Wind Damage - Who's Liable?

[Sven]

I installed a sign made of a frame and an aluminum insert about nine months ago--it's about 6'x3'. It's on a corner of a building. Owner calls to tell me the bottom came off and the insert fell out the other day, and it's damaged beyond repair. I go check it out and see all kinds of signs of severe wind. I know the thing was installed properly--plenty of screws. Who's liable? I'm replacing it for him at no cost, because it's not costing me much, and I don't feel like arguing with this guy. But I see this as an act of nature, which I shouldn't be responsible for. Any thoughts??

 

[allamericantrade]

Unless it was a hurricane and the sign was struck by debris that pulled it off I would have to say It wasn't installed correctly. I have installed many similar signs that have been subjected to major storms, hurricanes, etc and they havent budged. I have framed aluminum signs in the area that have been up for 10 - 20 years without issue. Many are much bigger than the one your describing. If the correct brackets where used and the sign was made correctly being mounted to a building It shouldn't come down without intent. If that struck a person you would find out quite quickly who's fault it was. Be thankful no one was hurt. My rule of thumb when installing is if I can't hang from it, It's not good enough.

 

[2B]

pictures would help tremendously,

If you have no issue in replacing, replace it and move on. this is a big feather in your hat from the customer as it shows you care about service and keeping them happy

My rule of thumb when installing is if I can't hang from it, It's not good enough. THIS IS A GREAT RULE TO GO BY

 

[Sven]

Just installed it.. at this point, I'm just glad it's over with. About 30 degrees here.

 

[Billct2]

I'd like to see what a "frame and aluminum insert" looks like. Sounds different than the usual method.

 

[Locals Find!]

Don't they have a sign code in NJ telling you how much of wind load it has to be able to withstand?? I am not being a smarta$$ I just know in Florida my installer has to be licensed and meet certain codes when installing a sign anywhere on a building. I can't just go slap a sign up on to a building anyway I want.

 

[heyskull]

We have had this problem before!!!
Anything we make or supply is made to twice the specification for projecting signs and then securley fitted.
I had a client who has now called twice to say we haven't fitted a projecting sign properly and on both occasions it had been hit by a vehicle and pulled stone work out of the wall (Not mine or the winds fault)!!
Never have I had any projecting sign blow down that I have fitted.

Just lately because of the high winds, we have had call outs for a number of franchised bookmakers projecting signs. On all occasions they were fixed using incorrect fixings.
One of these signs were fitted onto the wall using 2" wood screws!!!

SC

 

[Craig Sjoquist]

Simple your fault,, here in Florida we have much higher wind regulations, to me if it can't stand a 200mph wind it's not strong enough better at least do 150mph

Thank god no one got hurt

 

[Gino]

To make a call on who is responsible/liable for nothing happening but a damaged sign, I'd say there isn't near enough information.

If someone would've gotten hurt or worse..... you'd certainly be named in the lawsuit and probably be the most responsible, since you're the professional and your product fell.

What most people don't realize is..... possibly this thing has taken a lot of wind damage in the last few weeks or even months. It could survive that and then one sunny afternoon, it falls on somebody..... now what's your story ??


I get the impression the sign is facing a 45° off the corner of a building.

• How many guy wires are attached ??
• Is there left and right cables ??
• Is there one coming down from the top ??
• It's 18 square feet of metal sail..... do you have through bolts into the building ??
• What did your codes department have to say about your installation after inspecting it ??

If you have any before, after or after re-installation, we can make a better assessment of your problem.

 

[rjssigns]

Stuff happens. Maybe the anchors didn't catch well enough? Anyway we figure 30lbs per sq. ft. for wind where I'm at.
Upside is you probably have a client for life and he will tell his buds what excellent service he got.

 

[FS-Keith]

I'd like to see what a "frame and aluminum insert" looks like.

me too. Not enough info to form any conclusion. Other then, yes it is your fault your sign fell down.

Is this a projecting or wall panel sign?

 

[Pat Whatley]

Owner calls to tell me the bottom came off and the insert fell out the other day

So the frame stayed in place, just the bottom plate came off and let the sign face drop out. Maybe I'm missing it but I don't see how that scenario would be wind related. Really sounds like a manufacturing issue but like everyone else said a picture would be worth 1000 words.