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Our sign permit application was turned down because we did not include calculations for wind load on the letters installed on the wall. The letters are 13" tall x 1/2" pvc. Each letter weight approx. 8 oz. We know how to calculate wind load for a structural sign but have not encountered an issue regarding wind load on non-illuminated pvc letters. Apparently it falls under the category of "components and cladding" in the Florida building code. (Of course we have the book with Standard Building Codes and that is not acceptable.) Any help? Thanks.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1291 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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About 30 years ago, I ran into the same problem when it came time to pull a permit for plastic letters on a wall in New Orleans.
While researching the issue, I found out the silicone sealant manufacturer required the use of a special primer of theirs (which my supplier had never heard of) on the concrete wall before the silicone was applied. I finally got an engineer to certify that my standard application was sufficient, which satisfied the city. You might be able to have one of your engineering contacts do the same.
I started digging through my file cabinets for the paperwork on that job to give you more info and then realized I did that at a company I left over 20 years ago.
Hey, I just got back from camping. My brain is still soggy from all the rain. The whole essence of camping is being miserable in beautiful and noble surroundings.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5107 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm sure you don't want to hear any smart remarks so I''l keep this simple...Your city code people are idiots.
Robert is correct...if the damn wall isn't going anywhere then neither are your letters.
There I've said all the things you don't need to hear (preaching to the choir).
Hopefully your letters are Gemini...if so call them tell them what you have run into if there is anyway they can help you they will (they are wonderful people) oh and be sure to get a name of someone at the city (this person needs to be thrown under the bus).
It sounds like you have a newby at the code inforcement office...you might also ask to see the city engineer and have him quote chapter and verse where this is located in their code.
If it's not there simply ask them to review this and get on with the permit.
Oh and ask to see the wind load figures on the Aluminum letters that are most likely on the front of their building.
Wonders never cease! Hope this goes away for you...there is just no figuring city hall.
Chin up and good luck...
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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I think it's best to get an engineer to do the calculation and stamp them, that way you don't have to waste time with trips if you add it up wrong. I have had to get calculations on a Florida job that needed the same thing. It went smooth with a wet stamped drawing.
Rick
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1540 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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I'm not trying to cause any trouble for you Jean...(you need to do as you see fit)but why just succomb to such a ridiculous whim...everytime someone does (and they get away with it)they take it to a higher level.
I could understand their concern if these were letters 3' or 8' tall and they were going in an opening between two pillars. That would make sense.
This kind of municipal mentality has put many a good business under.
Sorry... just the way I see it.
[ September 02, 2003, 08:30 PM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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I recently had the same thing happen with some styrofoam letters. I got an engineer to give me a blanket quote of foam glued with 732 silicone to a concrete wall. It is equivilent to the strength of the wall or the paint on the wall. Both answers satisfied my city folks. Bill
-------------------- Bill & Barbara Biggs Art's Sign Service, Inc. Clute, Texas, USA Home of The Great Texas Mosquito Festival Proud 10 year Supporter of the Letterheads Website www.artssigns.com "MrBill-" on the chat page MailTo:biggsbb@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1020 | From: Lake Jackson,Tx | Registered: Nov 1998
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