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Epic Signs & Graphics Blog

Fire Safety Signs

Posted by John Grigoli

Dec 21, 2021 3:19:27 PM

Stop, Look, and Listen!

Are Your Fire Safety Signs in Compliance?


As companies push their return-to-office dates into 2022, now is a good time to evaluate your buildings for fire code compliance while your buildings are still empty or well-below occupancy.

Fire safety signs are an important part of your emergency preparedness plan. Unique safety signs serve different purposes. Epic Signs is your one-stop shop for a wide range of safety signs including interior and exterior wall signs, vinyl signs, reflective stairwell signs, and more. 

Typical signs required by the International Fire Code include:

      Fire Department Connection Signs
Approved signs are required to identify fire protection equipment and must be visible and permanently installed using durable materials.

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      Utilities Signage
Approved signage for utilities such as gas shutoff valves, electric meters and other utility equipment are required to be clearly marked and maintained.

 

      Stairway Identification Signs
Code-compliant signage is required at each floor landing in
an interior exit stairway connecting more than three stories. Stairway signs must comply with a range of code requirements including sign and lettering size, content of the message, location, and type of material used to insure durability.

STAIRWELL red text EXAMPLE

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      Elevator Signs
Elevator signs that identify location and evacuation instructions are necessary to maintain order and safety in the case of an emergency. 

 

      Area Of Refuge Signs and Accessible Means Of Egress Signs
Businesses are required to designate an area of refuge within their buildings designed to house occupants during an emergency when evacuation may not be safe or possible. Proper accessibility signage is required to identify these areas.

 

      Other signs to consider while evaluating your facility for fire safety are address/premises identification signs, illuminated exit signs, fire lane signs, and others.

 

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Not sure if your safety protocols and signage are compliant with current fire codes?

Epic Signs stays up-to-date with local fire ordinances and can consult with you about the best materials to meet your needs, including vinyl, metal, dimensional, flat and reflective signs. Call 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com for more information.

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Topics: Signage for Your Business Cleveland

Professional Installation Is Key To A Successful Vehicle Wrap

Posted by John Grigoli

Feb 18, 2021 12:00:00 PM

Think you can apply your own vehicle graphics? You may want to think again. High quality car wraps require experience, precision and an installation environment specifically designed for that purpose.

To get the process started, Epic, powered by Repros, uses the latest printing technology and high quality vehicle wrap materials to produce your fleet graphics. And, while design and printing are important factors of the vehicle wrap process, at the end of the day, the appearance and durability of your wrap will depend upon the precision of the application process. It is important to have a clean and climate-controlled space to apply vehicle wrap graphics.

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A clean shop will help avoid debris contaminating a wrap and prevent larger particles from creating tears in the film. According to the installation experts at 3M, “The temperature of the environment should be between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for installation. When it’s too hot, vinyl wrap becomes sticky and stretchy. In the cold, a vinyl wrap becomes brittle and hard to stretch.” Our vehicle wrap installation facility is spacious and well-lit, with A/C for summer installations. The building fits a 53’ semi-trailer through a 14’ door.

‘Our centrally located installation center provides an industry-leading facility for high-quality installs,” explained Lou LaGuardia of Repros, Inc. “It also reduces the cost of smaller installs by allowing us to move from one job to another, wrapping multiple vehicles at one time.”

Our vehicle wrap install facility is conveniently located at 455 Ken Mar Industrial Parkway in Broadview Heights, Ohio, near the I77 interchange. Just leave your vehicle in front of our garage or in back of the building. Make sure you drop off your keys by the slot located near the door and our experienced wrap professionals take care of the rest.

Circles On Map

Contact us to learn more about this cost-effective way to market your business or schedule a time to tour our vehicle wrap installation facility at www.EpicSignsCleveland.com or contact us at 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com

 

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Choosing The Right Vehicle Color For Your Brand

Posted by John Grigoli

Feb 17, 2021 2:16:17 PM

Choose a vehicle color that makes your branded wrap pop!

The impact of Covid-19 has forced many of us to stay at home and rely on deliveries for meals, groceries and other products. We have seen a sharp increase in delivery vans and trucks on the road as a result. While there are so many ways that the pandemic has had a negative impact on businesses, a positive outcome is the opportunity to market your business while your fleet is out on the road. Businesses that wrap their vehicles with their logos are not only delivering their product, but they also have the opportunity to deliver their brand messaging at the same time.

According to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA),

“Vehicle wraps offer the lowest cost-per-impression of any form of advertising. Depending on city and population size, a single vehicle wrap can generate between 30,000 and 70,000 daily impressions.”

That’s a lot of potential new customers!

Concerned about cost? One way to make the process cost-effective is to purchase a vehicle that compliments your logo and branding. The base color of your vehicle becomes part of the design, minimizing the size of the wrap and therefore cutting down on the cost of the installation.

Timothy Moneypenny, founder and CEO of Diligent Electronic Security Systems, wanted his company vehicle to stand out and chose to buy a vehicle with a base color that allows his logo to pop. Moneypenny remarked,

“It turned out even better than I expected. The pictures tell the story. Carlos and his team did a great job. I can’t wait until I purchase my next van!”

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Epic, powered by Repros, can produce fleet graphics for any size truck and any size fleet that is durable and affordable. Our experienced team of sales and installation experts can help you get your vehicle wrapped and back on the road with professional services that meet the needs of your business and your budget. We use quality 3M and Accucut products, with a 3M performance guarantee for long-term campaigns. Short-term transit vinyl, window perf and cut vinyl are also available.

A well maintained delivery vehicle with a professionally wrapped exterior sends the message that you care about quality. It also becomes a powerful marketing tool to build awareness for  your business in these troubled times and beyond.

For more information visit our website at www.EpicSignsCleveland.com or contact us at 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com

 

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Rigid Signage with Fence Stakes

Posted by John Grigoli

Feb 17, 2021 1:58:10 PM

Are you looking to create brand awareness at your customer location, but need more than a simple yard sign for maximum exposure? Do makeshift banner solutions leave you with torn and sagging messaging? Simple yard signs may not provide enough visibility and old banner solutions don’t always stand up to the test of time and extreme weather conditions. In some applications, banners are being replaced by rigid signage with fence stakes as an effective and  durable alternative.

For years, many companies have purchased sign stakes at the hardware store and strung a banner between the posts. Over time, the wind will turn a banner into a sail and pull the stakes inward, causing the banner to sag. We offer a solution using fluted plastic; borrowed from the construction of political signs.

Fluted plastic is rigid and holds its shape. It also comes in various thicknesses that helps the graphic to stay firm and readable over longer periods of time. And, you can laminate the print to make it glossy, scratch resistant, with added UV protection.

Typical applications for rigid signage include help wanted, sales, open house, and other event signs where you want to call specific attention to your business.

 

For more information on rigid signage with fence stakes, visit our website at www.EpicSignsCleveland.com.

Or contact us at 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com

 

 

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Cold Weather Frames

Posted by John Grigoli

Jan 13, 2021 3:11:44 PM

Winter weather has arrived! It’s time for cold weather frames.

Are you frustrated with basic yard sign frames that won’t go in the frozen ground for your winter open house? Does your “Home for Sale” signage bend and break in the cold weather months? Epic Signs, powered by Repros, has a variety of solutions that will save you time, money, and yes … frustration.

 

Heavy-duty step stakes are more durable than a basic stake. The addition of 1/4” gage galvanized wire base pierces the cold ground much easier and holds rigid while stepping your sign into the ground.Heavy-duty sign stake

 

Fold over step frames are the deluxe solution for professional looking yard signage. These high-quality step frames are made with 3/8” round metal rod stands with a convenient handle that is powder coated black. This stake is so solid, it can pierce hard or frozen ground where other frames cannot.

S-Fold Over Sign FrameFold over sign frame

 

Tent frames offer a professional look and the flexibility to display on a sidewalk, lawn, or any flat surface. Constructed from 3/8” round rod stock, it folds flat for easy transport and storage. The gloss laminated panel is positioned to swing freely and draw additional attention to your home.

S-Tent Sign Frame

 

High-quality yard signs are an extension of your brand statement to the community. Don’t let cold weather and hard ground prevent you from making a professional appearance. Epic Signs, powered by Repros, has been serving the residential real estate sign industry in Northeast Ohio for over 25 years.

 

If your firm is looking reliable signage solutions, contact us to become involved in our stock sign program! 

 

For more information contact us at 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com

 

 

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How to Find the Right Vehicle Wrap Installer

Posted by John Grigoli

Jan 4, 2021 5:10:07 PM

Do you have a fleet of vehicles that spend a lot of time on the road? Deliver your branding message when you deliver your product. According to the American Trucking Association, the average delivery truck makes 16 million visual impressions in a single year!  By applying your company identity and message to your fleet of vehicles, you are creating awareness every time your trucks hit the streets.  This adds up to a cost-effective way to advertise your business. But beware! Wrapping a vehicle is a process that requires precision and experience, and one mistake can ruin the entire installation. Epic Signs has experienced installers, a designated space for vehicle wrap installation, and uses high quality products and installation equipment that will put you on the road to greater visibility and success.

 

Experience

The advantage of an experienced vehicle wrap installer significantly outweighs discounted prices offered by a less-experienced company. Our installers have extensive experience restyling a wide range of vehicles including, trucks, trailers, vans and autos.

 

Environment

The facility where an installation takes place must be clean and climate-controlled. A clean shop will help avoid debris contaminating a wrap and prevent larger particles from creating tears in the film. According to the installation experts at 3M, the temperature of the environment should be between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for installation. When it’s too hot, vinyl wrap becomes sticky and stretchy. In the cold, vinyl wrap becomes brittle and hard to stretch. Epic Signs’ vehicle wrap installation space is clean and well-lit, with A/C for summer installations. The facility fits a 53’ semi-trailer through a 14’ door. We are also able to work on multiple vehicles at the same time.

 

Equipment + Materials

Epic Signs produces vehicle wrap graphics for any size truck and any size fleet. Affordable and durable, we use quality Avery, Arlon and 3M products. Short-term transit vinyl, window perf and cut vinyl are also available.

 

More Than A Mobile Billboard

When your vehicle is at your customer’s location delivering your products and services, it tells prospective customers that their neighbor trusts you.  And, when it’s back at your shop, it provides additional, large signage for vehicles passing by.

 

 

Let us turn your vehicle into a moving billboard with vehicle and fleet graphics from Epic Signs Color. For more information, visit our website at www.EpicSignsCleveland.com.

Or contact us at 440-799-8235 or email John@EpicSignsCleveland.com

 

 

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Epic Offers Scanning, CAD Conversion and Blueprint Plan Room for AEC Document Management

Posted by John Grigoli

Dec 21, 2020 11:50:07 AM

Is your company spending valuable resources on outdated document management systems? As your business grows, so do the stacks of boxes filled with blueprints, specs and plans. Over time, blueprint storage can expand to take up valuable office space and increase the risk of loss or damage of valuable information. Epic now provides scanning, CAD conversion and project management services to the AEC industry that will save time, space, and money.

Archival Scanning

Archival scanning of AEC documents will save storage space and salvage aging documents by converting them to digital files. Blueprint scanning can also help businesses of all sizes reduce overhead and streamline their processes. Document scanning provides a number of benefits to businesses, including managing records easily, making images centrally available and, eliminating need for file cabinets. We consult with companies to develop a plan to scan existing paper drawings with a naming convention for easy retrieval.

Scanning_Bar

 

CAD Conversion

Epic also offers efficient processes for the CAD conversion of AEC documents. Convert architectural and engineering drawings and other documents that are to scale, dimensionally accurate, and layered to your specifications. We service CAD conversion for a wide variety of applications and can re-draft entire drawings or provide clean-base only drafting.

CAD CONVERSION_Combo_Bar

Blueprint Plan Room

Get a customized Plan Room for your business, fully managed with your branding. Track activity, view plan holders and send and manage bid invites via email and fax. Select recipients based on trade, group, location, and more. Epic powered by ReprosBlu offers real-time reporting with recipient activity and bid responses.

NEO PlanRoom_ChgHave jobs to manage? Experience cloud power for your projects available anytime and anywhere with fast, scalable infrastructure. No job is too big or too small. Simply upload all your project files, list as public or private, send out email/fax bid invites, receive & manage ITB responses, and track all plan holders. All in your own custom Plan Room.

Looking for jobs? The Repros Engineering Plan Room makes it fast & easy. View documents in your browser and order prints of what you need. Selective jobs offer downloading. Your calendar shows upcoming jobs.

 

For more information on Epic AEC document management powered by ReprosBlu, contact us at 440-799-8235.

 

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Epic Now Offers Blueprint Services

Posted by John Grigoli

Dec 14, 2020 4:53:45 PM

Since Epic Signs & Graphics has merged with Repros, we now offer more options for serving the reprographic needs of the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC). Building on Repros’ extensive experience of over 30 years providing professional document reproduction, Epic is now positioned to serve the changing needs of your business as it grows from copying, scanning and printing to large format printing equipment sales and service.

 

AEC Printing

Need an affordable source for printing blueprints and spec books with fast and convenient delivery? Epic is now able to copy, scan and print blueprints and spec books in A,B,C,D, and E sizes with black  & white and color options. We also offer despeckling, deskewing, and cropping functionality. Our services include easy online file upload with the flexibility to manage documents from your office to our online portal at: neoplanroom.com. There is no charge for binding, file check, staples, or half size.

Architectual Printing

 

Blueprint Scanning

Blueprints and engineering drawings hold important, proprietary information; as well as notes and mark-ups used during production and building. Company libraries are typically rooms filled with flat file drawers or boxes of rolled drawings. In many instances, there is one person who can find all the documents. What happens when that key person leaves or retires? Best practices dictate that digitizing drawings will protect your investment, free up valuable office space and allow file sharing across the company network. We can consult with you to develop a plan to scan old drawings with a naming convention for easier retrieval.

Blueprint Printing

 

Blueprint Reprographic Equipment Sales and Service

Has your business grown to the point that you are considering investing in your own large format equipment? Our experienced sales team can find the large format printing and scanning solutions that are the right fit for your applications. Epic, powered by ReprosBlu, is an authorized dealer of Ricoh, Epson, and Canon. Our service technicians are OEM trained and certified; each with over 25 years of experience.

Wide Format Printing

 

Contact us for a full proposal or for more information click here: Engineering & Blueprints

 

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ADA Signage - Top Mistakes

Posted by John Grigoli

Dec 7, 2020 4:23:42 PM

Proper ADA signage should be an important part of your facility layout to ensure access for individuals of all abilities. Non-compliance can not only be costly, but can become a barrier to access for your customers, employees and other visitors. Improper signage placement and missing signs are two of the most common areas to consider when reviewing or developing an ADA signage plan. Here are some common mistakes:

 

#1 Height of ADA Parking Signs - Accessible parking signs should be 60” off the ground at the base of the sign to ensure visibility and also provide adequate space over a vehicle.

 

#2 Height of Indoor ADA Signage - Signs should be placed between 48” and 60” off the ground. The most common practice is to place interior signs at 54”.

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#3 Placement of ADA Signage on or near a door - ADA signs should be placed on the handle side of the door, no more than 18” from the door frame. For a push door, the sign should be placed in the center of the door.

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ADA_Stairs_Floors_Accessible_Braille_Sign.jpg

#4 Stairwell Floor Numbers -  Stairwell floor numbers should be placed at every level of your building next to the stairwell exit doors to guide employees and guests through your facility. It also provides important information to police, fire and emergency personnel in case of an emergency.

#5 Stairwell Naming - Many facilities have more than one stairwell. Names should be given to each stairwell to assist with way-finding throughout your buildings. The most common naming conventions are compass directions ( i.e. Northwest Stairwell) or color naming.

 

#6 Area of Refuge Signs - An area of refuge (aka an area of rescue assistance) is a location in a building designed to safely hold individuals during a disaster or emergency. These areas are created for situations when normal evacuation is unsafe or impossible (typically for disabled people with limited mobility). For example, during a fire, non-mobile residents may be unable to use a stairwell. These individuals are able to wait in an area of refuge until first responders or other rescue personnel are available to assist them. If you have this service in the stairwells of your buildings, you are required to have signage directing people to the safe space and provide detail on location and use.

 

#7 Accessible Entrances - Inaccessible entrances are required to have an ADA compliant sign  that is correctly placed to direct people to accessible entrances or ramps.

 

#8 Exit Directional Signs - ADA compliant directional signage is required at all inaccessible exits to provide people with disabilities safe egress.

 

There are many other elements to consider when evaluating the ADA signage for your building. Our experienced staff of designers, ADA specific equipment operators and installation experts can help guide you in creating a comprehensive and cost effective ADA plan for your facility. Contact Epic Signs & Graphics to set up a consultation or schedule a Zoom call to review important aspects of ADA compliant signage.

This way for ADA sign help

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Topics: ADA Compliant Signs Cleveland OH

Is Your ADA Signage Accessible? Why It Matters.

Posted by John Grigoli

Nov 30, 2020 5:00:27 PM

Making your building accessible to people with disabilities using ADA compliant signage is the right thing to do, and it’s the law.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities including their access to all places that are open to the public. A wide variety of ADA compliant signage is required to adhere to the ADA standards. Non-compliance to the rules set forth in the ADA can result in costly legal ramifications for the property or business owner. Epic Signs not only understands the federal laws, but also follows state and local codes that supplement the ADA and offers economical solutions to your ADA challenges.

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ADA signage is required to present the same information to all people regardless of their physical abilities. ADA signs are specially designed to be posted in public buildings to accommodate individuals with disabilities so they can comfortably navigate what might otherwise be barriers to accessibility. There are several important questions to help you identify the signs your business will need to comply with
ADA signage regulations.

First, making your location accessible, you must consider ADA parking and egress signage.

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Also, designated
safe location entrances and exits must h
ave the appropriate ADA compliant signs in the case of an emergency. This will ensure the protection of individuals who may need special accommodations, such as people in wheelchairs or the sight impaired.

According to the laws that govern ADA compliance, signs that identify a room or public space, such as restrooms, have strict requirements for size, placement, color, finish, braille features, symbols, font, letter spacing, and capitalization.

We can custom design an ADA compliant signage checklist to ensure the compliance of your building. At the core of our offering is our standard substrates that integrate printing with tactile lettering and braille.

ADA_Restroom_Accessible_Braille_Sign.jpgADA_Stairs_Floors_Accessible_Braille_Sign.jpg

In order to avoid costly mistakes for non-compliance and for more information, contact our ADA design professionals at Epic Signs & Graphics to discuss your ADA signage needs or to schedule a consultation.

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