When you think of large format printing, storefronts and building wraps may be the first products that come to mind. However, large format printing excels in many other situations. For example, banners and signs help make construction sites safer and more colorful. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about construction banners and signs.
What Are Construction Banners and Signs?
Construction banners and signs are large format printing products displayed on construction sites for a variety of purposes.
Very often, the main goal of construction signage is to conceal the work that is taking place. However, construction site signs also help inform the public and are an excellent medium to provide instructions that are necessary to guarantee the safety of all those involved in the construction industry.
These are some of the most common types of construction signage:
- Construction signs
- Construction banners
- Mesh banners
- Fence signs
Keep reading to learn more about all these products, from the role they play on a construction site to some tips to create better banners and signs.
Construction Signs
In general, a construction sign is any type of signage used on a construction site.
As mentioned in the introduction, when people think of signs, they tend to think of commercial signs. The truth is that signs are useful in any environment where it’s necessary to coordinate the behavior of many individuals to ensure optimal results. Think, for example of traffic signs, the directional signage you can find in any convention center, and, yes, construction signs.
Companies use construction site signs for a variety of purposes, including:
- Danger signs. They alert workers and pedestrians about immediate hazards.
- Caution signs. These graphics warn about potential hazards.
- Safety instruction signs. Signage detailing the necessary measures to protect oneself while on the construction site.
- Directional signs. Construction sites can be confusing; these signs help workers and visitors find their way around.
- Traffic control signs. Vehicles are an important part of the construction world, so it makes sense to have signs that help regulate traffic on and around a construction site.
Needless to say, construction signs are essential to creating a safe and efficient environment for construction workers and the public at large.
In many cases, the visual configuration of these signs must conform to the standards set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). You can take a look at some of those standards by clicking here.
Construction Banners
A construction banner is a large format graphic deployed around the perimeter of a construction site to create a visual separation from passersby.
These graphics conceal construction work while displaying promotional messages, directions, or information that is otherwise useful to the public or potential clients. Depending on the type of project, a construction banner might include:
- Contact information
- Advertising statements
- Wayfinding indications
- Maps
Construction banners are a smart way to promote commercial projects. It’s common for this type of construction banner to include architectural renderings showing what the building (or buildings) will look like, along with text inviting people to make a real estate purchase.
Government institutions also use banners in public construction works. In this case, the banners communicate the purpose of the project, provide relevant information, and attenuate the visual impact of construction work.
Because it’s robust and easy-to-maintain, vinyl is one of the main substrate choices for construction banners. However, there are other alternatives, as you will see just below.
Mesh Banners
In addition to vinyl, mesh is the other material most commonly used to create construction banners.
The basic design principles used to create a vinyl banner are the same when it comes to mesh banners. The most important difference is the material used to print the graphics.
Unlike vinyl, which is produced in solid panels, the structure of vinyl mesh weave creates tiny holes all over the surface of the banner. As a result, mesh banners are semi-transparent and tend to weigh less than their vinyl counterparts.
Another important point to keep in mind is that with mesh banners the graphics stay visible even under windy conditions because wind can pass through the perforations in the mesh. This configuration reduces billowing and flapping, making it easier to read your signs.
Many factors come into play when deciding which material to use for your banner. An experienced large format printing company should be able to help you make the decision that best fits your communication needs and your budget.
Fence Signs
As their name implies, fence signs are attached to the fence of a construction site. This is a versatile visual solution that can serve many functions in a construction environment, for example:
- Advertising signs
- Contact information
- Wayfinding signs
- Danger signs
- Caution signs
- Safety/instruction signs
- Traffic control signs
If you have a fence, then you already have a billboard you can use to boost awareness of your brand, improve productivity, or enhance the safety of workers.
Because they come in different sizes and materials, fence signs can meet all your communication needs. Whether you want to advertise your company or help people navigate a construction site, there is a sign for every occasion.
Design Tips for Your Construction Banners and Signs
Now that you have a clear understanding of how signage works in a construction environment, here are some tips for creating effective construction site signs.
- Define your goals: The first step is to define your communication goals. What is your main objective? Maybe you want to persuade passersby to buy an apartment. Or perhaps you need to let visitors know that they must wear protective equipment on the construction site. In any case, once you answer this question it will be easier to create a signage strategy.
- Choose the right material: Your communication goals will also influence your choice of material. For example, vinyl mesh gives your graphics a semi-transparent look that feels more daring and contemporary. However, if you are creating warning signs, a non-translucent material is more effective.
- Make sure your sign is easy to read: Readability is a crucial factor in construction signage, especially when the goal of your sign is to alert about immediate and potential hazards. The OHSA and ANSI standards we mentioned earlier are meant to ensure the highest level of readability for this type of sign. For advertising signage, an expert designer can offer advice on the best strategies to convey your message.
Construction Signage: Wrapping it Up
Construction site signs are key to ensure the safety of workers and passersby on a construction site. The main purpose of these graphics is to conceal construction work in a way that is imaginative, colorful, and attention-grabbing.
Additionally, construction site signs are also displayed for advertising purposes or, in the case of government institutions, to communicate relevant information about the work in progress.
The most common types of large format printing products for the construction industry include construction signs, construction banners, mesh banners, and fence signs
Construction signage serves several functions, from alerting about hazards to directing traffic and helping people find their way around a construction site.
When it comes to the material for your banners, there are two main alternatives. Vinyl is a solid sheet of sturdy material that blocks light completely. Vinyl mesh, on the other hand, has thousands of perforations that make it semi-transparent and reduce billowing in windy environments.
Finally, fence signs are graphics secured to the fencing of a construction site. They come in different sizes and can be used to convey any type of message, from warnings and safety instructions to contact information.
About CR&A Custom
We are a large format printing company based in Los Angeles, California. Our expert team of designers, technicians, and installers is dedicated to creating effective visual solutions for companies of all sizes all over the United States and around the world.
When you choose CR&A Custom, you get all the benefits that come with working with a leader in the large format printing industry:
- Fast turnaround times. Thanks to our in-depth experience and our advanced technical capabilities, we can bring your projects to completion in time and without stress for you.
- Comprehensive expertise. From design to installation, our in-house team includes experts in every aspect of large format printing. This ensures maximum quality in all our products.
- Certifications: Our culture of excellence is backed up by some of the most stringent certifications in the industry, including the G7 Master Qualification, the 3M MCS Warranty, and the SB/DVBE Certification. You can check the full list here.
- A proven track record of success. For more than 25 years, businesses of all types have trusted CR&A to help them reach their customers and boost awareness of their brand.
Whether you need construction banners, construction signage, building wraps, or anything in between, we are here to help. Contact us today (by email (info@cracucstom.com), telephone (213-749-4440), Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn) for a free quote or to learn more about our full range of large format printing solutions.
