Have you seen those colorful banners that hang on public or private light poles? Ever wonder what is involved to buy and install one? What is the best way to manufacture them for durability?
Quality banners are printed on a single side of vinyl, folded in half and sealed on the long edges. This forms a two sided “dual ply” banner. The top seam of the banner is left open (pocket) for a horizontal arm. A bottom pocket is formed for the bottom horizontal arm. Two grommets are normally installed. The grommets are used in conjunction with plastic ties to keep the banner from sliding off the arm. A plastic tie goes through each grommet and is secured around the street pole.
The hardware that attaches the banner to the pole consists of a metal base, stainless steel strapping to attach the base to the pole and a horizontal flex arm over which the banner slides.
Proper banners utilize heat sealed edges to form strength, whereas sewn edges can reduce a banner's life expectancy in windy areas. Sewing is only used at the pocket area inconjunction with heat sealing, it creates a straighter pocket. Banners can be lefts, rights or twins (banner on each side of the pole). Available banner widths are determined by the width of each hardware arm (standard widths: 18", 24" 30" and 36")
Things to consider when you require a Blvd. banner quote:
* If this is public property, only non-profit organizations can receive city approval for installation. The non-profit organization must apply to the city for a permit. The installation crew will need a copy of the permit during the installation process. If the installation is on private property, please be aware of city regulations about visable signage from public areas.
* Is there an existing banner and will our installation crew be required to remove it? Or will they be installing a new banner using existing hardware on an empty flex arm? For what duration was the installation approved and do we need to include and schedule a removal crew upon expiration of the permit? We recommend a quarterly inspection that includes reviewing how the banner is holding up and whether it needs additional adjustments.
* Hardware will need to be included if it’s not existing. Will the hardware portion of the transaction be on a rental basis or will the hardware be purchased and installed? Long stainless steel hose clamps are inexpensive for 2 to 3 month installations. Long stainless steel banding mounted using a special tool (Band-It) is used for longer term installations. If the hardware is existing and a new banner is hung, at least one set of banding hardware will need to be adjusted or replaced to properly hang the banner for long term reliability.
* Pole strength and durability is a consideration for private installations (Public installations should already be surveyed and approved by the issuing city.) There are quite a few cheap aluminum poles that are top-overweighted and include out-dated inefficient lighting fixtures. Any questions about pole durability should be answered inconjunction with a qualified facilities engineer.
* The size of the banner. The width (available arm width?) and the length of the banner determines the size. The length can be adjusted by moving the brackets up or down.
* Materials can be standard banner material (fiber re-inforced) or a bio-degradable material that decomposes once in a landfill. Expect your banner to be fade resistant for 3 years.
* In order to quote an installation, we’ll need to know the installation addresses to calculate the mileage for the installers. We’ll also need to consider city traffic requirements and congestion. For a safe installation, our bucket trucks will need orange safety cones that might impede or block traffic lanes. Are there multiple versions of the banners and is a "version map" available that indicates which version goes where?
These questions are required to accurately plan and smoothly install your banners.
Let us know how we can help you best present your brand.
