Brandon Industries

Street signs can be an easy target for vandals. Most signs are within reach and attached to flimsy poles. The city of Eugene was plagued with sign theft, particularly in its South University neighborhood.

While a street sign might seem like a unique piece of décor, it is actually a public safety issue that can endanger lives. Stop signs help control the flow of traffic, and their absence could lead to an increase in car accidents. Eugene’s problem was especially pervasive as the entire sign, posts and all, were being stolen.

Luckily, as part of a matching grant program, we were able to provide the city with 10 sign poles. The new poles were 12 feet tall and installed in concrete moorings. The city hopes the height will serve as a deterrent, and that the concrete will prevent them from being uprooted.

We were happy to provide the city of Eugene with a streetscape solution to their problem. Our decorative poles left them with an aesthetically pleasing but functional fix. So whatever your signage systems needs are, we will work with you to create a custom look for your community.

What is easier to read—ALL CAPS or Upper and Lower Case?

According to a new federal law, a combination of upper and lower case is indeed more legible to passing motorists. Under this law, all towns and cities across the country must replace all their uppercase signs with the aforementioned case combination.

The deadline for the change is January 22, 2018, so there is some time to phase out the offending uppercase signs. The signs must also be reflective and easy-to-read by nighttime drivers. This rule can be found in the 864-page manual issued by the Federal Highway Administration, and its intent is to increase the safety of America’s roads.

Some communities feel as though the change is unnecessary and an additional financial burden in tough times. However, a study found that during the day and night, viewers were able to read mixed-case text approximately 15 percent more easily than uppercase text. This could be due to the fact that lowercase letters take up less space and therefore provide more contrasting background color. Further, the Federal Highway Administration said this is not a project to be undertaken all at once-hence the 2018 deadline.

Luckily, all of our signage systems follow this requirement. We can work with you to get your community up to code, whether you want to replace all of your signs at once or one at a time.

Missing signage systems can pose a problem for city planners. While vandals might think snagging the sign from their street might be a nice memento, it can actually be a nuisance, or even a danger, to residents. Street signs do have a vital role in directing and regulating traffic.

One city has decided to put a stop to the street sign thievery. Morgantown, West Virginia, has offered amnesty to anyone who has stolen a street sign. It is a limited time offer, but it gives people the opportunity to return the signs without fear of repercussions.

The city has been simply replacing any street signs that have been taken, but has decided that this is a costly solution to the problem. They are also hoping that using less pliable sign poles will help deter would be vandals.

We know our signs are aesthetically designed, but that doesn’t mean they should hang on someone’s wall like a work of art. Our sign poles are cast aluminum, durable, and start at 3 inches. That will be more than enough to stand up to mischief and a pair of pliers.

Every community is unique in its own way—from the people who call it home to the business that set up shop. Showcase your communities’ uniqueness with customized signage systems. Designing your own signs may sound like a daunting task, but we have a step-by-step guide and professional sales associates only a phone call away to help make creating the perfect sign system a breeze.

1. Choose Sign Poles

The right sign pole is essential for any signage system. It’s where all your signs will be displayed and you will choose your decorative elements based on the size and shape of this pole, so it’s the best place to begin. We have a variety of styles that come in multiple diameters and heights. Pole height is chosen based on minimum mounting height of sign. The minimum mounting height is measured from the bottom of the lowest sign on the pole to grade. MUTCD standards are 7’ for regulatory signs.

Because the poles are direct burial installation, you must account for at least 2’ needed below grade to the total length of the pole.  Simply put, if you want to have pole 10’ above ground, you need to choose a 12’ pole.

Pole Options:

• Choose Pole Style
• Choose Pole Diameter
• Choose Pole Height

2. Choose Sign Finials

Top off your sign with one of our decorative sign finials. No matter your sign style, we have the perfect finial to complete the look. For elegance, we have the acorn. For Texas pride we have a star. For simplicity, there is the ball or cap. And the point suits a more modern look.

3. Choose Sign Bases

Because the pole is direct burial installation, the base is not necessary, but it does add another decorative element to put your sign system above the rest. We have an array of bases to complement the design of your signage system.

4. Choose Signs

While poles are an integral part of any signage system, such systems would be pointless without the signs themselves. Think about what signs your community needs. We have everything from street signs to traffic signs. We can also make any MUTCD traffic or custom signs in various sizes. If you really want to add pizazz to your neighborhood, think about adding your community or city logo to your signs. We can produce these from your artwork or help design one for you.  This kind of special detail will show the pride of your community to anyone passing through.

Sign Options:

• Choose Type of Reflective Vinyl
• Choose Street Signs
• Choose Traffic Signs

5. Sign Trims & Brackets

Much like a picture frame can turn a simple print into artwork you’re proud to display in your home, our traffic and sign trims add a polished look to your sign unit.

Sign Trim and Bracket Options:

• Street Sign Trims & Decorative Scrolls
• Traffic Sign Trims
• Optional Logo Signs and Trims

We also offer a variety of complete sign units that will make finding sign systems for your community even easier. For a more detailed look at our offerings, you can order one of our streetscape products catalogs. And if you have any questions about the ordering process, you can always contact us or browse through our frequently asked questions.

We aren’t the only ones who have noticed the increase in streetscape appreciation. Recently, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) helped create legislation deeming the fourth week of April “National Streetscaping Week.” The legislation encourages the design and implementation of sustainable streetscapes that promote the environmental, social, and overall well-being of communities.

The legislation was introduced by Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen and seeks government funding and support for streetscape design projects. Streetscapes are an integral part of communities, and their benefits include job creation, energy cost reduction, increased property value, additional recreational space, and reduced air pollution. This legislation seeks to encourage citizens to invest in their communities and neighborhoods through well-designed streetscapes.

So how are you going to celebrate National Streetscaping Week? Perhaps through striking signage systems or energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Whether you plan on crafting a completely new design or are just looking to update an already established area, we can help you invest in your community and its well-being with our quality streetscape products.

On our daily commutes, we may drive from point A to point B without giving much thought to the roadside surroundings. When asked, drivers might not be able to describe a street they drive down every day. However, this may be changing as more and more emphasis is being placed on streetscapes.

Defined as the appearance of a street, city planners are beginning to recognize the impact that a streetscape, or the lack thereof, can have on their community. A well-planned streetscape can transform a desolate strip of asphalt into a luscious area that both pedestrians and drivers can enjoy.

Is there an area in your town that says desert more than oasis? We can help you get your streetscape project underway with custom streetlights and signage systems. We can work with you to design a look that will complement your community’s current and unique look. And the proper lights will ensure that residents will be able to enjoy any streetscape even after the sun goes down.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can request a catalog to get on the right track. You can also browse through our streetscape gallery for inspiration and let us know when you are ready to create your own striking streetscape.

Street lights serve many purposes—they light the way for pedestrians at night, aid late-night drivers, and illuminate parking lots. But according to a recent review published by the Campbell Corporation, they can also help significantly reduce crime.

Shedding Light on Crime

While this may not be the result city planners set out to achieve with streetlights, the review found that adequate outdoor street lighting can significantly decrease crime rates. The theory behind the review, which analyzed 13 studies about street lighting interventions from the United States and United Kingdom, is that the light dissuades potential criminals from lurking around neighborhoods and homes. The findings were applicable to both urban and residential areas.

The studies reviewed spanned four decades and found that areas with improved streetlights benefited from a 21% decrease in crime. According to the review, updated street lighting impacts crime rates by increasing surveillance and signifying community pride. Areas with community pride tend to have more cohesion and a touch stance on crime, according to the review. It is thought the pride places an important role, as decreases in daytime and nighttime crime rates were not significantly different. 

If you are thinking about updating the streetlights in your community, it is important to consider all of the potential benefits this may provide for your residents. Our decorative lighting systems will complement any area, and their unwavering light can contribute to the extra sense of security already present in your area.

Signs are to the modern world what constellations and the North Star were to the age of exploration. Without signage systems we would be directionless, misinformed, and potentially dangerous. They tell us how to get there, where we are and how long to safely stay in the hot tub.

Thankfully, we offer an environmentally stable version of something so essential. Our High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) signs are perfect for any sort of outdoor use—from pools and parks to marinas and golf courses.

The signs can be layered or single-layer. The layered signs are made by extruding one layer of the HDPE material on the outside to create one homogenous sheet. The outside layer is then removed by a router to reveal the inside color. The single-layer is

The main benefits of HDPE signs are its resistance to graffiti, vandalism, and weather. The non-stick surface protects against paint and markers, its UV stabilization prevents fading, and the signs have high impact strength and energy absorption. The signs’ quality also ensures low cost of maintenance and an escape from worrying about fading, chipping, and pealing.made from one layer of a high-density polyethylene sheet. The resulting signs are durable and stable.

They are even available in a variety of color schemes to choose from.

Layered HDPE signs:

• Black/White/Blac
• Brown/White/Brown
• Green/White/Green
• Red/White/Red
• Blue/White/Blue
• Tan/Green/Tan
• White/Black/White
• White/Brown/White
• White/Green/White
• White/Red/White
• White/Blue/White

Single-layered HDPE signs:

• KPG Red
• KPG Blue
• KPG Yellow
• KPG Tan
• KPG Orange
• KPG Green

If you need new custom outdoor signage for your community and want to learn more about the benefits of HDPE signs, you can contact us. Let us explain why bringing these signs are the smart solution to your signage needs.

Snow can be delightful during the holiday season. Between sledding, snowball fights, and snowmen, the opportunities for winter fun and wonderment are almost endless. However, snow and ice can also be treacherous—and in more ways than you might think. People know to drive and walk more cautiously, but did you know your neighborhood’s mailboxes might be at risk, too?

Heavy snowfall can strain old or damaged mailboxes to the point of breaking. Cars sliding on ice are another hazard. But snowplows are generally the biggest threat to your mailbox this winter. Mailboxes are prone to being run over by the large plows and breaking under the pressure of the displaced snow.

Unfortunately, most areas place the burden of repair on homeowners.  Placing reflective tape on your mailbox is a good way to make it more visible to all drivers of snowplows and regular vehicles at night and in the early morning. Repositioning the mailbox might need to be considered if it was damaged in the past.

Luckily, replacing and installing mailboxes is a relatively easy process that homeowners can undertake themselves. Our cast-aluminum mailboxes are sturdy and won’t rust, which are important qualities for areas regularly besieged by snow and ice. We combine traditional casting methods with modern technology to produce decorative and long-lasting mailboxes. And all our mailbox components are coated with a polyester powder finish for years of low-maintenance service.

So if you think you your neighborhood need to replace its mailboxes this winter, contact us or request a streetscape products catalog for a more in-depth look at our quality product offerings.