Many
cities, like Fort Worth now require that free-standing signs be covered in
masonry materials.
This can be
accomplished with actual brick and mortar, faux stone panels installed over a
metal framework, and with EIFS (signs built of foam and covered with fabric and
stucco.)
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Stone Mason Foundations and Brickwork
We
often work with our customer's masons to install signs on brick or masonry
columns. Often we install the sign and the mason places his stonework
around the sign.
However, we employ
our own masons to totally construct turn-key signage. This is usually much
more convenient for our customers because we are totally responsible for
engineering, permitting, manufacturing and installing the signage. We
procure the stone. We form the foundation.
Have you ever noticed
all the unleveled signs, and signs with cracks or stones falling off? We
recognize that the foundation of a good sign is a good foundation. We
routinely form our masonry foundation three-times thicker than most, and
incorporate pier-holes at each corner. With signs, image is everything.
Maybe the most
important aspect of a sign built with actual brick and mortar is that it is
easily repairable. Things seem to happen to commercial signs in parking
lots.
Maybe the most
important positive realization of a customer that has had us totally construct
their sign is that we know what we are doing and the sign can later be serviced.
Unlike many, we do not close-off the ability to later service the sign when we
install the brick-work!
Sometimes, though, it is too costly, impossible, or dangerous to cover a sign
cabinet with masonry. Particularly if it is tall.
Even most buildings
are finished with faux stone above the first floor.
We have the ability to manufacture the sign with a stucco, brick, stone, or
aggregate exterior faux finish that will fool a mason.
It is strong, durable, weatherproof, and meets fire code.
It is installed over
a metal frame, engineered to withstand a 100 mph wind.
It, too, is
repairable. However, repairs are more involved and usually more expensive.
Mowing pads must be significant because
weed-eaters and lawn-mowers can damage faux panels.
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Brick Panels
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Red Brick
Gray Grout |
Tan Brick
Tan Grout |
Dark Red Brick
Dark Grout
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Old World Brick
Gray Grout
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Stone Panels
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Stone
Gray
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Concrete |
Granite Block
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Granite Block
Light Gray
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Granite Block
Tan |
Granite Block
Light Tan |
Garden Stone |
Block Coral
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Hand Cut Block Gray |
Hand Cut Block
Light Gray |
Hand Cut Block
Tan |
Hand Cut Block
Light Tan |
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Large River Stone Gray |
Large River Stone
Natural |
Large River Stone
Tan |
Small River
Stone |
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Natural Rock Brown |
Natural Rock
Gray
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Slate
Ivory |
Slate
Natural |
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Stacked Stone Gray |
Stacked Stone
Light Gray |
Stacked Stone
Light Tan |
Stacked Stone
Tan |
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Stone Wall
Gray
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Stone Wall
Light Gray
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Stone Wall
Light Tan
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Stone Wall
Tan
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Colorado River Rock |
Durango Mountain
Ledge |
La Plata Stone |
Manzanita Stone |
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Mesa Verde Mountain Ledge |
Pagosa Springs
Stacked Ledge |
Santa Fe Stacked Stone |
Yakima Stone |
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Cambria
Cliffstone |
Yukon Mountain
Ledge |
Large Pebble |
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The cheapest (literally) and fastest way to
manufacture a sign is to carve it out of a block of foam (insert an enclosed
electrical sign in it) and cover it with an EIFS-like system (fabric impregnated
and covered with a stucco-like coating.)
Many cities will not allow these types of signs,
however, because they do not engineer to withstand a 100 mph wind. They
have even been known to blow away.
Most foams do not meet fire code.
They are not repairable for any significant damage
(bumped into by a car.) They have to be replaced, making them VERY
expensive in total cost.
If the EIFS-type covering is damaged, the
underlying foam will conduct electricity when wet, grow mold, and deteriorate.
Birds break the EIFS-type covering and remove the
foam for nesting materials.
Sunlight causes the foam to degrade over time.
The signs can be, and are stolen.
Mowing pads must be significant because
weed-eaters and lawn-mowers damage the sign.
However, it is easily installed over a simple
metal pipe, and can easily be moved.
We do manufacture and install them when they meet our customer's needs.
(The signs below are NOT EIFS-type signs)

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