SignWorks recently completed a commercial sign site survey in Hayward, CA, for a business preparing to move into an existing location. The immediate goal was to gather accurate measurements for a new LEXAN sign face insert that will replace the previous tenant’s identification in an existing illuminated sign cabinet.
The visit also created an opportunity to collect additional measurements and information around the property. Instead of limiting the survey to one sign face, SignWorks documented other site details that the client can use when considering future signage and property improvements.
For a business moving into a new location, having this information available can make future sign planning much easier.
Measuring an Existing Illuminated Sign Cabinet
The upcoming project will reuse an existing illuminated sign cabinet at the Hayward property. Rather than remove a usable cabinet and manufacture an entirely new sign, SignWorks will produce a replacement face displaying the incoming business’s branding.
A replacement illuminated sign face must be sized correctly for the existing structure. Even when a cabinet appears to be a standard size, relying on an estimate can create problems during fabrication.
During the site survey, SignWorks gathered the measurements and information needed to prepare the new insert.
The survey included details such as:
- Existing sign face dimensions
- Cabinet measurements
- Sign construction
- Existing conditions
- Access considerations
- Surrounding property features
- Additional areas that may support future signage
Collecting these details before production provides a reliable starting point for the replacement sign face.
More Than Measurements for One Sign
Although the LEXAN sign face replacement was the reason for the visit, SignWorks expanded the survey to capture other useful information for the client.
Businesses often discover additional sign needs after moving into a property. Exterior identification may be the first priority, followed later by window graphics, directional signs, parking signs, wall graphics, or other improvements.
Returning to measure every new area separately can add time to future projects. By documenting other relevant parts of the Hayward location during the initial visit, SignWorks gave the client a broader set of information that can be referenced as new ideas develop.
This approach can be especially useful for a business preparing a new location while making improvements in stages.
Why Choose a LEXAN Sign Face?
For this Hayward project, the new illuminated sign insert will be fabricated from LEXAN, a well-known brand of polycarbonate.
LEXAN and acrylic are both commonly used for illuminated cabinet sign faces, but the two materials behave differently when struck.
Polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance and can flex under force. Acrylic is more rigid and can crack or break when subjected to a strong blow.
That difference can make LEXAN a smart choice for certain urban commercial sign installations.
LEXAN vs. Acrylic for Urban Signage
Acrylic remains a dependable sign material and can be a good option for many illuminated cabinets. It provides excellent clarity, a clean finished appearance, and is generally less expensive than LEXAN.
The location of the sign, however, should be considered before choosing between the two.
Acrylic may make sense when:
- The sign is mounted well above pedestrian reach.
- The location has little history of vandalism.
- Accidental impact is unlikely.
- Lower material cost is a priority.
LEXAN may be a better choice when:
- The sign is located near ground level.
- The cabinet is accessible from a sidewalk or parking area.
- Vandalism is a concern.
- Impact resistance is important.
- Replacing a broken face would create repeated expense.
LEXAN generally costs somewhat more than acrylic, but the lowest initial material price does not always produce the lowest long-term cost.
Impact Resistance Can Reduce Replacement Problems
A street-level illuminated sign can be vulnerable in an urban environment. A person can strike the face, an object can accidentally hit it, or deliberate vandalism can cause damage.
If an acrylic panel breaks, the business may have to purchase another custom face and arrange for another installation. A damaged panel can also leave portions of the cabinet less protected from weather and debris.
Choosing a more impact-resistant material can be worthwhile when those risks are present.
LEXAN is not damage-proof. However, its ability to tolerate substantial impact gives property owners and businesses another level of protection for signs installed in exposed locations.
Reusing an Existing Cabinet Can Save Resources
The Hayward project also demonstrates the value of evaluating existing signage before automatically replacing it.
When an illuminated cabinet remains serviceable, updating the sign face can give an incoming tenant new branding without requiring a complete new cabinet.
A replacement face can provide:
- New business identification
- Updated colors and graphics
- Continued use of an existing sign structure
- A more focused project scope
- Lower costs compared with unnecessary complete replacement
The condition of the existing cabinet and lighting still needs to be considered, but reuse can be an effective option when the structure remains suitable.
Hayward Sign Surveys Support Better Planning
With nearly 20 years of experience providing commercial signs throughout Hayward and the San Francisco Bay Area, SignWorks understands the value of gathering accurate information before fabrication begins.
This recent Hayward sign site survey accomplished two goals. It supplied the measurements needed to move forward with the upcoming LEXAN sign face, while also documenting additional site information the client can use for future signage and property improvements.
For a new business moving into an existing commercial space, that extra information can be valuable. Instead of looking only at today’s sign replacement, the survey creates a useful reference for the changes that may come next.