Roof mounted sign letters

[gnubler]

I have a customer wanting roof mounted dimensional letters for a small coffee stand, see pic. Just the word "COFFEE". What materials are good for this type of signage and how would it be installed? I know Gemini offers cut metal letters on a bottom rail mount, but I don't know if that would work on a pitched roof like this. The customer is handling the permit and install, they just want the letters (and maybe mounting hardware, if it's something I can supply).

I might offer an alternative of a flat panel sign that can be fastened to angled brackets attached to the roof, might be easier and more cost effective for a small business starting out.

 

[Ray Miller]

I generally steer away from these kind of jobs. Too many holes will be needed to make the sign secure and you can many times figure the owner will blame you for any leaks in the future.

 

[Johnny Best]

gnubler, Use you favorite expression to your customer, "PASS".

 

[Boudica]

I generally steer away from these kind of jobs. Too many holes will be needed to make the sign secure and you can many times figure the owner will blame you for any leaks in the future.

and with the wind gusts we've had in these parts just in the past couple of weeks.... they will likely topple right over and could possibly kill someone.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

I don't do roof mounted either. Against code in many jurisdictions

 

[gnubler]

Thanks for the replies. I told my customer I don't want to spend time quoting it until she checks with the Planning dept of that city, to see if it's even permitted. The business is an hour away from me in another county. Now I think I shall say "Pass".

 

[JBurton]

she checks with the Planning dept of that city, to see if it's even permitted

Almost better directing the customer to the roofer's warranty.
Talk her into setting two poles and stretching a banner over the building if she wants letters above.

 

[Ron at Forest Litho]

For individual letters Aluminum is best because it wont crack and break but your mountings and bolt mollies in the wall must be correct and really sure. Any letter blown off in a strong wind becomes a deadly weapon. That's why I prefer a one piece sign. You can mimic the wall for the background to make it look like is 3-d on the wall. but the advantage is all the bolts support the whole thing so its got a lot holding it on.

 

[Ryze Signs]

I would mount it with solar panel brackets. They are designed to be water tight. Put in two rows and build a frame between them to mount the letters to at the correct angle.

 

[John Miller]

First, if designed correctly the sign won't blow off the roof. Second, as someone has already stated, roof signs that project above the roof line are not permitted in most areas. Third,
a sign is a dynamic load, meaning wind will make it move, (even an 1/8") jiggling back and forth will eventually open up a leak in the roof so all attachment points need to be liberally sealed with something that doesn't get rock solid. Black Jack roofing calk over silicone is a good solution. If your client is installing, all you can do is educate them as well as you can and let them proceed. If they own the building, fine if they rent, the landlord may put the kabash on the whole idea. I wouldn't supply a mounting structure if others will be installing.
If something goes South you could be held accountable.

 

[DL Signs]

I'd talk em' into keeping it off the actual roof, do something on the end of the overhang above the window like this. It would be about the same size as the "coffee" part on the end wall, nice solid end truss to mount to, and not stick out far enough where wind will do anything. Since it's an overhang soffit, no chance of leaks into the building, not on a roof slope, so no debris, ice or snow can dam up behind it. They could go plain old solid panel, channels on raceways, even lighted if they have the budget. Just a thought anyway.

 

[gnubler]

if they have the budget.

There is no budget, as usual. This one has already gone back and forth in discussion to the point where I'm not getting a warm fuzzy anything. I told the customer her request probably won't be permitted by the city, and the response was "my agent said the city doesn't care about signs and we can do whatever we want". LOL, okay. NEVER TRUST THE AGENT.

So glad for this forum and sharing information & advice. The longer I'm in business, the less gung-ho and eager I am to fulfill my customers' every wish and demand. They have to be trained.

 

[DL Signs]

"my agent said the city doesn't care about signs and we can do whatever we want"

BWAHAHAHA!!!!!

Yeah, people just don't get it that agents will say anything to sell/ lease. That statement alone is enough of a red flag to just decline.

 

[Billct2]

I've done several over the years and had to deal with all the issues mentioned. If permitted and done right they are fine.
It's best if you have access to the underside of the roof. Biggest one I did we were able to thru bolt the sleepers to the steel beams using existing holes.
We put down rubber membrane under them and tarred over the bolts. That thing was up for years and even after they took the sign down the sleepers were
still there so I guess it never leaked

 

[Precision]

Suggest putting vertical oversized dimensional letters on the building itself. One one the street side and one on the left of the front order window. It's fresh modern, should be no permit issues. In a white or silver would call attention & pop. In a Helvetica Bold or something clean and basic. That be what I'd offer anyway. The roof signs look a little lacking besides the mounting or undersized sign issue.

 

[Johnny Best]

my take on all 3 or 4 sides

 

[HandsomeBob]

Before you proceed check with the city/county where the building/business is located. Most cities do not allow signage above the roof line of a building. This means that any sign above the gutters, and on the roof, will not be allowed.

Look around the area. Do you see other businesses with letters on the roof?

Is this going to be illuminated?

Bob

 

[JBurton]

Tell them to get it off amazon like everyone else...

https://www.amazon.com/11-8FT-Advertising-Inflatable-Coffee-Customized/dp/B08D7GK9YL