A client wants us to replace some large flex face sign panels. 8' x 10' and 5' x 15'. We have not had any experience with flex face installations. We have however, done many plastic (flat and pan face) and many banner installations. These new faces will be provided by the clients out of state vendor who has done a detailed survey. Assumming that the panels will be good fits, what is the procedure for taking off the old faces and installing the new ones? We looked at the structures and found that the cabinet has real wide retainers that are securred with self tapping screws, so access will be easy. Is there usually a removeable sub-frame? If so, does this frame come out so the new faces can be installed in a controlled environment (shop table top_? Are there any common pitfalls to avoid? Finally, what is a reasonable way to bill this type of work. By sq. ft? By the hour? Thanks for any help.
Posted by David Fisher (Member # 107) on :
Tony, I've seen quite a few methods used to fit flex face, some simple and some not so simple. If possible you might want to pull one of the returns off the can and see exactly whats invloved. David
Posted by Brad Ferguson (Member # 33) on :
Tony,
There is not a removable subframe generally. And there are a number of methods in use for tensioning. Most of them rely on 'clips' that have a threaded stud. The clips grip the fabric and the studs are then secured to a perimeter frame of angle iron with nuts.
I have had success with stretching the fabric first, then applying graphics in the field, not possible in your case, of course. Since your faces will have pre-applied graphics, it will help to take the existing faces down without damaging them and use them as a pattern for placement of the clips, and, for sizing the face, whether by trimming or folding as necessary. Reuse the old clips, of course, trying not to lose any when you remove the old faces. Some kinds are hard to find. Still, if you can find the same kind, it's good to have them on hand to replace any that are broken, or, any that resist R&R of their nuts as a result of someone trimming long ones with a bolt cutter.
Your main objective in stretching the faces will be leveling the copy. Try stretching horizontally first, from the middles, with one clip at each end. When your copy is level, stretch top and bottom, again at the middles, one clip top and one clip bottom. Now work your way towards the corners from all four middles, just like stretching a screen frame, taking vertical measurements as you go to stay level. Fabric should be taught, but it's possible to over-stretch. You should be able to do this with absolutely no wrinkles when finished.
Time? My estimate would be 2.5 days for two people (who don't do this all the time). A bucket truck or scissor-lift will speed the process immeasurably.
By the way, "Flex-Face" is a brand name and should be capitalized. Generically, I would call it a "flexible face," or a "stretch face."
Good luck, dude.
Brad in Kansas
[ May 04, 2002, 04:56 PM: Message edited by: Brad Ferguson ]
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
If this is not your main line of work . .. . I would suggest you pass - pass - pass !!!! This is the time for you to start focusing on what you do best and let the other work slide. I had this same kind of request a couple of years ago on a double faced 5'x8' 15' off the ground. After spending a couple of hours of my time and investigating the options,,, I found out that it was not within my realm of expertise. Since then, I have found it easier and easier to simply refer the work to a company that is specialized in a particular catagory of work. Don't be afraid to say NO when you have second or third thoughts about a job !!!! Your reputation will not be tarnished in the least and you can spend that time doing what you do best and strengthening your reputation locally in what you DO do best !!! Just my dos centavos here......
Posted by Tony Lucero (Member # 1470) on :
Thank you all for the informative responses. After taking your input into consideration, we think we will try to sub it out to an experienced company who would be willing to let us observe and help so we could learn, and stay out of trouble. Again, thanks for the detailed and thoughtful responses.
