I Need A Room Sign. What Kind Do I Select?
In most corporate, healthcare or educational environments, interior room signs can run the gamut of simple to complex. While most ADA tactile signs are specified by the architect of record for a design-build or remodel/renovation project, many businesses often have questions about upgrading their wayfinding signage plan. Where do you go for up-to-date ADA requirements? What if you have mandatory green initiatives in your organization? How do meet your budget goals? What’s the difference between photopolymer and laser engraved plaques? What are the pros and cons of each product offering? What’s the best product with the longest warranty?
Ideally, your brand and identity partner is like your insurance company. They will have a variety of systems, vendors and custom ADA sign products that meet your specific needs. A good insurance firm will go out in the marketplace and purchase the ideal protection solution for your organization’s needs rather than saddle you with one or two in-house products. Flexibility is the key; you need a consultative approach that maximizes your budget, meets your brand requirements and provides a simple yet scalable identification element.
If potential vandalism is an issue, an excellent product is an integrated sign that has text and pictograms that are laser engraved or thermoformed from the background material. For schools, this keeps ’curious’ students from picking the numerals or text off the sign. Best Sign Systems (http://www.bestsigns.com) has Graphic Blast MP (melamine-interior) with a limited Life Of Building Warranty that makes it a very popular and affordable specification among architects. 
Photopolymer is still an inexpensive process that is a system sign anchor used for the budget conscious. Its durability is on the lower end of the scale but it is a favorite for mass-produced restroom and other common room signs. Etched zinc metal makes durable system signs for high-traffic, public areas also. http://www.vcgstore.com/d30615/home.php?cat=391&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=2.
Laminates are popular since they can convey specific ‘themes’ from woodgrains, marble and nature-oriented materials. For more utilitarian and modern styles, curved signs are available that utilize inserts that the end-user can provide from a digital inkjet printer where employee turnover is a common occurence. http://www.vcgstore.com/d30615/home.php?cat=81966
When money is no object, digital signage systems are available (with LCD or plasma screens) that are programmable with video clips or slide shows or linked together with an oversight software application. Hotels and corporate facilities are using more of these to showcase events, cross-sell dining or inform patrons of the latest weather, sports or news stories. http://www.vcgstore.com/d30615/home.php?cat=81998
As signage continues to evolve, there are still many products that are attractive, unique and cost-effective. System signs that are customizable still lead the way in lowest cost. Custom signs will vary greatly depending on materials, the amount of embellishments and complexity of installation. Room signs with clear windows for inserts cost more whether they have paper, engraved or vinyl inserts. A rule of thumb is the larger the sign, the more it will cost.
With the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and your local state requirements, there are standards for the area around pictograms, how tall the text must be, the font types that can be used and even the contrast ratio of the background color to the text color. For more information on ADA signs, click on this link: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.30
