Erickson is responsible for the development of Daktronics Campus Communications products. Daktronics is one of the largest suppliers of computer-programmable displays, large screen video displays and control systems and electronic scoreboards.
Product Roundup
Great Lakes Specialty
Great Lakes Specialty is a leading manufacturer of premium furnishings. This custom signage lasts for decades and requires very little maintenance (no painting, ever!). Great Lakes Specialty has 10 standard color combinations and can make any size and any shape up to 48 inches by 96 inches. Great Lakes Specialty has complete flexibility on options. Custom messages or logos are easy to incorporate, as are additional colors with their special resin finishes. Great Lakes Specialty signs can be found on golf courses, recreation parks and city/state/federal properties.
www.greatlakesspecialty.com
American Contour Signs
American Contour Signs from American Time and Signal are a refreshing option to the traditional square or rectangle signs. American Contour Signs are a convenient way to comply with ADA requirements while adding a stylish new look to your facility. The entire Interior Signage product line has been updated with new colors, new product choices, and a simplified ordering process. Unique custom designer signs are also available.
www.atsclock.com
Bedford Technology LLC
Bedford Technology's custom signs are made from recycled high-density polyethylene plastic. The signs are weather resistant and require little to no maintenance. UV protection has been added to guard against color fading. Recycled plastic is environmentally friendly and will offer many years of service. Signposts also are available. Many of Bedford 's signs can be found in national parks and along state highways.
www.plasticboards.com
Gift Bricks
Gift Bricks offers engraved bricks, tiles and other media, including marble, granite, slate, glass, and bronze for donor recognition and fundraising. Gift Brick epoxy-filled or Laser-blasted engraving adds clarity to the lettering and protects the material from chipping, cracking or filling with debris. Gift Bricks engraving process allows the capability to engrave copy, artwork, logos and signatures. Gift Bricks offers marketing, sales and installation help. www.giftbricks.com
Stewart Signs
Since 1968, Stewart Signs has met the highest standards of quality and design. Stewart Signs consultants work with your school to create eye-catching graphics using your school's colors and mascot that project a positive, attractive image to students, parents and the community. Stewart School Signs is known for manufacturing to rigid specifications and maintaining consistent superior workmanship. They specialize in changeable copy and electronic message centers with graffiti-resistant finishes, vandal covers, and an unmatched lifetime warranty. www.stewartsigns.com
INNERFACE Architectural Signage
INNERFACE Architectural Signage continues to innovate using its Accent Sign System. It features an almost endless number of available colors, textures, and materials. Almost any look can be achieved using a combination of flat and/or dimensional accents. The Accent Series signs are easily maintained through the use of changeable inserts and can be made ADA compliant with the integration of raised characters and Braille.
www.innerfacesign.com
