Outdoor / Indoor, A-boards, Display systems
Outdoor A-boards and wind: how to ensure stability?
The stability of an outdoor pavement sign depends on several things: the weight, the base design, the poster format and how it is placed. Below we discuss each of them using the available models as examples.
The role of ballast and base capacity
Ballast in the base is the simplest way to stop a pavement sign falling over. Hampton models have water-fillable bases of different capacities, which increase the weight of the whole structure. When choosing, compare the base capacity and weight, because a heavier base gives better stability.
- The black Hampton A0 pavement sign has a 52 l base and weighs 21.2 kg
- The silver Hampton PRO A1 pavement sign has a 23 l base and weighs 11.7 kg
- The silver Hampton B1 pavement sign has a 30 l base and weighs 16.85 kg
- The silver Hampton B2 pavement sign has a 17 l base and weighs 13 kg
Base design, material and stability
The material and design of the base and back plate affect rigidity and durability. Aurora pavement signs have a metal frame and a galvanised steel back plate, which increases resistance to deformation, but the supplier only allows outdoor use in limited wind. Classic wooden pavement signs have pine frames and, according to the product sheet, are not weatherproof. The waterproof PRO outdoor wooden pavement sign, 65 × 118 cm, weighing 21 kg, with a 6 cm frame profile, is designed for outdoor display.
- The black Aurora A1 pavement sign has a metal frame and steel back plate, but only for light wind
- The silver Aurora A0 pavement sign also has a galvanised steel plate
- The red 60 × 100 cm Classic M wooden pavement sign is made of pine
- The black 72 × 160 cm Classic XL wooden pavement sign is designed for indoor use
Poster format and wind
The poster format determines how much force the wind exerts on the structure. A0 and B1 models have a larger area exposed to gusts, so it's better to combine them with a heavier base or a solid frame. Smaller A1 and A2 formats offer less wind resistance and are easier to stabilise.
- The silver Aurora A0 pavement sign is A0, with a larger area
- The black Hampton A0 pavement sign is a large A0 format with a heavy base
- The silver Aurora B1 pavement sign (TYTAN-type box) is a larger B1 format
- The black Aurora A2 pavement sign is a smaller format, less affected by wind
Frame and poster fixing
The frame design affects how the pavement sign behaves in wind. The spring frame used on Hampton models absorbs sudden gusts. The OWZ snap frame makes fitting the poster easy, and the wider the profile (25, 32 or 40 mm), the greater the rigidity and the less the graphic ripples. A poster cover with UV filter limits colour fading.
- The black Hampton A0 pavement sign has a spring frame that absorbs vibration
- The silver Hampton B1 pavement sign has a spring frame
- The silver Hampton PRO A1 pavement sign has a 40 mm frame profile
- The Aurora A1 pavement sign has an OWZ frame with a 25 mm profile
How to place a pavement sign
Placement also affects stability. A pavement sign placed side-on to the prevailing wind takes less load. Placing it by a shelter or wall, somewhere without swirling air, greatly reduces the risk of it falling over. Even a small adjustment to placement makes better use of the ballast.
- Place the pavement sign side-on to the prevailing gusts
- Put heavier models closer to walls or shelters
- After filling the base, check the sign stands level on the ground
- Avoid slopes and places with swirling gusts
Frequently asked questions
Do Hampton pavement signs need filling with water?
Yes. Hampton models have water-fillable bases. For example, the black Hampton A0 pavement sign has a 52 l base and the silver Hampton PRO A1 a 23 l one. Filling increases weight and stability, which is why it's done for outdoor display.
Is a wooden pavement sign suitable for outdoor use?
Classic wooden pavement signs are mainly designed for indoor use. For example, the red 60 × 100 cm Classic M wooden pavement sign is not weatherproof, so we don't recommend using it outdoors for long periods.
Does a thicker frame profile mean greater rigidity?
Yes. Our range includes 25, 32 and 40 mm profiles. The silver Hampton PRO A1 pavement sign has a 40 mm profile, which gives a sturdier OWZ frame. A thicker profile increases the rigidity of the structure and reduces poster distortion in wind.