An Introduction To Street Name Signs

An Introduction To Street Name Signs

Street name signs are installed on streets to display street names, name of neighborhoods, name of shopping center or offices and such others. They are installed at elevated spots so that the name is clearly visible from a distance. For clear visibility of such signs, it is necessary that the colors stand out well from the background of the signs. Therefore, most street name signs are found to have fonts in only uppercase letters.

Civic street name signs are mostly put by the government authorities. The sheets used for signs are mostly made of aluminum. Thickness of such aluminum sheets are generally 80 mils or 160 mils. This ensures that the signs do not rust due to weather changes, improving the durability of such signs. Some of these signs used outdoor last for even 10 years or more. In case, someone uses street name signs outside their house or commercial property, they might require prior permission from the government to place the signs

Three grades of reflectivity for the street name signs are available: High intensity with 10 X reflectivity, diamond grade and engineering grade. The diamond grade has the highest reflectivity and is about 15 X. Such high reflectivity is required for standard street signs especially on highways and freeways, because the drivers driving at a high speed should be able to make out the names quickly and clearly.

Moreover, during the night, the visibility is usually poor. Such high reflectivity helps detect the name of the street clearly from a distance. Good reflectivity also helps people to read out the sign from any direction. Non-reflective signs are only effective during daytime. Keepsake novelty street signs that are used in homes for fun are made of non-reflective material.

As a common practice, one should also use specific and reliable posts to place street signs. The most popular ones are the u-channel posts. However, round and square posts are also common for street signs. Each of these posts has necessary unique brackets used to secure the plate over the post. You can gather information about the plates, posts and stores selling such street name signs from the Internet.