The mounting surface dictates the factors that must be taken into consideration when determining the method of attachment. The overall weight of the sign or individual weight of each component (i.e., channel letters) also becomes a key factor for consideration. The base material of the mounting location and whether it is solid, or hollow has an impact on how to best install the signage, the type of anchors to be used, the distance between fasteners and the quantity of fasteners required.
- Concrete, Brick or Block
- Installers take great care when drilling into these materials. The primary concern is busting off a chunk of material, so they are cautious not to drill any closer than four inches from the edge.
- Fastener selection is critical as well, to avoid wedging the concrete apart. Technicians must be certain that they remove all drilling dust from the holes so that the fasteners are completely driven in and securely seated.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Drop-in anchors
- Lead lag shields
- Wedge type anchors
- Epoxy & all-thread rod
- Nylon hammer-in anchors
- Concrete screws (Tapcons)
- Installers take great care when drilling into these materials. The primary concern is busting off a chunk of material, so they are cautious not to drill any closer than four inches from the edge.
- Stucco
- A hard material that is similar to masonry or brick. Screws driven directly into stucco will not hold adequately and may fall out over time if not properly attached. The holes must be drilled very slowly to prevent the stucco from chipping. In cases where the stucco has wire mesh inside some breaking and crumbling may occur creating a rough cut. Dust and debris must then be removed from the hole. A small amount of caulk is them injected inside of the hole to create a firm, secure bond for any remaining loose material and the fastener. For best results the caulk should be allowed time to dry.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Nylon hammer-in anchors
- Concrete screws
- Wood screws into plywood backing behind stucco
Toggle bolts - Lag bolts/screws into wall studs
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- A hard material that is similar to masonry or brick. Screws driven directly into stucco will not hold adequately and may fall out over time if not properly attached. The holes must be drilled very slowly to prevent the stucco from chipping. In cases where the stucco has wire mesh inside some breaking and crumbling may occur creating a rough cut. Dust and debris must then be removed from the hole. A small amount of caulk is them injected inside of the hole to create a firm, secure bond for any remaining loose material and the fastener. For best results the caulk should be allowed time to dry.
- Natural Stone
- Hammer drill and a masonry bit Similar to concrete, brick or block, installers take great care when drilling into natural stone because of the risk of busting off a chunk of material. They are don’t drill closer than four inches from the edge. Fastener selection is critical as well, to avoid wedging the concrete apart. Technicians must be certain that they remove all drilling dust from the holes so that the fasteners are completely driven in and securely seated.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Epoxy & all-thread rod
- Toggle bolts
- Nylon hammer-in anchors.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Hammer drill and a masonry bit Similar to concrete, brick or block, installers take great care when drilling into natural stone because of the risk of busting off a chunk of material. They are don’t drill closer than four inches from the edge. Fastener selection is critical as well, to avoid wedging the concrete apart. Technicians must be certain that they remove all drilling dust from the holes so that the fasteners are completely driven in and securely seated.
- Corrugated Metal
- Corrugated metal walls allow for some of the simplest fastening, but also are the most likely to result in the fasteners being visible from either or both sides of the wall depending upon the thickness of the metal and whether insulation is present. Pre-drilling for fasteners is required for Thru bolt or Pop rivets only. Carbide bits should be used and holes should be deburred.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Self-drilling hex head screws
- Thru bolt
- Pop rivet
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Corrugated metal walls allow for some of the simplest fastening, but also are the most likely to result in the fasteners being visible from either or both sides of the wall depending upon the thickness of the metal and whether insulation is present. Pre-drilling for fasteners is required for Thru bolt or Pop rivets only. Carbide bits should be used and holes should be deburred.
- EIFS (exterior insulation and finishing system)
- EIFS is a non-load bearing wall system which includes a thin finish layer of either stucco or plaster. As such, screws driven directly into the wall will not hold adequately and may fall out over time if not properly attached. The holes must be drilled very slowly to prevent the surface finish coat from chipping. Dust and debris must then be removed from the hole. A small amount of caulk is them injected inside of the hole to create a firm, secure bond for any remaining loose material and the fastener. For best results the caulk should be allowed time to dry.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Toggle bolt
- Long drywall screws
- Self-drilling screws into wall studs
- Silicone adhesive
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- EIFS is a non-load bearing wall system which includes a thin finish layer of either stucco or plaster. As such, screws driven directly into the wall will not hold adequately and may fall out over time if not properly attached. The holes must be drilled very slowly to prevent the surface finish coat from chipping. Dust and debris must then be removed from the hole. A small amount of caulk is them injected inside of the hole to create a firm, secure bond for any remaining loose material and the fastener. For best results the caulk should be allowed time to dry.
- Double Wall
- Pre-drill as required depending upon the finish coat of the wall (see Stucco, and EIFS, above)
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Nylon hammer in anchors
- All-thread thru bolt
- Wood screws into plywood backing
- Toggle bolts
- Lag bolts/screws into wall studs
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Pre-drill as required depending upon the finish coat of the wall (see Stucco, and EIFS, above)
- Ceramic Wall Tiles
- To cut clean holes and avoid breaking or cracking tiles, a diamond mini hole saw (substitute for a drill bit) can be used or the pulse drilling method using a glass and tile drill bit works nicely. Water is applied to the area being cut and the cutting surface of the mini hole saw or drill bit to cool down the cutting tool while boring the hole. Drilling initially starts at a 45-degree angle and pivots to 90-degrees with the mini hole saw and it’s best to start off with a pilot hole when using a glass and tile bit.
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- Nylon hammer in anchors
- Pin mounted with adhesive
- Typical materials, fasteners and fastening methods used:
- To cut clean holes and avoid breaking or cracking tiles, a diamond mini hole saw (substitute for a drill bit) can be used or the pulse drilling method using a glass and tile drill bit works nicely. Water is applied to the area being cut and the cutting surface of the mini hole saw or drill bit to cool down the cutting tool while boring the hole. Drilling initially starts at a 45-degree angle and pivots to 90-degrees with the mini hole saw and it’s best to start off with a pilot hole when using a glass and tile bit.
