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I received a call from a property manager out of state. They asked me to hang a 4' x 40' going out of business banner for a large chain retailer at the mall. I've never hung a banner this large and wondered what is the best method. The banner has grommets every 2 feet and will be attached to aluminum siding or concrete block. Should I use sheet metal screws and washers in each grommet or something else?
I don't want to pass this up, but I don't want to install it and have it fail. It only has to be up a maximum of 2 months.
Thanks in advance!
Denny
[ September 19, 2008, 05:05 PM: Message edited by: Denny Smith ]
-------------------- Denny Smith 2 B Personalized Marion IN Posts: 52 | From: Marion IN | Registered: Sep 2006
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Using screws and grommets would work. Tapcons (masonry screws) would work for concrete block.
I would get written approval for the install so you will not be held liable for damage to the facade.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6454 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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I think you've got it Denny, use the sheet metal screws for the aluminum siding and Tapcons, like Bruce said for the block. I'd use small fender washers under the screws for insurance. By it being up against a wall where wind cannot really get behind it, I doubt you'll have any concerns.
-------------------- Dale Feicke Grafix 714 East St. Mendenhall, MS 39114
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Posts: 2963 | From: Mendenhall, MS | Registered: Apr 1999
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Denny, I use nylon tap-in anchors. Drill 1/4" holes into the block, and just hammer the anchors in. They have a mushroom head that will span the grommet. For the metal sections, use self-tapping sheet metal screws.
This is a one-man installation procedure I've used for years. When working from a ladder, I use this method: · I have the banner rolled up onto a cardboard core - for stability. · I take a rope (about 20' or so) and I drop it through the core, and then tie a 2x4 to it at the bottom. This acts as a support for your banner during installation. · You will tie the top of the rope to the LEFT side rail near the very top of your ladder, and only roll out the few feet that you are currently able to reach. You need to place it at the left in order to give yourself enough room to roll out enough banner, and you do NOT want so much banner exposed that it becomes a furling sail. To prevent the banner from rolling itself out like a roll of toilet paper, use a spring loaded hand clamp, or two, and secure it to the cardboard core on the top (sometimes on the bottom too, depending on size of banner - you'll need top and bottom secured for a 4'x40' ). · Start at the top right end of the banner (if you're right-handed the first hole should go as far out as you can comfortably/safely reach - 2' or so) and drill the hole where the first anchor goes. Place the anchor through the grommet, and tap it in securely, but not "hammered home" quite yet. · You are now in a position to then stretch the banner out a few feet to determine if it is level at the top. You MUST be level at this point, because whichever way you set the next grommet, that is the way the banner will continue to lay out. Drill and tap that anchor in, then go back and nail the first tap-in completely. · Then repeat with the bottom right, then the next bottom grommet. · At this point, you should be able to reach the next grommets to your left. Don't stretch to do so if you can't reach. · You have secured 4-6 grommets, or 2-4 feet of banner. · Now carefully roll out about the next 8 feet of banner, and then re-secure the clamps. You'll have about 8 feet of slack unfurled to allow you to move your ladder for the next section. · Descend ladder, scoot it to the left just enough so you can comfortably reach the next unsecured grommet at your right. · Climb ladder and continue drilling, anchoring, unrolling, clamping, and moving.
This is very effective, and depending on how your ladder climbing skills are (and if you have a decent drill), a 40' banner can be safely installed within an hour or so. Try out this process near the ground in order to get used to the procedures, in case it doesn't make immediate sense to you. It really is quite simple and effective.
Disclaimer: If you do NOT feel comfortable on a ladder, or don't understand any of the above instructions, please do not attempt. I've been doing it for over 30 years, but it's not for everyone
[ September 23, 2008, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: Gene Golden ]
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Gene, since I'll more than likely be installing this by myself, do you have an easy method for figuring out where the first grommet should be anchored. It's going to need to be centered under the business sign and at 40' wide, I can't really measure that by myself to mark the center.
Also, can you explain a little more about the 2x4 you attach to the bottom of the banner. I assume it's perpendicular to the banner. How do you attach it to the core. How long should it be?
Going to put this up Friday. Thanks for the advice!
-------------------- Denny Smith 2 B Personalized Marion IN Posts: 52 | From: Marion IN | Registered: Sep 2006
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Hey guys, just wanted to thank you all again for the help. The Banner was installed yesterday and everything went extremely well - Thanks to Gene Goldman and his awesome instructions. Thanks so much for the emails!
-------------------- Denny Smith 2 B Personalized Marion IN Posts: 52 | From: Marion IN | Registered: Sep 2006
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