In our guide to Custom Sign Installation, you will learn more about different types of commercial signs and their installation process.
Learn more about:
Storefront Signs > Large and heavy signs that require specialized equipment
Illuminated Signs > Complex signage with electrical components
Channel Letters > Small to large sized individual letters, often installed with other pieces
Monument & Pylon Signs > Large and heavy signs installed away from buildings
Interior Signs > Small to large sized signage, often lightweight, sometimes illuminated
Vehicle Graphics > Vehicle wraps and graphics that require precise installation
Continue reading to take a closer look at the creation and installation processes for different types of custom signage. Let's get started!
Custom Signage Installation Guide
Storefront Signs
Storefront signs are usually very large and heavy. Due to this, they require special skills and expertise to install them safely.
You need the right equipment to lift heavy signs safely
Storefront signs are installed directly on the building, usually quite high up. If they are not installed properly, they pose a possible danger to pedestrians as well as the installers!
Installing storefront signs requires:
The Right Equipment:
Custom commercial signage installation on the front of your building requires special equipment that can reach high enough and easily get into difficult spaces.
It also needs to be strong enough to lift your sign in place and be equipped with the right safety features to secure your installers as well.
Using the right equipment will ensure that you keep your sign installation cost down because it will be done right the first time and you won’t need to pay for frequent fixes or corrections!
The Proper Tools:
Your storefront sign is heavy and is probably being attached to your building at great heights.
This means that your commercial signage installers need the proper tools to ensure your sign is secure and won't fall down.
Different facades and different types of commercial signage may require different fastenings, so your installation company needs to have the right materials to do the job properly.
It takes skill to install a sign safely and securely
Trained Technicians:
Not only do you need the right equipment and the proper tools, but you also need trained technicians who know what they are doing and are experienced in custom sign installation.
This isn't an easy skill, and it's not for amateurs. You want your sign to be affixed properly and securely so that it can look its best and it will stay put for a long time!
A Knowledge of Local Bylaws:
Storefront signage also has to follow local bylaws. Some municipalities will place restrictions on the size of sign you can put up, how it can be placed, etc.
Make sure that you work with a custom sign installation company that is familiar with your local bylaws and will make sure that your signage adheres to the rules.
Illuminated Signs
Depending on the type of look you want for your sign and the amount of energy you want it to use, you need to choose a custom sign installation company that is familiar with the different types of illuminated signage.
Installing illuminated signs requires:
Experience with Different Types of Illuminated Signage:
Neon, fluorescent, and LED signs will have different requirements and your installer must have experience working with them.
Electrical Experience:
Your commercial sign installers should have experience working with electricity. They may need to know how to provide your sign with a separate light source if it’s required to keep it illuminated or connect it to an existing light source so that it has a constant source of power.
Working with illuminated signage requires electrical experience
Creatively Hiding Cords:
If your signage needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet, you don't want your cord to be visible. An experienced custom sign installation team will know how to creatively hide any electrical cables so that your sign will look professional.
Channel letters can be installed both inside and outside of buildings
Channel letters can give your building or office a very modern and professional look as long as they are installed correctly.
When it comes to channel letters, there are so many options available - from large and bold lettering to elegant and classic fonts.
When installing channel letters, each individual letter needs to be:
Properly Spaced:
Because channel letters are separate, you need the right amount of space between them. It's not a simple matter of just having the same amount of space between each letter, this process is much more in-depth than you think.
There is a bit of a science to getting the right spacing, and a professional custom sign installation company will know how to do this properly.
The following video will give you a taste of the complexity of spacing letters.
Spacing your letters may be more difficult than you think!
Properly Aligned:
Your channel letters will also need to be aligned properly.
Do you want them on a straight line or an arc?
Where will they be placed in conjunction with an image or symbol for your company?
Where should they be placed in relation to other architectural features such as windows?
All of these questions are important to consider when thinking about your channel letter installation.
When installing monument or pylon signs, you need to take into account:
The Height of Your Sign:
Depending on local bylaws, you may need to make sure that your signage doesn't exceed a certain height or size. On the other hand, you also want your sign to be installed high enough so that it can be seen.
Monument Sign
Pylon Sign
The Location of Your Sign:
Again, your sign needs to be installed according to the regulations of local bylaws. For example, the law might state how far away the sign needs to be from the road. You also want to make sure that it is being installed on property where you have permission to install it.
The Angle of Your Sign:
Professional commercial sign installers will also understand the best angle for your sign so that it can be seen by as many people as possible.
Interior Signs:
There are many different types of interior signage, each with its own installation challenges.
For instance, reception signs, wall decals, communication boards, menu boards, and wayfinding signs all must be installed straight and at an angle where your customers are able to see and read them properly.
Interior signs need to be installed properly to look professional
When it comes to sign installation costs, interior signs are often less expensive as they are typically smaller, less complex, lighter weight, and require less specialized equipment.
However, even signs that seem simple must be properly installed by experienced professionals if you want them to look professional - and if you want them to last!
It’s also important to always get a quote from your commercial sign installation company. This is to ensure you know what to expect and how much you should budget for the type of sign you plan to install.
Vehicle Graphics:
Vehicles vary in size and shape so you need to have your graphics made to the right size and proportion of your vehicle, but that is only half of the process.
Properly installed vehicle graphics can act as a great advertisement!
Once your vehicle graphic is made, it needs to be installed evenly and in the right spot or it won't look professional.
When it comes to sign installation costs, vehicle graphics are often a very affordable option for businesses that frequently use company vehicles.
Not only that, but vehicle graphics are a great way to continually advertise your business, services, and even products everywhere you drive.
Cornwall Sign Project: A Look At custom Sign Installation By AGC
AGC Signs recently had the privilege of completing a special sign project for the city of Cornwall. You can read in detail about the entire process, from design to installation here, or keep reading below to see the highlights!
A signage project by AGC!
This project really shows how important elements such as letter sizing, colour, and sign background are!
We used 1” thickness for the letters and images for this project. You can see how the channel letters ‘pop’ off the monument sign to grab attention and really stand out.
Trust AGC for Top Quality Custom Sign Installation
You can trust AGC for the best commercial sign installation possible. We will be with you during every step in the signage process including installation.
We'll help you design the perfect sign, taking your input into consideration so that you get the signage you want.
When designing your sign, our expert design team of commercial sign installers will take into consideration:
Local by-law regulations
Architectural features of your building
Size and style of your building
The surrounding landscape and environmental features
We'll make sure that the final product shows off your brand in the most effective way.
why choose agc signs
At AGC Signs, we will manufacture your sign with the best materials and the highest skill level to make sure that you receive a superior sign that exceeds industry standards.
Because we will be involved with you from the beginning, when it comes time to install your sign, we will know it inside out and will be fully prepared for the perfect custom sign installation.
We have state-of-the-art installation tools and equipment and our installers are highly trained and experienced to make sure that your signage is installed securely and on time.
Contact AGC Signs today to get your next signage project started.
