Why Structural Checks Matter for Projecting Signs , NBNE Print & Sign

When you're planning that perfect projecting sign for your business – the one that'll catch every passing customer's eye and make your shopfront stand out – there's something crucial that often gets overlooked until it's too late. We're talking about structural checks, and honestly, it's one of those things that sounds way more intimidating than it actually is.

Here at NBNE, we've seen too many business owners discover (sometimes the hard way) that their gorgeous new sign needs proper engineering verification. Don't worry though – we're here to guide you through why this matters and how we make the whole process straightforward and stress-free.

The Reality of Wind Loads

Let's start with the basics. Your projecting sign isn't just hanging there looking pretty – it's actually working pretty hard against some serious forces. Every time the wind picks up, your sign is essentially acting like a sail, and that creates what engineers call "wind loads."

Think about it this way: on a blustery day in Northumberland (and we get plenty of those!), your sign could be experiencing forces equivalent to someone continuously pushing against it. Over time, if the fixings, brackets, or mounting points aren't up to the job, something's got to give.

This isn't about creating fear – it's simply physics. The good news is that with proper planning and the right approach, we can design your sign to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, keeping your customers safe and your investment secure.

Understanding EN 1991-1-4 (Without the Headache)

Now, you might be wondering what EN 1991-1-4 is – and no, it's not some secret code! It's actually the European standard that tells us exactly how to calculate wind loads on structures, including your projecting sign.

In plain English, this standard gives us a systematic way to work out how much wind force your sign will face based on:

• Where your building is located
• How high up the sign will be mounted
• The size and shape of your sign
• Local wind conditions and terrain

We use specialized software (like the calculator shown above) to crunch all these numbers, ensuring every aspect of your sign design meets or exceeds the required safety standards. It might look complex, but for us, it's just another day at the office – and it means you can sleep easy knowing your sign is properly engineered.

What Goes Into a Proper Design Check

When we talk about structural checks, we're looking at your entire sign system as one integrated unit. It's not just about whether the sign panel itself is strong enough – we need to verify every single component that keeps your sign safely attached to your building.

The Sign Substrate and Framework First up, we examine the sign panel itself and any internal framework. Different materials behave differently under load – what works for a small wooden sign definitely won't cut it for a large aluminum composite panel. We calculate the stresses and deflections to ensure your sign won't bend, crack, or fail over time.

Brackets and Mounting Hardware This is often where problems occur if corners are cut. The brackets connecting your sign to the building need to be sized correctly for both the weight of the sign and the dynamic forces from wind loading. We specify the exact bracket configuration, materials, and dimensions needed for your specific installation.

Building Fixings and Attachment Points Perhaps most importantly, we verify that your building can actually handle the loads we're asking it to carry. This involves checking the proposed fixing positions, specifying appropriate anchors or through-bolts, and sometimes recommending additional reinforcement if needed.

Why the Paperwork Actually Matters

We know, we know – nobody gets excited about paperwork. But here's the thing: that structural calculation document we provide isn't just bureaucratic box-ticking. It's actually your safety net in several important ways.

Insurance Peace of Mind If something ever did go wrong (which it won't with proper design!), having professional structural calculations shows your insurer that you took all reasonable precautions. Many policies actually require evidence of proper engineering for commercial signage, and having this documentation can prevent complications with claims.

Planning and Building Control Compliance Depending on your location and the size of your sign, planning authorities or building control may require structural verification as part of your application. Having professional calculations prepared upfront can speed up approvals and prevent costly delays.

Liability Protection As a business owner, you have responsibility for the safety of anyone who might be affected by your signage. Professional structural calculations demonstrate due diligence and can provide important protection if questions ever arise about your sign's safety.

The NBNE Approach to Structural Verification

Here's how we handle structural checks differently. We don't just run a quick calculation and call it done – we take a comprehensive approach that gives you complete confidence in your investment.

Full Load Analysis We perform detailed calculations for all load combinations your sign might experience – not just wind loads, but also dead loads (the weight of the sign itself) and any dynamic effects. This comprehensive analysis ensures your sign will perform reliably in all conditions.

Site-Specific Design Every location is different, and we account for your specific site conditions. A sign in a sheltered courtyard faces very different challenges than one on an exposed high street corner. Our calculations are tailored to your exact installation environment.

Professional Documentation All our structural work is signed off by qualified engineers and presented in clear, professional reports. You'll receive calculations that satisfy insurers, planning authorities, and building control – plus a summary in plain English so you understand exactly what we've designed and why.

Ongoing Support Even after your sign is installed, we're here if you need additional documentation, have questions about maintenance, or want to modify your signage in the future. Consider us your long-term partners in keeping your business looking great and staying safe.

Beyond Compliance: The Benefits of Getting It Right

When we properly engineer your projecting sign from the start, you get benefits that go far beyond just meeting regulations:

Longevity and Reliability A properly designed sign will give you years of trouble-free service. No worrying about loose fixings, sagging panels, or weather-related damage – just consistent, professional presentation of your business.

Cost Effectiveness While proper engineering might seem like an extra cost upfront, it's actually an investment that pays for itself. Avoiding remedial work, insurance complications, or safety incidents more than justifies the initial design work.

Professional Reputation There's something to be said for doing things properly. When planning authorities, insurers, and even your customers see that you've taken a thorough, professional approach to your signage, it reflects well on how you run your entire business.

When to Seek Structural Verification

You might be wondering when structural checks are actually necessary. While requirements can vary depending on location and local regulations, here are some situations where professional verification is definitely recommended:

Any projecting sign over a certain size (typically more than 2-3 square meters) will benefit from structural calculations. Signs mounted high up on buildings face increased wind loads and safety risks. If you're replacing an existing sign with something larger or heavier, the original fixings might not be adequate for the new loads.

Complex mounting situations – like signs spanning between buildings or attached to older structures – definitely warrant professional analysis. And if planning authorities or building control have requested structural information, having proper calculations prepared by qualified engineers is essential.

Making It Simple for You

We know that as a business owner, you've got enough to worry about without getting bogged down in structural engineering details. That's exactly why we've streamlined our approach to make the whole process as straightforward as possible for you.

When you work with us, we handle all the technical complexity behind the scenes. You tell us what you want to achieve with your signage, and we figure out how to make it happen safely and compliantly. We keep you informed throughout the process, but you don't need to become an expert in wind load calculations or building regulations.

Our goal is to give you complete confidence that your sign is properly engineered, fully compliant, and ready to serve your business reliably for years to come. We take care of the technical details so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

If you're planning new signage or want reassurance about an existing installation, we're here to help. Drop us a line at NBNE Print & Sign – we'd love to chat about how we can support your business with professional, properly engineered signage that you can be proud of.