Procuring ADA Signs for Your Office – A Complete Guide

Getting ADA signs right for your office building might seem daunting at first. However, once you understand the process, it becomes a straightforward series of informed decisions. This guide will walk you through each step, helping you create a compliant and professional wayfinding system that serves everyone who enters your building.

Before you order a single sign, you need to know which signs require ADA compliance. Not every sign in your building falls under these regulations. Permanent room identifications, such as restrooms, stairwells, and room numbers, must meet strict standards. Meanwhile, temporary signs and most directional signage have more flexibility.

Start by walking through your building with your architectural plans in hand. Identify every permanent room that needs identification. Pay special attention to ADA bathroom signs, as these are among the most scrutinized during inspections. Create a comprehensive list that includes office numbers, conference rooms, and all common areas.

This initial audit saves you money and headaches down the road. You’ll avoid over-ordering compliant signs for areas that don’t need them. At the same time, you won’t miss critical locations that absolutely require them.

ADA regulations are specific, but they’re not impossible to understand. The key requirements focus on making information accessible to people with visual impairments. Consequently, your signs need both visual and tactile elements.

Text must have a non-glare finish with specific contrast ratios between characters and backgrounds. Characters need to be raised at least 1/32 inch. Additionally, Grade 2 Braille must accompany the raised text. These aren’t suggestions or best practices. They’re requirements that keep your building compliant and welcoming.

The ADA sign height matters more than most people realize. Tactile characters must be mounted between 48 and 60 inches above the floor, measured from the baseline of the lowest character. Furthermore, signs should be positioned on the latch side of doors where possible. Your local building codes might have additional requirements, so check with your jurisdiction before finalizing plans.

When signing a building, compliance and aesthetics eventually meet. You have more creative freedom than you might think. While the regulations specify minimum standards, they give you room to express your brand identity. Choose fonts that are both ADA-compliant and consistent with your corporate aesthetic. Sans-serif fonts typically work best because they’re easier to read. However, many serif fonts also meet the requirements if you select them carefully. The key is avoiding excessively decorative or condensed typefaces.

Color selection demands careful evaluation of contrast values. Light characters on dark backgrounds or vice versa both work well. Test your color combinations against the required 70 percent contrast ratio.  The following chart represents what a typical ADA color contrast chart would look like where custom ADA signs can incorporate your brand colors while meeting these specifications. Pictograms provide universal understanding across language barriers. Select symbols that are widely recognized and culturally appropriate. The International Symbol of Accessibility, for instance, is required for accessible restrooms and parking.

It’s pragmatic to source materials for both appearance and longevity. Acrylic offers a modern, professional look and holds up well in interior environments. Metal signs, particularly aluminum, provide outstanding durability and a premium feel in both interior and exterior settings. Vista System provides several suites of office signs that combine both.

Wood materials can work beautifully in the right setting, though they call for careful finishing to maintain proper contrast.  Great for niche or boutique settings, they are also typically the hardest to match should new signs be needed in the future.

The method you choose for creating tactile elements affects both cost and quality. Subsurface engraving with paint fill creates durable, permanent characters. Photopolymer dome application offers excellent tactile quality with design flexibility. Applied acrylic letters provide a dimensional look that exceeds minimum requirements.

Think about your building’s traffic patterns and maintenance schedule. Busy traffic areas need more durable materials and finishes, especially in public-facing environments. Therefore, investing in quality materials initially saves on replacement costs later.

Not all sign manufacturers understand ADA requirements equally well. Look for vendors who specialize in ADA Braille signs and can demonstrate their expertise. Ask for samples that you can physically inspect and touch. The Braille should be properly sized and positioned. Raised characters should have the correct height and finish.

Ask for references from similar office building projects. A manufacturer’s track record tells you more than their marketing materials ever will. Additionally, inquire about their quality control processes and compliance verification procedures.

Manufacturing schedules differ greatly between manufacturers, and so can the quality of the finished product. Consequently, it’s important to plan accordingly, especially with remodels or large construction projects. Lead times can range from 10-15 business days to several months. Rush orders are generally available but often come with premium pricing.

Developing a detailed sign schedule linked to your architectural plans helps prevent misunderstandings from project inception through installation. A schedule listing each sign location, sign copy, size, and mounting instructions is imperative for proper signing procedures in the office.

Sign schedules are typically coordinated with construction during new builds and renovations. Typically, general contractors will have local sign companies or sign subcontractors do the installation.  The subcontractors will come in near the end of construction, after painting is complete but before final inspections. Phased installation mitigates disruption, especially in occupied buildings.

Since there are different wall types to consider, so are the mounting options. Drywall installations need appropriate anchors, typically wall anchors and screws, or VHB (Very High Bond) double-sided tape. Concrete or masonry walls require specialized fasteners for mounting.

Verify mounting heights and positions during installation. Even perfectly compliant signs fail inspection if they’re mounted incorrectly. Use a measuring tape and level religiously. Check that signs are on the latch side of doors where required.

Coordinate with other trades to avoid conflicts. Electricians, painters, and finish carpenters all work in the same spaces. Good communication prevents damage and rework.

ADA signage needs do not end at installation.  Tenants come and go, names and titles change, as do room names. Best practices suggest ordering a few extra signs in standard sizes as spares.

Develop a maintenance plan for cleaning and inspecting your signs. While quality ADA-compliant signs are relatively sturdy and can withstand public-facing traffic, they do require occasional maintenance.

Keep records of your original sign schedule, manufacturer specifications, and installation photos. This documentation is extremely useful during inspections and future updates, especially when there’s staff turnover.

Procuring ADA signs for your office building is absolutely manageable when you break it into phases. Start with a comprehensive evaluation of your needs and understand the local sign codes.  Talk through the design and materials with a qualified manufacturer. Communicate frequently throughout installation and implement a strategy for ongoing maintenance.

The result is a wayfinding system that serves all building occupants while reflecting your professional standards. You’ll have the confidence that comes from knowing your building is equally compliant and welcoming. That’s a worthwhile investment in your property’s value and your occupants’ experience.