So exactly what types of signage are there?

Signs are expanding communication mediums that respond to our mobile lifestyles. Regardless of the type of sign used, your signage must be appealing to your customers and the message must be readable.

When faced with the task of reviewing the many choices of signs available, it helps to approach it by first looking at the three primary locations in which you will typically use on-premise signs:

Building Mounted signs are essentially “signs that are applied or attached to a building.”

Freestanding signs are those “signs that are not attached to a building.”

Interior signs are those signs that are used in the interior of a building.

Here are some generalized points, as an introduction to sign types:

Building mounted on-premise signs may be attached to the roof, parapet, marquee, or building fascia. These signs may be either parallel or perpendicular to the building surface.

Freestanding on-premise signs are generally supported by a structure attached to or cast in a foundation. The structure and attachments to the foundation may be concealed with a decorative covering. Freestanding signs can be further enhanced by landscaping.

On-premise signs can be either internally or externally illuminated. For retail businesses, on-premise signs should be illuminated to accomplish communication with potential customers during nighttime hours.

Sometimes a building itself functions as a sign. This occurs most often with franchise and chain retail operations, where standardized (or “signature”) buildings and colors, as well as traditional on-premise signage, announce the presence of the business.

Buildings also may be fitted or retrofitted with “trade dress” to design a theme. Retrofitting of a building-facade is often described as a “face lift.” Both building and freestanding signs should be designed to echo the theme or trade dress.

Interior on-premise signs are those that advertise the location of businesses located in a common building such as a mall, office building, entertainment complex etc. They have two major purposes: (1) to influence buyer choices and encourage certain “point of purchase” transactions; and (2) to provide guidance in a safe and efficient manner, as required by local regulatory authorities (such as WorkSafe) and federal law.

In summary…

Primarily, there are building mounted, freestanding and interior signs, within which are many types of signs. Carefully reviewing the many types of signs, and considering how well they will meet your location and business’ needs, will enable you to select the kind of signs you need for your greatest business success.