ADA Signage
ADA Signage for an Inclusive Community
ADA signage is about more than compliance — it’s about community.
We’ve crafted our fair share of ADA compliant signs. We understand how important ADA signage is and take special care to meet all the required rules and regulations so that your office, school, business, or hospital is inclusive for your community.
Unlike other signage projects, ADA compliant signs follow strict federal guidelines for accessibility. We blend compliance, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to perfect your ADA signage.
Why do ADA compliant signs matter?
Did you know that in order for a building to be granted a certificate of occupancy, its signage must adhere to ADA guidelines?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that has been in place since 1990. This law protects disabled individuals from discrimination within all spaces accessible to the public. As of March 2011, compliance is required and enforceable by federal law.
The ADA guidelines have specific parameters for signage products and if your signs do not meet ADA standards, you are at serious risk for facing large fines - up to $75,000 for one signage violation and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations.
More Than Metal & Letters: Crafting ADA Signage
ADA signage, wayfinding signage, directional signage — you name it, we can create it! Our process for ADA compliant signs is standardized to ensure your project is 100% compliant.
No matter the project, no matter how big or small, we take special care to get your signs right the first time.
ADA signage projects can be completed through either the etching process or the casting process depending on your project’s needs.
Casting Process
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After your project is confirmed, we get started by creating a design that reflects the needs of your piece. From text to logos to artwork, we make sure every detail is accounted for and laid out well.
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The design is then used to make a pattern, often crafted from wood, that then serves as the template for the mold. The mold is crafted to capture the intricate details of the design, ensuring precision in the final casting.
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Molten metal, such as bronze or aluminum, is poured into the mold. Before becoming cast metal, the molten metal is incredibly fluid, flowing to every part of the mold and capturing the fine details of the design.
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Once the metal solidifies, the mold is carefully broken away, revealing the rough cast plaque. The cast metal plaque design is visible, but still quite rough around the edges and needs human touch and a bit of elbow grease.
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After removal, the cast plaque is cleaned and polished. Any additional details that need extra refining are addressed at this point. Depending on your project, we’ll also add additional coatings at this step.
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Before we install or deliver, each cast plaque undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure quality of your project! We’ll refer back to your original project specs to ensure we’ve exceeded your expectations.
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Now, it’s time to ship! We ship all of our products worldwide. Each product comes with a mounting template that identifies the stud locations on each piece so that your installation is efficient and clean.
Etching Process
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After your project is confirmed, we get started by creating a design that reflects the needs of your piece. From text to logos to artwork, we make sure every detail is accounted for and laid out well.
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Once your design is finalized, we begin to prep the metal. We transfer the design onto the metal sheet using a chemical resistant material, protecting it from the etchant.
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We then immerse the metal sheet into a chemical etchant. This dissolves the unprotected metal, leaving your design raised and untouched.
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After the signage is removed from the chemical, your custom etching is cleaned, revealing a beautiful etched plaque.
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Any additional details that need extra refining are addressed at this point, and your chosen finishing is applied. Depending on your project, we’ll also add additional coatings at this step.
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Before we install or deliver, each custom etching undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure quality of your project! We’ll refer back to your original project specs to ensure we’ve exceeded your expectations. We will also double check that your signage meets all required ADA guidelines.
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Now, it’s time to ship! We ship all of our products worldwide. Each product comes with a mounting template that identifies the stud locations on each piece so that your installation is efficient and clean.
ADA Signage Projects
Why should you have your ADA signage completed at A.R.K. Ramos?
Our ADA signage is durable, cleanly finished, and given a high-end architectural look that’s perfect for hospitals, universities, and corporate buildings. Plus, we can help you with adding custom branding without sacrificing compliance.
Over the years, we’ve crafted ADA compliant signs for businesses across industries and locations. We have unmatched experience. If you need signage that lasts, working with us is the way to go!
ADA Signage Materials & Uses
Every project is different, from materials used to what the project is used for. Here at A.R.K. Ramos, our ADA compliant signs can be made from one of our many stock patterns or be custom made from a design of your own.
Note: All letters and Braille are raised a minimum of 1/32″ from the surface with letters and symbols in contrasting colors to background colors.
What is ADA signage used for?
Directional signage
Bathroom signs
Parking spots
Wheelchair accessibility signage
Weather related emergencies
Available Metals
Bronze
Brass
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Zinc
Types of Finishes
Satin/Brushed
Mirror Polished
Multi-Color Paint
Anodized
Disclaimer
A.R.K. Ramos ADA signage materials meet most city, state, and federal fire safety and building codes and are acceptable for use in private and public buildings. Building codes vary from city to city, we recommend local authorities be contacted about potential regulations which might affect your commercial building signage needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ADA signage complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design. These signs include tactile text, Braille, and high-contrast elements to ensure clear and accessible communication for all users.
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Our ADA signage follows the strict federal accessibility guidelines, including character height and spacing, mounting location, and finish contrast as outlined in current ADA guidelines for public buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, commercial spaces, and more. We do recommend that customers check their local building codes to ensure full compliance with any local standards that may exceed federal standards.
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ADA signage can be created using any of the available materials for our casting process or etching process. Bronze, brass, aluminum, stainless steel and zinc all offer durable signage options that can meet the required contrast and tactile standards for ADA signage.
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Yes. We can incorporate custom logos and other design elements, where allowed, while still maintaining the required tactile text, contrast, and Braille placement. Our team can help ensure your branding integrates smoothly with accessibility requirements.
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ADA signage is installed according to mounting height and location requirements specified in the ADA guidelines. Common mounting methods include concealed studs or surface mounts for walls, doors, or elevators.
It’s about more than legal compliance. ADA signage is kind and respectful to your community. That said, these projects deserve to be cared for and completed with careful hands and exceptional expertise. Get in touch with A.R.K. Ramos to decide whether we may be the right team to get the job done.