Materials

Which Materials Are Used For Real Estate Signs?

There are many materials available to use for real estate signs.  Our experts at Edmonton Real Estate Signs will help you select the best type for your application.  They will also be able to advise what is your best value considering:

  • Professional Look 
  • Cost
  • Longevity Required
  • Environment (indoor/outdoor, temperatures, sun exposure, wind, remote/high traffic)
  • Environmental Sustainability
 

Coroplast

Coroplast aka chloroplast, corex, and other names refers to a corrugated polypropylene material which is lightweight, reasonably rigid, and low cost.

One noticeable thing about a coroplast sign is that you can see the lengthwise “flutes” which make it corrugated.  Flutes can be vertical or horizontal depending on the need for rigidity in one direction or another, or for the need to insert rod/wire in them.  Often flutes will run in the same direction as the longest side of the sign to prevent folding over in the wind or during handling.  However if you are using the coroplast with a wire sign holder (step stake) the flutes must be vertical since the step stake wires are vertical.

Typical thickness is 4mm but 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm are not too hard to find typically.  Easy to cut and grommet.  Weatherproof but can be brittle in the cold or bent in the wind.  Considered for use indoor for years unless in direct sunlight, or outdoors short-term.

We use coroplast often for real estate sign riders (top or bottom hanger), or for low-cost yardsigns utilizing step stakes.  If you have a wood backing board, applying coroplast to the front of that, while not the most professional looking close up, can be an economical way to make a sign along a highway or development property.

ACM

ACM aka ACP, dibond, alupanel, maxmetal, and other names refers to an Aluminum Composite Material which is medium weight, rigid, and medium cost.

ACM is made of thin layers of aluminum skin sandwiching a black polyethylene core.  The aluminum faces make it durable and the plastic core makes it more lightweight for the thickness provided.

Typical thickness is 3mm.  Easy to grommet, drill, and machine.  Weatherproof, and resistant to bending.  A good longer term choice for use outdoors, with medium durability and a professional smooth look.

We use ACM as the go-to choice for hanging real estate For Sale panels, due to good value for professional look, durability, and cost.

Aluminum

Aluminum sheeting can be a great sign material, which is why it is typically used for street signs.  More durable than ACM since it is solid aluminum and less likely to bend or warp even with abuse.

However due to cost and weight, this is not common for real estate signs anymore.

PVC

PVC Foam board aka Intecel, Integral, Sintra, and other names refers to expanded polyvinyl chloride which is relatively lightweight (depending on density), medium cost, and moderately durable.

Typical thickness is 10mm or 13mm.  Easy to grommet, drill, and machine.  Weatherproof, and as rigid even more than wood.  A good short term choice for use outdoors, with medium durability and a professional smooth look.

We use mosty 10mm thick PVC for sandwich boards, due to sturdiness, medium weight to resist flipping over in the wind, and easy machining to custom shapes.

MDO

MDO aka Crezon is a good choice for outdoor temporary signage.  Medium Density Overlay boards are made of plywood impregnated with resin to resist the weather.  A good durable material that can be easily machined or drilled like any plywood, and rigid to complete a sign structure.

MDO is a common choice for large outdoor developer signage.  3/8″ or even 1/2″ thicknesses are common.

PVC Banner

PVC Banner materials are common for indoor and outdoor signage.  A good low cost temporary sign for an event or even medium term signage for mounting on a fence.  Easily grommeted and hemmed for more durability and mountability.

13 oz scrim banner is the most common for high durability.  Perforated banner is also an option to minimize wind loading when not on a solid surface.