The International Sign Association (ISA) plays a crucial role in setting standards, advocating for sign companies, and promoting best practices. By aligning with ISA standards, sign manufacturers ensure their products are safe, durable, and compliant with local and national regulations.
For Colorado sign companies, understanding ISA standards is critical to navigating sign permitting, fabrication guidelines, and industry certifications. This article explores ISA’s role in the sign industry and its collaboration with key regulatory organizations.
Setting the Bar High with Industry Standards
Adhering to established industry standards in sign making is crucial for maintaining consistency, safety, and quality. These standards act as a benchmark for excellence, guiding everything from design and materials to electrical wiring and installation.
By following proven standards and sign industry best practices, we minimize errors and deliver signs that perform reliably over time. Moreover, compliance with regulations is our priority, instilling confidence in our clients that their signage will be safe, legally compliant, and built to last.
International Sign Association (ISA) – Leading Best Practices
The ISA is a key player in promoting excellence across the signage industry. As an association of sign professionals, ISA provides education, resources, and advocacy to keep sign companies up-to-date on evolving standards and technologies. In fact, ISA actively collaborates with other organizations to develop industry guidelines.
For example, the UL Sign Industry Business Panel “works collaboratively to foster open, proactive communication between UL and the North American sign associations (ISA, USSC and WSA) resulting in industry standards, education and certification programs that keep pace with codes and technology”.
By participating in ISA programs, we stay at the forefront of signage best practices – from the latest materials and fabrication techniques to code updates and safety improvements.
Sign Industry Best Practices for Quality and Durability
Beyond formal regulations, we implement comprehensive sign industry best practices to deliver top-notch results. These are the extra steps and quality measures that distinguish our work and extend the life of your signage:
High-Quality Materials
We select materials known for durability and performance. For outdoor signs, for example, we often use aluminum, stainless steel, durable acrylics, and UV-resistant coatings to withstand weather and UV exposure. Using premium, UL-recognized components (LED modules, power supplies, etc.) ensures longevity and safety.
Precision Fabrication
Our workshop follows Standard Operating Procedures for each stage of fabrication, from CNC cutting and welding to painting and wiring. Careful craftsmanship and quality control checks at every step result in finished signs that are sturdy and free of defects.
We also perform full lighting tests on illuminated signs to verify even lighting and proper electrical function before installation.
Expert Installation
Proper installation is critical for safety and appearance. Our installation crews secure signs in accordance with engineering requirements and local building codes – whether it’s calculating wind loads for a pole sign or using the correct anchors for a wall-mounted sign.
We ensure all electrical hookups are done by licensed professionals (meeting NEC standards) and that the sign is securely mounted for long-term use.
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
Navigating sign regulations is part of our service. We research local signage ordinances and obtain all necessary permits so you don’t have to. (Sign laws vary by city, with rules on sign size, placement, lighting, and even materials that can be used.
Ensuring full compliance with local codes and zoning laws means your new sign will be approved quickly and won’t run into legal issues down the road. This proactive approach helps avoid fines or costly removals of non-compliant signs.
Continuous Improvement
The sign industry evolves with new technology (like dynamic digital displays, energy-saving LEDs) and changing codes. We stay engaged with industry events, ISA training seminars, and certification programs to keep our skills sharp.
By remaining lifelong learners, our team constantly updates our processes to align with the latest best practices in design, sustainability, and safety.
Your Signage, Designed for Excellence and Compliance
Choosing the right sign company means working with a team that understands industry regulations and best practices. At Magnify Signs, we ensure that every sign we create is safe, durable, and fully compliant—from concept to installation.
Ready to upgrade your signage with a team that puts standards first? We’re here to help your business shine while meeting all the necessary regulations and best practices.
