Frequently Asked Questions

ANSWER: ADA is an acronym for The Americans with Disabilities Act. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

We make sure our signs not only look great, but are also guaranteed to be compliant with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design (SAD). Please visit our ADA Guidelines page for more information.

ANSWER: All public facilities where the completed application for a building permit or permit extension is filed after Jan. 26, 1992, and the facility will be occupied after Jan. 26, 1993, must comply with all aspects of the law.

Alterations to facilities: Any alteration undertaken after Jan. 26, 1992, shall be made to comply with the maximum extent feasible to make the facility readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.

Existing facilities: The removal of architectural barriers and communication barriers that are structural in nature should be done where such removal is "READILY ACHIEVABLE," i.e., easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. Establishment of a "good faith effort" program is crucial.

ANSWER: In accordance with ADA regulations, a sign that identifies a permanent room or space requires raised characters and Grade 2 Braille.

This list includes: room numbers, restroom signs, room identification signs, stair signs, area of refuge signs, and certain exit signs.

ANSWER: Signs that provide information about an area or space DO NOT require raised characters or Grade 2 Braille.

Examples of these signs include: no smoking signs, nameplates, informational signs, directories, directionals, overhead wayfinding signs, and temporary signage (must be posted fewer than seven days).

ANSWER: Grade 2 Braille is different from Grade 1 Braille in that it uses shortened, or contracted, forms of certain words or groups of letters. These shortened forms help to create content that is quicker to read while also taking up less space. The ADA law calls for contracted Grade 2 Braille to be used when required on signage.

We specialize in clear, dome-shaped Grade 2 Braille that is ADA-compliant and provides long-lasting durability.

ANSWER: Most interior signs in a building must be ADA compliant. The few signs that are exempt are: company logos, employee nameplates, temporary signage (must be posted fewer than seven days), and any information that does not pertain to the use of the building (i.e., posters on how to wash hands or company announcements). Most exterior signs are also exempt from ADA guidelines, except those required for accessibility.

ANSWER: Yes, if your restroom is equipped for the disabled, then your restroom sign should include the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). If a restroom is not equipped, you will need to provide a sign with instructions to the nearest accessible restroom. Please visit our ADA Guidelines page for more information.

EXCEPTION: If all restrooms in your facility are accessible to the disabled, then the ISA symbol is not required on the sign, unless you are in California. All accessible restrooms in California require the ISA symbol on the sign.

ANSWER: Our signs are made from a variety of materials such as acrylic, polycarbonate, ceramics, laminates, marble, and solid surface composites. Material information can be found within the description area on each product page. We specialize in sign manufacturing processes, including: laser cutting, match routing, sandblasting, screen printing, vinyl graphic plotting, and painting. Learn more about our sign-making process by watching the video found on our About Us page.

ANSWER: Our signs range in thickness, typically from 1/8" to 2", depending on the sign style you choose. We do recommend using a silicone adhesive in addition to the tape strips for heavier signs. Please see the installation guide included in your order, or visit our Sign Installation page for more detailed information.

ANSWER: One unique benefit of our site is that we guarantee all signs to be ADA compliant. Therefore, we do not allow light-colored signs with light-colored graphics and vice versa. When you chose a sign color, the system automatically reveals only the ADA-compliant graphic colors allowed for that sign color. This way, we can ensure that your sign is ADA compliant. If you need a color combination we do not allow, please Contact Us to discuss your options.

ANSWER: No need to feel overwhelmed. With our SignSpec© Signage Planning Service, we will assist you through the entire process of selecting sign locations, sign types, and message text that is not only ADA compliant, but also meets NFPA 101 Life Safety codes, as well as International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code IFC standards. Simply supply us with a blueprint of your facility and we'll get started.

ANSWER: Codes vary for every location and building type. We suggest checking with your local Fire Marshall for codes that your facility may need to follow concerning exits.

ANSWER: An area of refuge is a safe location in your building that has been created for occupants to shelter in during a fire or other emergency when evacuation may not be possible. This designated area on each floor of the building is often for people who have mobility challenges and are unable to navigate the stairs. According to the International Building Code (IBC), areas of refuge are required when a building is not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. Please Contact Us if you need assistance with determining whether or not your building needs an area of refuge.

ANSWER: If you are using our SignSpec© Signage Planning Service, your signs will arrive labeled with location numbers that correspond to your Sign Location Plan, so you don't have to worry about which signs go where. You will also receive a Sign Installation Guide providing detailed instructions on how to install your signs according to ADA specifications.

ANSWER: All products are produced in the USA at one of our manufacturing facilities. We use the highest quality materials to ensure complete satisfaction.

ANSWER: Always remember to use easy-to-understand and recognizable words, like the common name of the room or its function. Avoid slang or trendy words. Also, remember to keep the message short and simple. Long messages tend to lose their impact, while multiple lines can be hard to read.

ANSWER: Enter series of numbers with a dash (ex: 1-10) or use commas to separate individual numbers (ex: 1, 10, 35). Room numbers can be combined as well (ex: 1-10, 12, 14, 16, 24-30). Please enter all room numbers needed in this style. You may also add a character prefix or suffix to a series (ex: 1A-10A, 2B-5B). Note that preview will only show the first item in the series.

ANSWER: Yes, you may use any combination of characters on a sign. If ordering multiple room numbers, simply list the characters you would like on your sign as a series (ex: 1A-10A, 12A, 2B-5B). Note that the preview image will only show the first item in the series.

ANSWER: For your convenience, you'll find a drop-down menu with arrows for your directional signage. If for some reason the drop-down arrows don't work, you may still have to use key strokes:

< for left arrow
> for right arrow
^ for up arrow
` for down arrow
{ for diagonal NW arrow
} for diagonal NE arrow
[ for SW arrow
] for SE arrow

ANSWER: Line and character limitations are specified for each sign based on the size of the sign. For every custom sign there will be a character/letter max specified. In addition, when you type in your custom text, the system will not allow you to enter more than the maximum characters allowed.

ANSWER: Yes. All of those items do count toward the total character count allowed on a sign.

ANSWER: Generally you will need to go to the next larger sign in that collection. However, feel free to Contact Us and speak with one of our customer service representatives about your options.

ANSWER: We have taken great steps to ensure that our web images are almost identical to our actual signs. However, sign colors and graphic colors can vary depending on your computer monitor. Actual color samples are available upon request. Character spacing may also differ slightly, but rest assured, all orders go through our graphics department before being built.

ANSWER: First, sign into your account. Then click on My Account and update your information. Be sure to save any updates before leaving the page.

ANSWER: You can find a link to Reset Your Password under the Account Sign In area. Enter in the email you used to sign up for an account, and a reset password link will be emailed to you. If you cannot remember the email address you used, or if you do not receive the reset email, please Contact Us and we'll be happy to assist you.

ANSWER: Yes. If you were logged in to your account, anything you added to your Shopping Cart remains there until you submit your order or manually remove the items from your cart. Once you log back in, you will see the items in your cart.

ANSWER: Yes, your shipping address can be different than your billing address. Keep in mind that if paying with a credit card, your billing address must match the billing address of your credit card.

ANSWER: You can update your address by logging into your account and clicking on My Account. Under the account information, click on "Address Book" to make changes. You can also change your shipping address when you are submitting your order by clicking on the "Change Address" button on the Delivery Information page of the checkout process.

ANSWER: Your Account Name is the name your account is under or your personal name. The Account Number can be found on your last invoice above your account name. If you do not know your Account Number, leave this area blank. If you do not have a Purchase Order #, please enter your name instead.

ANSWER: Be sure to click "Submit Order" on the last page titled "Please Review Your Order," otherwise, your order will remain in your shopping cart. Once your order has been submitted, you will receive an order confirmation by email to let you know that the order was accepted.

ANSWER: You can check the status of your order by logging into your account and clicking on My Account. Under the account information, click on "Order History" to view current and previous orders. You should also receive an automated email when your order is being processed and again when it is shipped. Feel free to Contact Us for this information as well.

ANSWER: If you did not receive your order email confirmation, it could be that your email address was entered incorrectly. If your email address is correct, check to see if your products are still in your cart by clicking on the Shopping Cart icon. Be sure to click "Submit Order" on the last page titled "Please Review Your Order," otherwise, your order will remain in your shopping cart.

ANSWER: Customers can pay with a major credit card such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Customers can also choose to fill out a Credit Application or pay with a Purchase Order.

ANSWER: We charge your credit card as soon as you place your order.

ANSWER: We charge your credit card as soon as you place your order.

ANSWER: Yes. Please call us at our Toll-free number (shown at the bottom of the page) at any time, and we'll be happy to assist you with ordering by phone, fax, or mail.

ANSWER: With our SignSpec© Signage Planning Service, we will help you through the entire process of selecting sign locations, sign types, and message text that is ADA compliant. Or, Contact Us to speak with a customer service representative who can help you choose the sign style that best fits your needs.

ANSWER: We are constantly creating new and unique products to offer you the largest selection of signs and colors available. Contact Us to discuss your options. Or, if you have a particular design in mind, we will work with you to create the perfect sign system that suits your needs and enhances your facility's decor.

ANSWER: Our SignSpec© Signage Planning Service is available at no extra charge. Simply supply us with a blueprint of your facility, and we'll provide you with a complete sign quote package that includes all the sign types your facility requires with a sign location guide for easy installation. You can then pick and choose which signs you would like based on our recommendations, which are guaranteed to meet ADA Guidelines.

ANSWER: Our SignSpec© Signage Planning Service is specifically designed to help you outfit your entire facility with the signs you need. SignSpec© teams work with architects, designers, developers, property owners, and purchasing companies to achieve a complete, consistent, and ADA-compliant sign quote that meets the needs of a facility. Simply supply us with your facility's floor plans or blueprints and we'll do the rest! Your illustrated SignSpec© signage quote includes a Project Summary with a Sign List and Location Numbers and a Sign Location Plan. The Project Summary outlines the sign styles and quantities our team has recommended for your facility, and lists each sign with message text and location numbers (location numbers correspond with your Sign Location Plan). When your signs are shipped, they are packed per floor, and each sign has a label on the back with the Sign Location number.

ANSWER: Almost all of the signs we offer are custom-built by Sign Artisans after the order is placed. This allows us to provide you with a wider variety of color, material, and font options to achieve the look you desire for your facility. Most sign orders usually ship within 10 to 15 business days after the order is accepted. Learn more about our sign-making process by watching the video found on our About Us page.

ANSWER: Please Contact Us and speak with one of our customer service representatives. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your order.

ANSWER: Simply Contact Us and let one of our customer service representatives know. We will always replace any items damaged through shipping.

ANSWER: We are committed to your complete satisfaction and we believe in the durability of our products. Therefore, we have a Life–of–the–Building Guarantee. We will replace any sign at any time during the life of your building due to defects in material or workmanship. That's right, any sign at any time.

ANSWER: In most cases, we will not ask you to return any damaged or incorrect items. However, if we do ask you to return your order, you will not be charged for return shipping.

ANSWER: If you are in the shopping cart, simply click "Continue Shopping" to add more signs. You can also use the drop-down navigation menu or search box to find the signs you need.

ANSWER: Once in your shopping cart, simply click "Remove Item" located next to the product you wish to remove. To increase or decrease the quantity of a particular sign, enter the # in the quantity box next to the sign you wish to increase/decrease. Then click "Update Qty" to save any changes. Note: The only exception to this is room numbers. You must click "Edit" to increase the quantity of room numbers from your shopping cart.

ANSWER: If the sign color, graphic color, and text are exactly the same, you can just increase the quantity of the item to the number needed. The quantity is located on the product customizing page, as well as in the shopping cart. Note: The only exception to this is room numbers. You cannot increase the quantity of room numbers from your shopping cart.

ANSWER: Yes. If you are logged in to your account, anything you add to your shopping cart remains there until you submit your order or manually remove the items from your cart. Simply log back in when you return. Then you can preview what is in your cart and submit your order when you are ready to purchase.