What Substrate?

[JgS]

What Substrate?

I am making a sign that will be attached flush, to a pitched roof. The building sits in a canyon in the New Mexico desert. It will also be facing southwest. The size is 16’ x 9’ which I will piece together 6 8’ x 3’ sheets. So what I am looking for is a substrate that can handle intense sunlight, 0% humidity, and 40 to 60mph wind most of the year. My first thought is to go with ½” MDO but I am afraid it might crack in those conditions, Aluminum sheets are out due to the wind, that has me leaning towards corrugated aluminum or aluminum composite. What do you all think? Any recommendations?

 

[petepaz]

i would think alum. composite also but how are you mounting it to the roof. i would be more concerned with that if you are worried about high winds.

 

[Mosh]

6m al comp

 

[JgS]

If I was installing them I would be bolting them down but the customer is going to be installing them. They have a construction background so I'm not too worried. Any recommendation I should give them?

 

[Jillbeans]

Definitely aluminum composite.
It's lightweight yet very sturdy.
Think I'd be leaning more towards the Omegabond or DiBond
(the thinner stuff with the solid, non corrugated center)
I would avoid using very dark colors as a background.
Love....jill

 

[Gino]

Another vote for aluminum composite, but I'd go with 1/4" or 3/8" inch stock. However, being attached directly to a roof at that size would concern me from a few points.

• Id' rather see a framework fully attached to the roof and the panels attached to the frame.
• This will promote evaporation under this 144 sq ft area in desert type conditions. Even the desert has dew points.
• It will also let wind pass underneath without lifting the panels off the roof, possibly taking the roof with it.
• It will also allow for a tighter fit.

I too, would stay away from a dark background.

If this is going to be digital printed, I'd warn him against earlier failure to hold most colors with the direction the sign is facing.... UP.

Also, why don't you use 4pcs 4' x 10' cut down to 4' x 9' ?? Much less waste and easier to instal.​

 

[JgS]

Thanks! Thats great advice Gino.