Overview
Take a stroll down any of the main streets, and notice what you see. A flat sign parallel to the sidewalk remains unseen until you are directly at the door, and then you may have passed by. Blade signs change that. We construct the sign and the bracket at the same time here at Visibility Sign & Graphics, ensuring that it is made with weatherproof materials, a firm anchor, and lighting if desired. Our custom exterior commercial signs provide strong primary facade recognition from roadways, while double-sided blade signs can be used to create foot traffic recognition from direct traffic along pedestrian corridors.
Commercial Blade Sign Styles & Architectural Form Factors
Not all buildings desire the same appearance. Different needs exist between a downtown bistro in a restored brick block and a new mixed-use development with glass and steel. From sleek, lighted signs to more traditional bracket signs, our commercial blade signs can be tailored to either aesthetic.
Double-Sided Blade Signs & Projecting Sign Panels
The whole idea of a projecting sign is to be seen from both sides! A person walking north sees your logo, while someone walking south sees the same logo on the other side. From north to south or east to west, double-sided blade signs help keep your storefront visible from either direction.
We make panels using materials suited to outdoor use:
- Aluminum, heavy-gauge, light, flat, and resistant to rust.
- Carved, high-density urethane (HDU) for a sign with real depth and character.
- Acrylic faces – designed to remain flat rather than warping during the summer months.
Illuminated Blade Signs: Push-Through Acrylic & Internally Lit Cabinets
A large number of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues are at their best in the evening, and it's also the time when an unlit sign goes out of sight. Illuminated signs are designed to help you see after dark. We use UL-certified, low-profile internal LED illumination that provides even, bright lighting without the bulk of older cabinet designs.
For a more upscale architectural look, push-through acrylic is a strong option. Dimensional letters and logos stand off the sign face and catch the light on the faces and edges, making the sign look crisp and architectural at night.
Custom Architectural Mounting Brackets & Finishes
Wrought iron scrollwork brings the handmade charm to older facades, for historic buildings and boutique shops. For newer developments, clean steel or aluminum tubing provides a contemporary, minimal line. We powder coat brackets to prevent rust, chipping, and road-salt corrosion, which is prevalent during wet winters in Utah.
Strategic Mounting & Lateral Signage Synergy
A blade sign must be used in context with a larger picture. People approaching head-on are greeted by your main sign over the entrance. A projecting sign complements that view by reaching people moving along the sidewalk. Pair your blade sign with high-impact retail storefront signs mounted over your main entryway for a complete architectural package.
For those looking for more texture on the actual panel, our custom dimensional letters can project from the sign face to add relief, shadow, and contrast, giving projecting panels more architectural depth.
Utah Municipal Codes, Clearances & Secure Wall Anchoring
A blade sign hangs overhead, so the installation has to be right. Three concerns of property managers and business owners here are: will it pass inspection, will it stay up, and will it cause a headache later? We treat each one in this manner.
Pedestrian Head Clearance Compliance: Municipal clearance requirements vary by city and zone, but 8 to 9 feet of vertical clearance is a common range from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. We confirm the requirement for your address before we design.
Curb & Encroachment Guidelines: The distance from the wall that a sign can extend will vary depending on your zoning district. We plan projection distances to avoid conflicts with delivery vehicles, street poles, or public right-of-way zones.
Structural Wall Anchoring: Variations in wall types require variations in hardware. Whether it is an aging unreinforced masonry wall, a curtain-wall glass wall, or an EIFS exterior, we use through-bolting, epoxy anchors, and steel backing plates that match the building.
Wind resistance: Canyon winds are a common occurrence along the Wasatch Front. We use heavy-duty gusseting and engineered mounting plates in high-wind corridors to help keep the sign steady.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Blade Signs
What is the primary difference between a blade sign and a standard storefront wall sign?
Direction and angle of sight. A typical storefront sign mounts flat against the wall and faces outward toward street traffic. A blade sign, also known as a projecting sign, mounts at a 90-degree angle to the wall and displays graphics on both sides for pedestrians approaching from either direction.
How far can a blade sign project from our building in Utah?
This depends on your city and zoning district. Requirements can differ between areas such as Salt Lake City's downtown districts and Park City's historic areas. Some municipal codes allow projections in the 36- to 48-inch range from the facade when required overhead clearance is maintained. We check the applicable local ordinance before we draw anything up.
Do projecting blade signs require a city sign permit?
Yes. Projecting blade signs generally require a local sign permit and structural attachment details. If the sign is illuminated, electrical plans may also be required. Visibility Signs & Graphics handles the permitting process for you.
Can existing mounting brackets be reused for a new business rebrand?
Often, yes. The fabrication team can design a new custom sign panel and attach it to the existing iron or steel brackets if they are structurally sound and compliant with today's building code. Reusing sound existing hardware can also help preserve the appearance of the building and may reduce replacement work.
Order Custom Commercial Blade Signs
To help more people notice your entrance as they move along the sidewalk, a well-constructed blade sign adds visibility from both directions. Built to code from the start, ours are designed, fabricated and installed locally in Utah.
Getting started is easy:
- Please advise us where your store is, what materials the facade is made of, and what size and style you are looking for.
- We come out and conduct a clearance survey at your location and present engineered scale mockups.
- We handle permit submittals, custom bracket welding, panel fabrication, and secure installation.
Call us at (801) 212-9987.
Request a Custom Blade Sign Estimate ↗
We provide our services at retail centers, dining plazas, and corporate facilities in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Orem, and Provo.