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I was wondering about the installation of Dibond in windy places. What are the recommendations for installation for highway billboards 4'x8' to 8'x16' sizes. I noticed that there have been concerns regarding the wind tolerance on previous posts. I get the impression that Dibond is ranked pretty much at the top amongst similar substrates for quality. Can someone tell me if the colored sheets are available in 5' x 10' sizes? If Dibond will Last 10+ years then I suspect the vinyl will be the limiting factor on life expectancy. Am I correct in this assumption? If so which vinyl has the longest life expectancy - are there any with a 10 yr +? So many questions! Thanks!
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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I can't answer your questions about large dibond sheets, but I can about smaller sizes. Dibond is a good choice for signage but it can get damaged. Because of its lack of weight, I'd make sure it is securely attached to a backing frame of some kind. I've had a smaller, hanging sign suffer damage from banging off of bricks & crashing with concrete. Quite fixible with body putty & some paint though.
I don't think you'll find vinyl anywhere with a warranty of 10+ years. But that doesn't mean it can't last that long anyway. I did a sign back in '85 (or was that '86) with black Gerber 220 on a vertical painted aluminum surface (outside), which is still good. But do they still make vinyl (with good adhesive) like they used to?
-------------------- Bill Cosharek Bill Cosharek Signs N.Huntingdon,Pa
bcosharek@juno.com Posts: 703 | From: N.Huntingdon, Pa, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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Kelly, I just received in the mail a booklet called DiBond Processing Manual. It is part of a package requested by clicking on the Alusuisse banner ad that appears at the top from time to time.
The booklet says DiBond is available in 5' by 10' sheets.
In the back is a table of engineering specifications. It says the shear strength is 1000 psi for 3mm dibond. It would be interesting to know the comparable number for a piece of 1/2" MDO.
Based on this, I would say that the weak link in your sign would not be the face, but rather how you connect the face to the posts, and the posts to the ground. Depending on where the sign will be installed (and how high) there is a design psf that you will want to meet. Let's say that number is 30 pounds per square foot(could be as high as 70 psf depending on the code and sign height). That's 960 pounds of distributed wind load that has to get from the face into the posts and from there to the ground.
Can't help you with the engineering beyond that. Most people just overkill the number of fasteners and let it go at that.
posted
I fasten Dibond and Alumalite with #12 pan head stainless steel screws spaced every 2 feet around the perimeter. On new installations I usually put a center stringer of treated wood down the 4 foot center.
Last fall I had a sign make it through an F1 tornado that destroyed the roof of the building next to it. The sign was 28 feet to the top with an 8'x 8' 2 sided top portion and a 5' x 14' 2 sided lower portion, steel beam supports and pressure treated 2x6 stringers bolted to the steel.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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I use dibond and can only get it in 5x10' sizes from my local supplier. They only stock white so when I need it in 4x8' sizes and different colors it has to come from one of there other branches which pisttes me off cuz I have to absord the crate and shipping charges so the price they quote me is not what I ever get.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
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Avery makes a 12+ year film if you can find a supplier. They market it more towards vehicle graphics.
As far as wind goes, you can attach extruded aluminum stiffeners to the back side of the panels using Very High Bond tape and silicone to keep it from bowing. Run the tape down the center of the extrusion, stick it to the panel, then shoot silicone into the joint on both sides of the extrusion which can be a channel or square tube.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
Hey Bob Go visit your supplier with a couple of pets in your pocket. That ought to make them listen!
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Very good gal!
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