Aug 08
0
Student in a classroom learning about school safety

School Safety Window Film Comparison

By | decorative films, Education, Floor Graphics, safety & security Films, window film | No Comments

School Safety Window Film, a Comparison

You’re in charge of school safety and security for your district, which is a heavy responsibility. Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and school visitors from all manner of dangers requires you to think a few steps ahead of potential threats, every day. 

You know how important active security measures are (that’s why you run safety drills and why each classroom has a laminated booklet that outlines lockdown and shelter-in-place procedures), but you may not know how effective passive security measures can be. 

The Sandy Hook Advisory Commission’s report states that schools should “Design windows, framing and anchoring systems to be shatter-resistant, burglar resistant, and forced entry resistant,” and states that “Resistance for glazing may be built into the window or applied with a film,” so let’s talk about security film, as well as other passive security tactics you can use to keep your district safe.

Shatter-Resistant Security Film

Shatter-resistant security film is one of your best defenses against everything from natural disasters to bomb blasts to intruders. Some of the leading brand names for this type of film include 3M Ultra and TRI-SHIELD.

Check out the active shooter simulation/ demo video conducted with Houston ISD PD  & NGS, using with 3M Ultra & TRI-SHIELD!

3M shatter-resistant film and TRI-SHIELD deliver tear-resistant technology with up to 42 micro-layers of protection and frame anchoring systems that: 

  • Prevent glass shatter and flying glass shards or spall, post-impact
  • Strengthen glass to resist breakage when hit with a weapon
  • Maintain glass structure, even after eventual breakage, requiring intruders to break all the glass before gaining entry
  • Buy time. Slow down or potentially prevent entry during an active shooter or forced entry event

It’s important to note that shatter-resistant film is not shatterproof. There is no such thing as shatterproof security window film. Instead, many schools use extremely strong, breach resistant Riot Glass which relies on an attractively invisible rail mounting solution for virtually shatterproof polycarbonate windows.

Privacy Window Film

Decorative privacy window film and one way privacy window film create safe zones that block a potential shooter’s view into classrooms and other indoor areas – without blocking natural daylighting. 

Innovative film solutions such as 3M Fasara and 3M Mirror Film support student, staff, and visitor safety because they:

  • Obscure the view into classrooms, activity areas, and administrative zones
  • Maintain a modern, welcoming façade with solid security
  • Prevent successful sniper attacks by blocking exterior views 

For privacy on demand, today’s school safety supervisors are increasingly choosing smart film, which transforms glass from clear to opaque with the tap of a button.

Wayfinding Graphics 

In an emergency, your #1 task is to get students, staff, and visitors to safety. Wayfinding floor graphics and wayfinding signage graphics can help direct everyone to safe zones protected by shatter-resistant film and privacy window film. 

Wayfinding graphics are especially useful in district administrative or activity buildings because these areas host guests who are unfamiliar with these buildings’ security drill procedures. 

Leading wayfinding products such as 3M Envision and 3M Controltac help ensure safety because they:

  • Can be placed anywhere – walls, windows, glass, or floors
  • Adhere to outside surfaces, such as playground equipment, blacktops, and sidewalks
  • Provide clear safety directions that help to maintain order in chaotic situations

To enhance security, a graphic installation expert can apply durable overlaminates that make your graphics anti-skid, as well as reflective in low light situations.

Get the Right Window Films for School Safety

Modern security film solutions for schools are effective, affordable, durable, and come with a fast installation process. In addition, many security window films can be combined with energy-efficient film solutions that deliver cost-saving benefits.

 

Not sure which films you should choose to secure your district’s schools, activity buildings, and administrative complexes? Get more information on how you can build your school safety plan checklist with NGS, the nationwide film installation experts.

 

Aug 02
0
Child looking out a window in severe weather

Preparing Your School for Severe Weather

By | safety & security Films, window film | No Comments

Severe weather storms and conditions have been getting stronger for years. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes have all been growing in both number, as well as intensity. Many parts of the country that never had to worry about these weather conditions previously are now finding themselves directly in a storm’s vicious path.

Naturally, this has many school districts concerned about how they can best prepare for school safety and protect their school buildings from future storms. 

First off, you need to know that there are affordable and effective options available like 3M window film. Protection from High wind & airborne debris from Hurricane & tornado weather events for your district’s schools doesn’t have to begin and end with the insurance company. By taking steps before a natural disaster, such as installing window protection film, you can help safeguard your school buildings, as well as the children, teachers, and visitors inside them. 

What Is Window Protection Film?

Window protection film is essentially a shatter-resistant security film that provides an extra barrier of protectionbetween the dangers of the storm outside your school and those seeking shelter inside.

If you take a look at the outside of any public, private, or charter school, you’ll notice something about the façade of every one: they all feature rows of windows. Daylight is great for learning but, unfortunately, windows can be some of the most vulnerable points in a school building.

As you know, one of the most dangerous aspects of natural disasters is debris from high winds. Thankfully, it’s easy to strengthen your district’s school windows against wind.

  • 3M window film has been tested to achieve up to 140 mph wind speed resistancewhen properly anchored on a suitable metal window frame
  • 3M Ultra series passes ASTM E 1996/E 1886 Missile Level C

Your district’s schools can achieve protection from high wind and airborne debris if you choose professionally installed 3M safety window films – the affordable, effective optionthat can help ensure the safety and security of your buildings, faculty, and students.

Why Are School Security Supervisors Choosing Window Protection?

In addition to increasing school safety because it makes glass stronger and more resistant to shattering, security window film like 3M shatter-resistant film also wins on price. Simply put, window protection film is more cost-effective and sustainable than new glass installation projects because it adheres to your existing windows. This also means it features a faster install time than new glazing.

Sometimes, however, 3M shatter-resistant film simply isn’t strong enough to block against gale force winds and all the debris dragged along by those high winds. If you’re looking for a stronger option than shatter-resistant film, you may want to consider Riot Glass. Check out the strength of Riot Glass in action here:

Riot Glass uses an innovative, nearly invisible rail mounting system that allows you to choose virtually shatterproof windows for your schools, without having to compromise your aesthetics with those ugly bolt-on mounting systems that polycarbonate windows typically require. Looking for impact-resistant glass alternatives? Riot Glass is definitely worth a look.

When Severe Weather Hits, Be Sure Your Schools Are Prepared

As the earth continues to cool off, following this nasty heatwave of a summer we’ve finally survived, meteorologists across the United States are now turning their worried eyes toward the hurricane season. They’re expecting around 14 named storms, which is above the 30-year average. 

Of course, the weather forecasts may be wrong. They often are. 

However, just because meteorologists can’t accurately predict the weather all the time, doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for the weather that’s truly dangerous.

 

Get the facts you need on storm mitigation films, so you can make the right decision for your schools’ safety.

 

Jul 29
0
Office building with solar window film

How Solar Window Film and Building Energy Modeling Work Together to Help You Beat the Heat

By | Energy modeling, Solar control Films, Solar Window Film, window film | No Comments

As a planet, we recently broke a temperature record with the world’s hottest June ever recorded. June also marked the 414th consecutive month where temperatures exceeded the 20th Century average – and climate experts predict that July will follow suit and break its heat records as well.

In other words, it’s really hot and getting hotter. 

As a commercial building manager, you either have the option of adjusting your budget to allow for higher cooling costs this summer and beyond… or you can make a change that will keep costs down, as well as improve your long-term corporate sustainability. 

Let’s talk about energy-efficient options for your building, specifically about solar window film and building energy modeling. 

What Can Modern Solar Window Film Do?

The question should really be, “What can’t solar film do?” because these days, window film is pretty impressive stuff. 

As summers get hotter, many smart business owners are finding new ways to keep buildings and employees cool without increasing energy costs. This is where the advanced technology of solar window film really gets the opportunity to shine. (Excuse the pun.) 

Here’s a small sampling of what you can expect of modern solar film solutions: 

  • Daylight Redirecting Film
    3M Daylight Redirecting Film relies on cutting-edge micro-structured prisms to physically redirect the natural light of the sun into your building, so you can reduce heat gain and lower your electric lighting costs.
  • Spectrally Select Films (3M Prestige series)
    3M Prestige series solar films are less reflective than glass, due to the fact that there’s no metal in their construction. The patented construction allows these films to outperform interior applied silver films on dual-pane glass while allowing in more natural light and not impeding views. This unique construction also will not affect 5G signal, thus they are future proof!
  • Ceramic Film
    Ceramic window film, such as 3M Sun Control Window Film, provides crystal-clear views along with outstanding protection from solar heat gain and harmful UV rays that can fade and damage products inside your building. Ultra clear solar film IS possible!
  • Dual Reflective Film
    Dual Reflective Film is scientifically designed to give you the advantages of solar window film (reduced heat and glare) while preserving the aesthetic beauty of your building and its views, day and night.
  • Low Emissivity (Low E) Film
    Films like 3M Thinsulate offer performance that rivals a full window replacement, with much lower costs. This type of film provides a thermal layer that reduces both heating and cooling expenditures.

Remember, this list contains only a few of the many window film products that can help your business save money and increase employee productivity during the summertime heat. If you’re curious about the rest of your options, just ask the window film experts at NGS! 

Not Sure What Kind of Solar Film Solution Would Fit Your Needs Best? You’re Not Alone. 

Considering the technological advancements that film has achieved in the past few decades, very few individuals outside the glass film industry understand the subtle shadings (another pun!) between their options. 

That’s why NGS offers building energy modeling assessments. 

What Are Building Energy Modeling Assessments? 

Our technological world is pretty amazing. Building energy modeling is a comprehensive energy expenditure prediction tool run by a powerful computer modeling program. It’s built to help you understand how your energy costs would change with various solar window film solutions.

An energy assessment helps you see the real-life impact of various energy-efficient film solutions on a realistic 3D rendering of your building – and it also lets you mix and match film, so you can find the best, most cost-effective options for your needs before spending a penny on solar window film. 

Climate predictions state that we’ll be in for many more hot summers in the years to come, but with solar film and energy modeling from NGS, you’ll be prepared to beat the heat. 

Check out the case study on Sutter Health hospital in San Francisco to find out why energy service companies (ESCOs) entrust their energy modeling projects to NGS for the best results.

Jul 15
0
3M one way mirror film

What Is 3M One Way Mirror Film and What Are Its Specifications?

By | safety & security Films, Solutions, window film | No Comments

Today’s commercial building design focuses on large, open areas and workspaces, but sometimes building aesthetics get in the way of business needs – specifically the need for privacy. Though modern retail stores, hospitals, government buildings, and schools tend to feature an open look, their employees, customers, and students still need privacy to ensure security and confidentiality. 

3M One Way Mirror Film offers specifications that provide an elegant solution to the question of how to increase privacy in an open space. That’s why building managers are increasingly choosing to install 3M Mirror Film in their locations. 

What Is 3M One Way Mirror Film?

Part of the 3M privacy film line, 3M Mirror Film covers your interior glass to provide a highly reflective, mirror-like appearance. 

In addition to improving privacy, 3M One Way Mirror Film enhances safety and security throughout a commercial building, delivering the look and results you want at a fraction of the cost of new glass. 

It’s important to note that the physics of mirrored film means that it always requires a light differential (it must be brighter on the outside than it is on the inside), so you’ll want to work closely with a mirror film installation expert to choose the best areas for your 3M Mirror Film. 

3M Mirror Film Specifications

Curious to know the exact specs on 3M’s mirrored privacy film? As usual, the experts at NGS have got you covered. 

Visible Light Transmitted7%
Visible Light Reflected – Interior64%
Visible Light Reflected – Exterior18%
HazeN/A
Thickness2 mil
*Source: 3M Safety & Security Window Film Privacy Films datasheet

If these stats have got you scratching your head, here’s what that says in layman’s terms: 

3M Mirror Film’s light transmission qualities help boost the lighting differential needed for mirrored film to work well in a range of settings, and its reflective qualities make it hard to see into a mirrored area – but easy to see out. The film is fog-free, providing for crystal-clear visibility, and its thickness provides admirable durability paired with a fast cure time. 

Of course, if you have questions about any of the 3M One Way Mirror Film specifications, simply contact us for fast information. 

How to Use 3M Mirror Film

Like all 3M window and glass films, 3M Mirror Film is flexibly crafted to fit a range of applications. However, most building managers tend to use 3M One Way Mirror Film in three ways: 

  1. Security Areas – In retail, office, and government buildings, fully mirrored walls and areas help conceal security guards. Visitors can’t see in, but security has a clear view out and can act quickly when the need arises. In schools, it also allows children to shelter in place in a locked, dark classroom while an active shooter is loose in a lit hallway – not allowing the shooter to see in from the hallway side of the glass.
  2. Privacy Zones – In banks, schools, hospitals, and many office buildings, certain departments tend to work with more sensitive data. This film’s mirrored effect helps secure those areas from prying outside eyes, while maintaining spatial aesthetics for those inside the mirrored area. 
  3. Modern Offices – The increasing trend toward co-working spaces and shared workstations in modern office buildings means meetings can take place anywhere in the building. Savvy building managers support this trend with 3M Mirror Films cut into decorative patterns, which supply privacy throughout an open office space without breaking the flow of the floorplan. 

Work with an Experienced Professional for Your Mirror Film Installation

3M One Way Mirror Film is a great solution for a range of safety, security, and privacy needs, but it requires highly specific lighting conditions to work. Your best bet for a flawless film installation is to work with NGS, the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the U.S. That way, you can ensure that your mirror film meets your exact specifications and fits your needs. 

 

Discover your wide range of options for privacy film when you contact NGS, the Film and Glass experts. 

 

Jun 11
0
Indoor business signs

How Indoor Business Signs Can Help Grow Your Business

By | Government, Hospitality, retail, Signs | No Comments

As the leader of a successful business, you’re already well aware of the many benefits that good outdoor signage can bring to your company. However, you may not be aware of the advantages of utilizing indoor business signs.

It doesn’t matter what field or industry you’re in; indoor business signage can offer great returns for all types of organizations across multiple industries.

Get ideas for your indoor signage project with today’s article.

How Do Various Industries Utilize Indoor Business Signs?

Also known as “graphic signs” (because they’re typically custom printed graphics that you stick on your interior walls, floors, doors, and ceilings), indoor business signs are an innovative approach businesses can use to communicate with clients, customers, and employees.

Below are just a few examples of how indoor business signs can benefit various industries. If you don’t see your industry on the list, you may be surprised by how versatile indoor business signage can be. Contact the signage experts at NGS to learn the latest, most creative, revenue-building ways that others in your industry are using graphic signs.

  • Hospitality

Today’s hotels face ever-increasing competition from online brokerages like Airbnb, and that means your path to growth lies in showcasing the amenities you offer that could never be matched by the limitations of an Airbnb host. However, you’ll want to ensure that your outstanding amenities are intrinsically linked to your brand.

Custom indoor business signage can help because it will reinforce your brand name and signature hotel aesthetic every time your guests look around your lobbies, hallways, elevators, rooms, and entertainment areas. With this constant reinforcement, your guests’ memories (and photos!) will reflect your brand at every turn – because your indoor business signage will also be there reflecting your brand at every turn.

  • Retail

All retail business leaders understand the concept and advantage of curb appeal, but only the savviest of retail managers and facilities planners know that, these days, curb appeal must extend well beyond the curb. Indoor business signage brings that same concept indoors.

If you’re counting on foot traffic, you expect your customers to stop at a few stores before and after they stop into your location. That means you’ll need to highlight your branding and direct customers toward prime areas in your store immediately when they walk in. Clear indoor graphic signs can help with that.

Planned and installed properly, eye-catching indoor signage can draw customers deeper into your store, enticing them to fully engage and interact with your brand and products. This also helps to increase the amount of time they spend at your location, thereby increasing purchasing likelihood.

  • Government

Government buildings typically house numerous departments, offices, and officials. Wayfinding through this labyrinth of corridors and doorways can be impossible without the proper business signage. Even an open office floorplan can be challenging to navigate without indoor signs, as the General Services Administration (GSA) discovered.

By utilizing the NGS team’s comprehensive consultation services and full product line of best-of-breed solutions, including 3M indoor graphics, you can help direct your employees and visitors around your government building with professionally designed, efficient, cost-effective indoor signs.

Best of all, NGS is a GSA contract holder licensed to provide both materials and installation services, which makes NGS the fastest, easiest procurement choice for your large or small government project. (GSA contract number: GS-07F-152CA.)

Make Indoor Business Signage Work for You

Indoor business signs, like all business tools, can be immensely beneficial and can lead to great growth. However, to take advantage of the full range of signage benefits, you’ll need to consult with professionals that can design the most efficient setup for your specific building and business.

But beware!

You don’t want to trust your new indoor signage project to any old Joe Shmoe who says they can install signs. The process of crafting and installing indoor signage takes experience and know-how – which means you’ll want to work with true professionals who have a successful history of indoor sign design and installation.

 

Learn more about your options for indoor business signs from NGS and see all the ways we can help make your business grow.

May 07
0
Printed Wall Mural with multiple planes

Surprising, Unexpected Benefits of Wall Wraps

By | Building Graphics, Commercial Property Owner, Government, HealthCare, Hospitality, Marketing Agency, Property or Facilities Maintenance, retail, Wall Wraps | No Comments

Wall wraps have been steadily improving throughout their multiple generations, but modern developments have made the latest generation more cutting-edge than you ever imagined. Check out these surprising wall wrap benefits that were never possible… until now.

But First, What’s a Wall Wrap?

Traditionally, a graphical wall decal, or “wall wrap,” has been used as an easily customizable solution to cover up unsightly, unattractive, or just plain ugly walls. These days, the high-tech advancements of wall wraps offer an expanded spectrum of options that cover up far more than just interior walls.

Modern wall wraps supply a wide range of possibility, including indoor/ outdoor resurfacing solutions; massive, eye-catching, full-color indoor/ outdoor graphics; and more.

Did you happen to see the brilliant marketing wall wraps used during Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta? Full-scale graphical marketing options like that simply weren’t possible a few years ago.

Experiencing the Unexpected Advantages of Wall Wraps

Even if you’re familiar with the latest advancements in custom wall wraps and these innovative solutions have been a part of your strategy for a while, you may still be unaware of the many unexpected benefits that wall wraps can offer.

Here are some of the more surprising ways that wall wraps can help the innovative companies that use them:

  • Expand Employee Engagement

In a recent study conducted by Capital One, 86% of millennials reported that “companies cannot encourage innovation unless their workplace and environment is innovative.” This study also revealed that Millennials place a high importance on artwork and creative imagery throughout the workplace, rating these specific aesthetics second only to natural light as their preferred space design element.

Studies like these have gained a lot of attention when it comes to increasing creativity and engagement in the workplace, and the lately increased options that full wall decals offer provide an obvious answer to solve the widespread problem of employee disengagement.

  • Increase Customer Interaction

Customer interaction is going to look different depending on your business and industry. A worldwide clothing retail business will require different types of interaction than a government agency. Luckily, in this area, wall wraps have an almost infinite number of possibilities.

The professionals at NGS can combine texture with customized designs and images to ensure you get the optimal levels of professionalism, interaction, and eye-catching brilliance at all your locations, so you can keep your customers excited and interested in your company and brand for years to come.

  • Set the Scene

A study conducted by the University of Texas concluded that workspaces that were gray, beige, and white induced sadness and depression in workers. Fortunately, custom wall wraps give you the ability to create the perfect setting in all situations, so you can keep your employees happy and focused on growing your company.

Here are three additional ways to set the scene:

  • Create a calming and soothing environment in an emergency room lobby or a dentist’s office with images from nature in soothing shades of blue and green.
  • Increase school spirit during playoff season by wrapping not only the gymnasium but the campus buildings and hallways as well.
  • Impress clients and partners with specialty wall wrap options for your meeting rooms using 3M DI-NOC whiteboard film and corporate branding packages.

Ensure You Benefit from Your Custom Wall Wraps

With all these benefits, plus the unexpected environmental advantages of 3M DI-NOC architectural film, you may find many situations in which wall wraps would be an excellent option for your purposes.

However, when choosing and installing your wraps, you’ll want to ensure you get all the benefits you deserve. To do this, make sure you hire a truly professional installation team that can boast a long record of success.

The professionals at NGS have a proven history of success installing wall wraps for some of the largest businesses across the country. Our experts have all the knowledge and experience you need to make your project a success – and we offer the best products on the market to help you transform absolutely any surface at your location.

 

Expect the success your company deserves. Contact NGS and see for yourself all the ways today’s advanced technology for wall wraps can enhance your business.

Apr 18
0
Films for Plastic Glazing

Three Commercial Window Tinting Myths and Why You Should Care

By | window film | No Comments

Unless this is the first article you’ve come across in your research into commercial window tinting, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not as limited, or as straightforward, as it used to be in the 1980s and 90s. Over the years, the advancements in technology have significantly multiplied the amount of options you have available.

Think of how much has changed in the phone and computer industries. Commercial window film has advanced almost as much.

If you hadn’t heard of new technology like smartphones, you’d have a hard time running a modern business. Similarly, if you haven’t heard of the hottest, newest window film technologies, you’re missing out on incredible business benefits.

Curious to explore the different ways commercial window film can lower your company’s costs and create a more efficient workplace? NGS has got you covered with myth-busting facts that’ll help you make the best possible investment for your company.

Get the Facts on Window Tinting Myths

There are a lot of outdated misconceptions about commercial window film, and many business leaders misunderstand what window film can and can’t do. This isn’t surprising considering the amount of vague and often misleading articles on the subject.

To get you up to speed, here’s a list of the three most pervasive myths, along with an explanation of the facts.

MYTH #1

Commercial window film and commercial window tinting are the same thing, and therefore will automatically dull or hinder any impressive views.

FACT #1

Tinting is only one of the many types of window film currently available. Plus, with modern technology, you can get the benefits of tinting without changing the impressive nature of the views from your offices.

Why This Matters

With the availability of cutting-edge products like 3M Dual Reflective and 3M Daylight Redirection films, you can get benefits including lowered energy costs and reduced glare without tainting the clarity of your views in any way. In fact, 3M Dual Reflective film is designed to provide these benefits as well as increase visibility by reducing interior reflection.

MYTH #2

The cost of installing window film for a large company with multiple buildings, each with numerous floors, would never balance out as a good business investment.

FACT #2

Commercial window film typically costs only a fraction of the price of its alternative solutions. A top-quality window film installation company like NGS will help walk you through the installation process and use building/ energy modeling to give you a realistic view of all your options and savings before investing money on the installation.

Plus, with the experts at NGS working to find available rebates or subsidies to help offset your installation costs, window film typically makes an extremely efficient business investment with a solid ROI.

Why This Matters

Through the use of historical energy consumption data, visual building modeling, thermal imaging, and ambient air temperature data, NGS can work with you to develop the most effective solution for your company.

Your best solution may have different types of window film on different sides of the building or even on different floors. Perhaps the most effective approach would be installing film on only a single section or one side of your building, thereby reducing expected costs by 75% or more automatically.

Whatever installation solution is most effective for the future of your business, NGS will find it and get you covered.

MYTH #3

Commercial window tinting or film installation is a long, time-consuming project that will undoubtedly disrupt business.

FACT#3

NGS understands how important your daily business operations are to the success of your company. That’s why their services include working around your company’s schedule, assuring minimal interruption.

Why This Matters

Business interruptions lead to lost productivity and, ultimately, lost profits. These losses would directly subtract from the efficiency advantages being sought out through window film to begin with. With NGS willing to complete all the work after business hours, all the productivity, profits, and efficiency benefits driving the project remain intact, without business sacrifice.

Find Out How Advanced Window Film Solutions Can Help Your Company

When it comes to window film, there are many great options available from a variety of vendors, including 3M. Window tint, or rather, window film, has expanded its versatility and usefulness as technology has advanced. The options mentioned here are only a few of the options available through NGS.

As the #1 commercial window film company in the United States, NGS has the knowledge, experience, expertise, and cutting-edge technology to help you find the most efficient solution from today’s best-of-breed, market-leading film vendors.

Contact NGS to see for yourself all the ways the new advanced technology of commercial window tinting/ film can help your future business.

Mar 19
0

5 Expert Considerations for Perfect Outdoor Business Signs

By | Signs | No Comments

Rolling out a new location? Getting your outdoor business signs looking great is critical to the success of your rollout, but fighting with landlords and city officials over precedents and permits can delay your signage project timelines.

There’s no reason you should have to settle for lower-quality signage with higher prices, just so you can meet your grand opening deadlines. Instead, trust your outdoor sign projects to the signage experts at NGS. When you leave your signage to us, we’ll make sure you get high-quality custom business signs you’ll love – and best of all, they’ll be delivered on time and on budget, every time.

Curious how we’ll choose the right sign for your needs? Here are 5 key areas we’ll consider to make sure your custom business sign project is a success.

An Expert’s Guide to Outdoor Business Signs

This is the general outline of the guidelines we follow when planning for your outdoor business signs. Please feel free to use the questions in this guide yourself or share it with your colleagues when planning for your next signage project.

  1. Does It Grab Attention?

Building wraps and full-color window graphics both do a great job of attracting attention from people passing by, and that’s important because a 2012 study by FedEx Office determined that 75% of people entered a store or referred a friend because they saw the store’s outdoor business signs. Another strong attention-grabbing setup is to use video projection film from 3M, which displays full-color videos that catch the eye of anyone nearby.

  1. Will It Attract Customers and Visitors?

Once people have noticed your store, it’s best to guide them right inside immediately. Colorful, branded indoor / outdoor floor graphic films, such as 3M Envision, are a great way to lead visitors in the right direction and can be used effectively with unique and interesting wayfinding outdoor signs to help everyone quickly and easily find their path to your doors.

  1. Can It Be Clearly and Easily Seen at All Times?

When it comes to outdoor business signs, the phrase “go big or go home” really applies. If you don’t “go big” on signage, your potential customers will end up going home. To ensure your outdoor business signs are visible, NGS uses 3D environment modeling to determine the best signage spots, and then we design, manufacture, and install the blade signs, channel lettering, or pylon and monument signs (or anything else!) that fit your needs best.

  1. Does It Send a Message of Quality?

When it comes to first impressions, quality matters for your outdoor business signs. According to a Sign Research Foundation study, 33% of customers walked into a store based on the quality of its outdoor signs, and another Sign Research Foundation study showed that 34% of people admitted to associating the quality of a store and its products with the quality of its signs. Luckily, quality can be communicated using premium materials like wood, specialty metals, or shiny acrylic, or with durable materials that look good for the life of your lease, like Sign•Foam or PVC.

  1. Is the Placement and Appearance of the Sign Legal?

Nothing stops a custom business sign project dead in its tracks like a permit delay or a landlord dispute. We wouldn’t be surprised if scientists someday discover a law of nature that kicks in when you’re running at top speed to meet your rollout deadlines – making city officials respond slower than snails, while landlords nitpick everything. NGS works with all these officials for you, tirelessly filling out city paperwork and investigating your building to establish precedent that quiets your landlord’s arguments.

Get Hassle-Free Help with Your Outdoor Business Signs – No Handholding Required

As a Facilities and Maintenance Manager for a large corporation, you don’t need us to tell you how much work it takes to rollout a new location, you’re busy making that happen right now! We truly understand how much work and attention your job takes, and we’re happy to step in and help.

As one of our satisfied customers stated:

“With NGS, you eliminate the headache. Sometimes I feel like vendors require so much handholding. With NGS, it’s set it and forget it. You know it’s going to be done right.”

In fact, we don’t just handle seamless installations, we can do all the work for you with our turnkey services. All you have to do is send over your brand guidelines and we’ll design, permit, manufacture, and install your signs for you.

Creating outdoor signs really can be that simple.

If you’re ready to get quality, on-time outdoor business signs without the hassle or headache, contact NGS to find out how we can help. We look forward to speaking with you.

Feb 13
0
Printed Words on Frost Film

Super Bowl Calls for Super Graphics: 3 Ways Building Graphics Can Help Businesses Dominate Their Field

By | Building Graphics | No Comments

Did you see the Super Bowl graphics this year? Businesses across Atlanta covered their building exteriors with colorful, fun, and massive graphics that welcomed football fans and teams to the city. Some of the most eye-catching designs showed up on the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel and, of course, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Impressive designs like these are called “building graphics,” and they can be used by any business to draw attention to anything, on a short-term or long-term basis. Best of all, they boast a low, upfront cost and little-to-no future maintenance requirements, so they’re a great choice for any time of year, not just during the Super Bowl.

But there’s a catch: If you’re ready to use building graphics effectively, you’ll want to work with a professional installation company that can think outside the typical bureaucratic box of options and help you come up with a unique, eye-catching design that truly stands out.

After all, with the right design and the right installation professionals, your graphics can provide a large range of business-building benefits. Let’s talk about just a few.

Building Graphics: The Flexible, Business-Building Investment

In commercial districts and urban centers, it can be hard to make your business stand out. If your building looks like many others in the area, you may struggle to attract attention from the drivers or pedestrians who pass by your building every day on their commute.

If you’re missing out on spontaneous business traffic, 3M building graphics can help. Not only are they brightly colored and attention-grabbing, they’re also extremely versatile and resilient. Best of all, expert installers can apply them to almost any surface, indoors or outdoors, which means you can use them anywhere.

Today’s companies are increasingly choosing to enhance their buildings with graphics, so they can:

  1. Strengthen company branding

Looking to build your corporate culture? Building graphics offer an innovative approach to corporate branding on your interiors and exteriors. Through the flexible application of window graphics, floor graphics, and architectural films, your company will have the ability to present a unified look and appearance inside and out because you can place your brand design on virtually any surface.

  1. Improve interaction

Floor graphics are a great way for all businesses to increase foot traffic and improve wayfinding inside a building, as well as draw attention to a featured product or area. Whether you’re running a corporate manufacturing plant, a hospital, or a chain of restaurants, wall and floor graphics can help you easily communicate with and direct your workers, clients, patients, or customers.

  1. Increase employee productivity

Though many companies are choosing to build teams by remodeling for open floor plans, hosting team-building retreats in the woods, and serving sushi in the cafeteria, those choices aren’t right for every company. There are many ways to reinvest in your organization and adding 3M building graphics to change the wall colors is a highly effective, yet relatively low-cost way to improve employee productivity, increase wayfinding, and boost corporate culture all at the same time.

Innovative Business Leaders Choose Innovative Solutions

Building graphics are a versatile option for businesses prepared to take advantage of growth opportunities – and when we say versatile, we mean it.

In fact, when it comes to investing in high-quality building graphics for your company, you’ll find that your possibilities are as vast and unlimited as your imagination. Any color, design, or message you can dream up, you can make it a reality with the right graphics. You can even choose from customizable textured surfaces!

If you’re ready to boost your business and explore all the possibilities that window graphics, floor graphics, and interior/exterior wall graphics can offer, the graphic installation experts at NGS will cover you every step of the way. Whether you need assistance coming up with a design, printing your large-scale graphic, or installing everything in a hurry (like, in time for the next Super Bowl!), NGS is always happy to help.

 

Contact the professionals at NGS and find out what else building graphics can do for your company and learn more about the graphic services available to your business.