We sell a lot of 4 x 8 Site Signs and have not found a good way to install these in the winter. We've tried the old angle brackets weighed down with sandbags trick, but with less than favorable results (increases material and fabrication costs, tend to blow over). Anybody out there know something we don't?????
Any ideas (tried or untried) appreciated!
Thanks! Tim
------------------ Tim Whitcher Quality Signs & Design 107 E Adrian St Blissfield, MI 49228 qualitysigns@hotmail.com
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
hey tim...
we use a hole digger guy that will dig holes no matter how frozen the ground is. if it is a temporary sign, we back fill the holes with pea gravel and one bag of sackcrete per hole. if it is permanent, we use 2-3 bags per hole to get the level up to about 3-4 inches from the top of the hole and backfill the rest with dirt. works for us.
have a great one!
------------------ Bruce Bowers DrCAS Signtech
"how great are His signs..." Daniel 4:3
i am a proud supporter of this website!
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
Layer about an inch of calcium chloride over the post locations a day or so before the install & cover with hay.
------------------ SCP spurcell99@mediaone.net Cape Cod, MA
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
Hi Tim. If the sign is particularly large, we contract a utility line service contractor to dig the holes for us. They INSIST on having signed clearances from all relavent utilities at the location before they will dig. Their truck is a big one capable of digging holes up to 18" in diameter, or as small as 6" in diameter.These guys normally install utility poles to service rural customers, so they have the necessary trailers and equipment to transport and erect large or smaller posts.
If a smaller installation is required, we sub this out to an installer, who's problem it then becomes.I've never been able to make any kind of money digging holes in frozen ground, so I give that work to those who specialize in that area.
PS: I once had a grave digger apply to us for doing erection work. His references stated that once he buried someone, they stayed put, and never complained about the quality of his work.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.com
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
If these are temporary site signs for construction projects don't bother diggin holes at all. Use 4"x4"s for the posts and ground support. Make an upside down T. If the post has to be 7' high make the arm (that will sit on the ground) about 12' long. If you make them long enough they can't blow over (till the wind blows real hard). On big projects the general contractor likes this type of install because he can pick it up and move it when he has to grade the area that you put.
You might also take a look at the design of the base of all the portable signs around London. These things are often bigger than 4'x 8' faces and the base is designed to keep them upright in big winds. Maybe you could make a couple of bases to loan or rent to the client until you can put holes in the ground.
------------------ Chuck Churchill, It's A Good Sign Inc. 3245 Harvester Rd, U-12 Burlington, Ont. Phone: 905-681-8775 Fax: 905-681-8945
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Hey Steve, where do you get the calcium chloride? I have the hay but never heard the calcium chloride thing.
------------------ "Some people's kids"
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
calcium chloride is ice melter. we use it on the driveway and walkways at the shop.
have a great one!
------------------ Bruce Bowers DrCAS Signtech
"how great are His signs..." Daniel 4:3
i am a proud supporter of this website!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Go to a Redi Mix dealer. They mix calcium chloride in the concrete in cold weather to keep it from freezing while it sets up.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :
Next time your visiting your local cemetary ask to see the "grave heater", . No kidding, some of them use this heating device to unthaw the ground.
------------------ Rich Stebbing #945 RichSigns Rohnert Park CA
Posted by Greg Gulliford (Member # 170) on :
A weed burner hooked up to a propane tank will usually get yo down below the frost line in a few minutes.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
Posted by Tim Whitcher (Member # 685) on :
Thank you, thank you very much....
Tim
------------------ Tim Whitcher Quality Signs & Design 107 E Adrian St Blissfield, MI 49228 qualitysigns@hotmail.com
. No kidding, some of them use this heating device to unthaw the ground.