METAL EXTERIOR ADA SIGNS – CUSTOM & RESTROOM

1st SIGN DESIGN CONSIDERATION – METAL BASE

• Select aluminum, brass or bronze for your sign base
• Determine what shape and size that fits desired sign content and your space
• Choose a matte or satin sign finish

2nd SIGN DESIGN CONSIDERATION – CONTENT 

• Design a sign with any content, including ADA compliant lettering and braille, arrows, logos and pictograms
• Select any PMS/RGB/Hex code, or a paint code from any large paint manufacturer for your custom metal sign content

3rd SIGN DESIGN CONSIDERATION – MOUNTING 

• Custom metal signs can be securely installed via several approaches including studs, cleats and through holes with decorative fastener heads

INDUSTRY BEST EXTERIOR ADA SIGNS WARRANTY

Green Dot Sign® outdoor ADA signs are practically indestructible and come with a lifetime warranty. Instead of plastic, our signs for outdoor purposes are made from machined solid aluminum, brass or bronze plates. Each sign is then painted, sanded to expose letters and pictograms in the natural metal and lastly dressed with a top coat. Because metal sign construction does not have layers, there are not materials with different rates of thermal or hygroscopic expansion waiting to fail after temperature or humidity swing.  All paints are automotive grade, two-part catalyzed paints with the longest possible exterior life. Fading will occur around 10 years, but usable life is much longer.

Outdoor signage is an often overlooked aspect of sign systems. All too often, designers specify the same materials for both interior and exterior sign applications. This oversight leads to disastrous results, as typical interior signs fail when exposed to outdoor conditions. Exterior ADA sign failures usually fall into at least one of these four categories.

1. Adhesive holding layers of plastic together delaminates due to thermal or hygroscopic expansion
2. Plastic integrity fails due to temperature swing and UV exposure
3. Braille balls fall off due to material integrity failure
4. UV exposure causes colors to fade and not meet ADA sign contrast requirements

STANDARD OUTDOOR RESTROOM SIGNS

Use All Gender, Men’s and Women’s Restroom Exterior ADA signs to identify to identify handicap accessible restrooms outdoors.  Accessible outdoor restroom signs contain either the traditional or modified ISA.  Standard exterior ADA signs are available with a black sign background and aluminum sign content.

• Standard exterior ADA restroom sign prices include free U.S. ground shipping
• Automatic volume discounts when ordering multiple exterior restroom signs
• Always ADA-compliant, our metal signs take the guesswork out of whether your exterior ADA signs will pass inspection

SPECIFY METAL OUTDOOR SIGNS

Download product data sheets, CSI 3-Part Specification, sign BIM drawings and third-party sustainability certifications for your indoor and outdoor sign specifications.  Feel free to copy, paste and edit these architect approved documents to fit your building project’s needs.

Specifications

 EXTERIOR ADA SIGNAGE OVERVIEW

Signs use words and symbols to communicate messages. “ADA sign” refers to signage marking U.S. public building rooms, spaces or features that are regulated by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).   The U.S. Department of Justice published the ADA in order to prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities.  Federally regulated signage provides the 7.5 million Americans that are legally blind or visually impaired equal access to public spaces across the U.S.

ADA sign requirements enforced today were released as part of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (SAD). Detailed federal signage requirements direct the location and content of identification, directional and informational signs. Some, but not all, door signs are regulated by the ADA.

Take the guesswork out of whether your Handicapped Accessibility signs will pass inspection with Green Dot Sign® ADA compliant braille signs. Review our ADA Signage Requirements FAQs to learn about federal accessibility signage guidelines.

EXTERIOR ADA SIGNAGE REQUIREMENTS

U.S public buildings are required to post exterior ADA signage in two instances. First, if not all building entrances are handicap accessible, signage must direct toward the nearest accessible entrance.  Additionally, if not all entrances are accessible, handicapped accessible entrance(s) must be marked with ADA signs that include the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA or person in a wheelchair pictogram).

Signage that directs towards an accessible building entrance does not need to contain braille or raised characters. It is best practice to place wayfinding signs at every turn along the route to the accessible alternative. When no turns are required, directional signs should be posted every 35 to 50 feet.

Second, exterior tactile signage is required if an outdoor space is part of a building structure, such as a courtyard or shared rooftop patio. ADA signage with braille and raised characters identifying outdoor building spaces must be placed at doorways leading back inside the building.  However, exterior ADA sign is not necessary at building doors leading to parking lots or sidewalks.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY (ISA)

ADA signs provide visually impaired and blind people greater access to public buildings, and often include braille, raised text and pictograms. The ISA must be used on accessibility signage in several situations.

1. When not all restrooms, bathing facilities, entrances, exits or elevators are accessible, signs with the ISA must be placed at accessible features. Additionally, signs must be placed at each inaccessible feature, directing to the nearest accessible feature.
2. On signs identifying areas of refuge or rescue assistance.
3. On signs identifying accessible check-out aisles and amusement ride entries.
4. On signs identifying accessible parking spaces.

MODIFIED ISA

In New York and Connecticut, the modified ISA is required. Additionally, in many other U.S. jurisdictions the modified ISA is acceptable. While many prefer the feel of the modified ISA, we recommend confirming ISA requirements with your local building inspector before ordering accessibility signs.

THE BEST EXTERIOR ADA SIGNS

Reach out to schedule a no obligation custom metal sign consultation or for a fast exterior sign package quote.