Professional vinyl graphics hoardings installers in TorontoSome of our fellow installers have recently requested that we share our expertise in hoarding graphics projects. You asked, and we listening!

Hoarding graphics are a type of printed graphics typically applied to standing structures designed to control access to areas such as building sites and to obscure the view. They are often used on construction sites for safety, branding, and advertising purposes. All project steps from design to post-maintenance are outlined below:

Design

When we undertake a hoarding graphics project from the “start-to-finish” stage, we collaborate with graphic designers to identify customer priorities and objectives. These might include communicating a specific message, encouraging passers-by to take a specific action, raising general brand awareness, or informing the public about the project being undertaken. Some best practices for designing effective hoarding graphics that we follow are:

  • With all forms of outdoor advertising, it’s important to keep the messaging as clear as possible. The graphics will usually be displayed in a public place where people might be passing quickly, seeing it from the corner of their eye, or approaching from various angles. Therefore, any advertisement that can’t be digested and understood in a matter of a few short seconds may not communicate very well.
  • Keep the design simple and uncluttered. Overly elaborate metaphors can work well in some types of advertising, but for large-format outdoor adverts, it’s often best to keep the messaging straightforward.
  • Use high-quality, relevant images that align with your brand and the message you wish to convey. Eye-catching visuals can create curiosity and intrigue, drawing people to your hoarding board and prompting them to learn more about your brand or project.
  • Vibrant colors attract attention and help your hoarding stand out. Consider the surroundings of the construction site and choose colors that will stand out or complement the scenery without disappearing into the background.
  • Opt for clear, easy-to-read fonts that can be seen from a distance. This ensures that your message is easily readable, even by those quickly passing by.
  • Prioritize key messages that you want to communicate to your audience. Whether it’s promoting a specific product or service or raising general brand awareness, clarify the desired outcome of the advertisement and design your messaging around that goal.
  • Incorporate branding elements into your design. This could include the company logo, tagline, or specific brand colors.
  • Consider lighting: If your hoarding will be viewed at night, consider how it will look under artificial lighting. You might need to adjust the colors or contrast to ensure it’s still impactful in different lighting conditions.

Regulations

There are certain legal requirements and rules that must be followed when displaying hoarding advertisements.

  • Notification to Local Authority: We always submit written notification to the local authority to inform them of our plans to display hoarding advertisements. This process usually takes at least two weeks. Along with the written notification, we also submit a detailed copy of our planning permission for the site.
  • Perimeter Barrier: A perimeter barrier must be installed to protect the public from the construction works taking place within.
  • Compliance Rules: We always follow compliance rules for outdoor advertisements. For instance, the hoarding graphics can’t have a total area exceeding 38m², can’t be installed more than 4.6m above ground level, and can’t be on display for more than two years in a row.

Hoardings graphics installed in Toronto, Ontario

Installation

We schedule installation during favorable weather conditions to:

  • Avoid Adhesion Issues: Adhesives used for hoarding graphics can be sensitive to temperature and humidity. In cold weather, adhesives can become brittle and lose their tackiness, while in hot weather, they can become too soft and fail to hold. High humidity can also affect the adhesive’s curing process, leading to weak bonds. Scheduling the installation during moderate, dry conditions helps ensure the adhesive sets properly and the graphics remain secure.
  • Avoid Safety Concerns: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or high winds can create hazardous working environments. Wet surfaces can be slippery, increasing the risk of falls. Wind can make it difficult to handle large panels, posing a risk of injury to workers and potential damage to the graphics. Favorable weather conditions allow for safer handling of materials and safer working conditions overall.
  • Proper Planning: Check extended weather forecasts and plan the installation schedule to coincide with a period of stable, favorable weather. Having a flexible schedule and backup plans for inclement weather can help avoid delays and ensure the installation is completed safely and effectively.

We lay out the printed panels to ensure proper alignment and spacing:

  • Before beginning the installation, we lay out the printed panels on a clean, flat surface to check for alignment and continuity. This step ensures that the design flows seamlessly from one panel to the next and helps identify any printing errors or discrepancies that need to be addressed.
  • Clear reference points are established on the installation surface using chalk lines, laser levels, or other marking tools. These reference points guide the placement of each panel, ensuring they are aligned correctly both horizontally and vertically. Consistent reference points help maintain the integrity of the design and prevent misalignment.
  • Depending on the design and installation requirements, some panels may need to overlap slightly to avoid gaps, while others might require precise butt-joint alignment. Determine the correct spacing in advance and mark it clearly on both the panels and the installation surface. Proper spacing ensures a professional finish and prevents visual disruptions in the graphics.
  • Temporarily place the panels in their intended positions without adhesive or fasteners to check the overall layout and fit. This dry fit allows for any necessary adjustments before committing to the final installation. Confirm that all panels align properly and that the design looks cohesive.

We use appropriate mounting systems (frames, adhesive, screws) based on the hoarding graphics material and surface:

  • Different hoarding materials (vinyl, mesh, PVC, etc.) require specific mounting systems that provide adequate support and adhesion. Vinyl and mesh graphics might use adhesives or tensioning systems, while rigid materials like PVC or aluminum panels might require screws or bolts. We ensure the mounting system is compatible with both the graphic material and the installation surface.
  • The type of surface (e.g., concrete, brick, metal, wood) affects the choice of mounting system. For example, adhesives may work well on smooth, clean surfaces but may not adhere properly to rough or porous surfaces like brick or concrete. In such cases, using mechanical fasteners like screws, bolts, or anchors provides a more secure attachment.
  • For installations requiring additional support, especially for large or heavy panels, metal or wooden frames offer a sturdy structure. Frames help distribute the weight of the graphics evenly and provide a rigid backing that prevents warping or sagging. Frames are particularly useful on uneven or irregular surfaces where direct adhesion might not be feasible.
  • Installers at V. Creative Graphics always select high-quality, weather-resistant adhesives designed for outdoor use. These adhesives should be strong enough to withstand environmental conditions such as UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. Proper surface preparation, including cleaning and priming, is crucial for ensuring strong adhesion.
  • For rigid panels, we use appropriate fasteners such as screws, bolts, or anchors that provide a secure and durable attachment. We choose corrosion-resistant fasteners for outdoor installations to prevent rust and degradation over time. Our professional installers ensure that fasteners are spaced evenly and securely anchored to the installation surface to prevent panels from loosening or falling.

Benefits

Beyond their basic function as an aid to site safety, hoardings also represent a great opportunity for branding and advertising. They can transform the impact construction sites have on businesses. Hoarding graphics offer several benefits as an advertising medium:

  • Hoardings provide high visibility due to their large size and strategic placement in high-traffic areas. This ensures that your message reaches a wide and diverse audience quickly.
  • Hoardings are an effective tool for enhancing brand recognition and recall. They can be used to promote a specific product or service or to raise general brand awareness of your company name and logo.
  • Hoardings can be strategically placed in locations where your target audience is likely to see them, providing targeted exposure.
  • Unlike other forms of advertising that may be time-bound, hoardings are visible 24/7, ensuring constant exposure.
  • Hoardings provide ample space for creativity and innovation. Advertisers can leverage the large canvas to showcase visually stunning graphics, eye-catching imagery, and thought-provoking messages.
  • Compared to other forms of advertising, hoarding graphics are a comparatively low-cost alternative. They offer a high return on investment due to their wide reach and long lifespan.
  • Hoarding graphics can be completely tailored to your unique requirements, including brand colors, messaging, and imagery.

Maintenance

Maintaining hoarding graphics is crucial to ensure they continue to look their best and effectively communicate your company’s message. We may sign contracts for this type of service to do the following:

  • Regular cleaning is essential to keep hoarding graphics looking clean and maintain their visual appeal. We wipe down the graphics with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
  • We regularly inspect the graphics for any signs of damage such as tears, scratches, or fading, and promptly repair or replace damaged sections to prevent further deterioration.
  • If graffiti occurs, we remove it as soon as possible to maintain the integrity of the graphics. We use graffiti removal products that do not damage the graphics.
  • We check the graphics after severe weather conditions and make any necessary repairs.

To summarize, regular maintenance can help to prolong the lifespan of hoarding graphics and keep them looking their best. Are you planning to design and install hoarding graphics? Don’t hesitate to contact us for the project planning at competitive price.

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