This is an editable guide specification. Items shown in [brackets] are selections or project-specific information to be supplied or chosen by the design professional. Select the option(s) that apply, delete those that do not, and remove all specifier notes before issuing the project manual. Coordinate this Section with the Sign Type Drawings and the Sign Message Schedule.
Part 1 — General
1.1 Related documents
Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
1.2 Summary
Section includes:
- Compression molded acrylic tactile (ADA) room identification signs.
- Compression molded acrylic tactile wayfinding and directional signs.
- Compression molded acrylic egress, life-safety, and stair signage.
- Compression molded acrylic interior architectural signage with subsurface or first-surface graphics.
- Mounting accessories and related anchorage for signs specified in this Section.
Related requirements. Coordinate the Work of this Section with:
- Section [08 11 00 / 08 14 00] — Doors and Frames, for sign location at door openings.
- Section [09 91 00] — Painting, for preparation of wall surfaces at sign locations.
- Section [26 53 00] — Exit and emergency egress lighting, where illuminated egress signage is required.
- Division 01 — Sustainable design requirements and submittals.
Edit the related requirements list to match the actual section numbers and titles used in this project manual.
1.3 References
Comply with the current edition of the following, as adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ):
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (28 CFR Part 36), Section 703 — Signs.
- Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Standards, for federally funded or leased facilities, where applicable.
- ICC A117.1 — Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
- International Building Code (IBC), Chapters 8, 10, and 11, and the building code adopted by the AHJ.
- NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code, for egress and exit marking, where applicable.
- NFPA 286 — Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth (fire-rated polycarbonate substrates).
- ASTM D4802 — Standard Specification for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Acrylic Plastic Sheet.
- ASTM D635 — Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position.
- ASTM D1929 — Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics.
- ASTM D3359 — Measuring Adhesion by Tape Test (graphics adhesion verification).
- UL 94 — Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances.
- UL 1994 / IFC 1025 — Luminous egress path markings, where photoluminescent egress signage is scheduled.
1.4 Definitions
- Compression molded acrylic (CMA)
- A monolithic, thermoformed acrylic sign panel in which raised characters, raised graphics, and Grade 2 (contracted) Braille are integrally formed in a single high-pressure molding operation against a machined mold. Tactile features are integral to the panel — not applied, milled, inserted, or laminated.
- Tactile characters
- Raised characters meeting the relief and form requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards §703.2.
- Visual characters
- Characters intended to be read visually, meeting §703.5.
- Subsurface (second-surface) graphics
- Graphics or color applied to the reverse face of the panel and viewed through the acrylic, protected beneath the panel surface.
- First-surface graphics
- Graphics or paint applied to the front (viewing) face of the panel.
- Tipping
- Application of color to the top plane of integrally raised characters or graphics.
- Non-glare finish
- A matte, low-reflectance surface appearance achieved through the manufacturer's process and meeting §703.5.1.
1.5 Administrative requirements
- Coordination: Coordinate sign locations, mounting heights, door swings, and door hardware/latch sides with the door schedule and verified field conditions before fabrication.
- Production art: Manufacture from the customer's production-ready art, including raised copy and Grade 2 braille. The manufacturer does not prepare that art and does not verify braille translation. Translation accuracy remains the customer's.
- Braille shown on drawings is for size and position only. Mold the braille that is in the customer's production-ready art. Do not translate braille from a message schedule, and do not treat a layout placeholder as the production translation.
1.6 Submittals
- Product data: Manufacturer's data for each sign type, including materials, finish expression, substrate, thickness, surface finish, edge treatment, and mounting method. Include the manufacturer's material data sheets for each scheduled substrate, graphics system, and mounting material.
- Shop drawings: Elevations of each sign type at not less than half full size showing character heights, font, Braille placement, color call-outs, panel construction, edge finish, and mounting detail, coordinated to the customer's production-ready art. The manufacturer does not prepare production art and does not submit a message proof for approval.
- Samples — initial selection: Manufacturer's color range for face/background and graphics.
- Samples — verification: One representative production sample showing substrate, surface finish, raised tactile copy, Braille, graphics, and edge treatment.
- Sign message schedule: The customer supplies the schedule and the production-ready art. Fabrication does not wait on a manufacturer proof. The manufacturer does not revise copy or braille.
- Fire-performance data: For fire-rated substrates, submit the manufacturer's documentation of the interior finish classification and the tested installation configuration.
- Warranty: Copy of the manufacturer's published warranty.
- Maintenance data: Manufacturer's cleaning and care instructions.
1.7 Quality assurance
- Manufacturer qualifications: A firm with documented experience producing compression molded acrylic tactile signage.
- Single-source responsibility: Obtain each sign type from a single manufacturer.
- Regulatory requirements: Tactile signage shall comply with the 2010 ADA Standards §703 and ICC A117.1 as adopted by the AHJ. Where requirements differ, the more stringent governs.
- Mockups (where required): Provide one sign of the [restroom identification] type for review and approval. The approved mockup may remain as part of the completed Work.
1.8 Delivery, storage, and handling
- Deliver signs individually protected and labeled in accordance with the approved sign message schedule.
- Store flat, indoors, in a clean and dry location out of direct sunlight, with protective masking in place until installation. Do not store acrylic panels where temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C).
1.9 Field conditions
Do not install signs until substrate and ambient conditions comply with the manufacturer's requirements: mounting surfaces clean, dry, sound, and cured, and ambient temperature within the mounting tape's application range.
1.10 Warranty
Manufacturer's warranty: provide the manufacturer's standard written warranty.
- Lifetime warranty: Compression molded acrylic signage free from defects in material and workmanship, subject to the exclusions stated in the manufacturer's published warranty (including vandalism, abuse, neglect, normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, normal fade, color change, and paint fill).
- Limited one-year warranty: Custom signage other than compression molded acrylic signage, against defects in material and workmanship, for one year from the date of invoice.
- Removal, wall repair, and reinstallation costs are excluded per the manufacturer's published warranty.
Maintenance: Clean with soap and water or non-alcohol, non-ammonia-based cleaners. The published warranty is also on the warranty page.
Part 2 — Products
2.1 Manufacturers
Basis-of-design manufacturer: Thermoformed Signs, LLC; 919.673.0012; michael@thermoformedsigns.com; thermoformedsigns.com. Made in America.
- Source limitations: Obtain compression molded acrylic signage from a single manufacturer.
- Prohibited construction / substitutions: The following are not acceptable substitutions for compression molded acrylic tactile signage: applied appliqué tactile copy; raised characters applied as separate components; raster-inserted (bead or cylinder) Braille; embossed or applied Braille; and, where exterior durability is required, photopolymer tactile signage.
2.2 Performance / design requirements — accessibility
Provide tactile signage complying with the 2010 ADA Standards §703 and ICC A117.1 (adopted edition).
Raised (tactile) characters — §703.2
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Relief | Raised a minimum of 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) above the panel surface. |
| Case | Uppercase only. |
| Style | Sans serif; not italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or other unusual form. |
| Height | 5/8 in. (16 mm) minimum to 2 in. (51 mm) maximum, based on the uppercase letter I. |
| Width | 55% to 110% of character height, based on the uppercase letter I. |
| Stroke thickness | 15% maximum of character height, based on the uppercase letter I. |
| Character spacing | 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) minimum between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters; where characters are rounded or beveled, 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) minimum at the base. |
| Line spacing | 135% to 170% of character height, measured between baselines of separate lines of text. |
Braille — §703.3
- Grade 2 (contracted) Braille with domed/rounded dots, complying with ADA Table 703.3.1.
- Position: Directly below the corresponding tactile text; where text is multilined, below the last line of text; flush left or centered. Separate Braille a minimum of 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) from any other tactile characters and from raised borders.
| Dimension | Range |
|---|---|
| Dot base diameter | 0.059–0.063 in. |
| Dot height | 0.025–0.037 in. |
| Distance between dots within a cell | 0.090–0.100 in. |
| Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells | 0.241–0.300 in. |
| Distance between corresponding dots from cell to cell (line) | 0.395–0.400 in. |
- Visual characters — §703.5: Where visual characters are required, provide a non-glare finish, 70% minimum contrast between characters and background, and character height appropriate to viewing distance and mounting height per §703.5.5.
- Pictograms — §703.6: Provide pictograms within a field 6 in. (150 mm) minimum in height, with a non-glare finish and 70% minimum contrast. Where a pictogram designates a permanent room or space, provide tactile text and Braille below the pictogram field, not within it.
- Finish and contrast — §703.5.1: Characters, symbols, and their backgrounds shall have an eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish, with a minimum 70% contrast.
2.3 Materials
Values below are typical properties from material data. They are not specification limits unless stated as a requirement. See material data sheets TS-MDS-01 through TS-MDS-06 on the material data page.
A. Acrylic sheet (standard CMA panel)
Continuously processed (extruded) poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sheet complying with ASTM D4802, UV-stabilized, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Specific gravity (ASTM D792) | 1.19 |
| Tensile strength (ASTM D638) | 10,000 psi |
| Flexural strength (ASTM D790) | 17,000 psi |
| Rockwell hardness (ASTM D785) | M-93 |
| Total light transmission, clear (ASTM D1003) | 92% |
| Water absorption (ASTM D570) | 0.2% |
| Deflection temperature, 264 psi (ASTM D648) | 195°F (91°C) |
| Vicat softening point (ASTM D1525) | 220°F (105°C) |
| Maximum continuous service temperature | 160°F (71°C); 190°F (88°C) short intermittent |
| Low service temperature | −30°F (−34°C) |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (ASTM D696) | 0.000040 in./in./°F |
| Burning rate, 0.125 in. (ASTM D635) | 1.0 in./min |
| Self-ignition temperature (ASTM D1929) | 850°F (455°C) |
| Flammability classification | UL 94 HB |
Acrylic is a combustible thermoplastic. Weathering: suitable for prolonged outdoor exposure; filters 80–90% of ultraviolet light in the 250–400 nm range.
B. Polycarbonate — fire-rated
Where scheduled for fire-rated interior finish applications: optical-grade polycarbonate sheet meeting Class A interior wall and ceiling finish requirements of IBC Section 803 and passing NFPA 286.
| Location | Attachment | Thickness | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall | On wall, fastened at corners | 0.118–0.236 in. | 0 in. |
| Wall | Standoffs | 0.118–0.236 in. | > 0.5 in. from wall |
| Wall | Plastic channels | 0.118–0.236 in. | 0 in. |
| Ceiling | Standoffs / hanger bars | 0.118–0.500 in. | > 2 in. from ceiling |
Typical properties: specific gravity 1.2 (ASTM D792); tensile strength at break 9,500 psi (ASTM D638); flexural strength 13,500 psi (ASTM D790); notched Izod impact 18 ft·lb/in. at 0.125 in. (ASTM D256); heat deflection temperature 270°F at 264 psi (ASTM D648); self-ignition temperature 1,022°F (ASTM D1929); water absorption 0.15% (ASTM D570). UV-stable.
Where fire-rated substrates are scheduled, select a thickness within the tested range and a tested mounting configuration. Nominal 1/4 in. (0.250 in.) is outside the 0.236 in. tested maximum for wall installations; specify 6 mm (0.236 in.).
C–F. Other scheduled materials
- Photoluminescent substrate (egress, where scheduled): photoluminescent sheet meeting the luminance requirements of UL 1994 and IFC 1025, as adopted by the AHJ. Submit product-specific test data.
- Solid surface (where scheduled): acrylic-based solid surface sheet; typical density 1.6–1.8 g/cm³; non-porous and water-insoluble. Submit fire-performance data where required by code.
- Embedded materials (where scheduled): wood veneer, fabric, or mesh encapsulated between clear thermoplastic layers. Custom — coordinate scope and data with the manufacturer.
- Thin-gauge inserts and laminate components (where scheduled): matte, micro-surfaced, impact-modified acrylic, 1/32 in., 1/16 in., or 1/8 in., rated UL 94 HB, RoHS compliant. Typical properties: notched Izod impact 1.10 ft·lb/in. (ASTM D256); tensile strength 5,500 psi (ASTM D638); deflection temperature 180°F at 264 psi (ASTM D648).
G. Graphics and color systems
- Subsurface graphics and tipping: UV-cured screen ink system, or full-color digital print, applied to the second (reverse) surface and protected beneath the acrylic face. Screen ink system formulated for 2 years of outdoor durability at full strength, properly cured, mounted vertically; an overprint clear extends outdoor durability. Matte ink colors are limited to interior or short-term exterior use. Verify adhesion by cross-hatch tape test per ASTM D3359.
- First-surface paint: factory-applied catalyzed acrylic-urethane architectural coating.
- Color matching: match to industry-standard color references as scheduled, or to any physical sample or color chip provided.
H. Mounting materials
- Double-sided foam mounting tape: 0.047 in. (1.2 mm) polyethylene foam with pure acrylic adhesive; temperature resistance 194°F (90°C) long term, 212°F (100°C) short term.
- Double-sided film mounting tape (laminate and thin-profile applications): 0.0087 in. (220 µm) transparent polypropylene film with acrylic adhesive; temperature resistance −40°F (−40°C) to 176°F (80°C) long term, 266°F (130°C) short term; good UV aging and very good humidity resistance.
- Mechanical fasteners; clear RTV silicone for glass-backer assemblies; and magnetic sheet/tape with steel tape, as scheduled.
2.4 Finish expressions
Select the finish expression(s) for each sign type and indicate on the Sign Type Drawings.
| Expression | Description |
|---|---|
| 2nd surface | Integrally raised tactile copy and Braille with background color applied to the second (reverse) surface and protected beneath the acrylic face. Standard for durable, glare-resistant room identification and wayfinding. |
| 1st surface | Integrally raised tactile copy and Braille with architectural paint applied to the front (first) surface. |
| 2nd surface direct print | Full-color subsurface digital print viewed through the acrylic, with integral tactile copy and Braille; for multi-color logos and graphics protected beneath the face. |
| 1st surface direct print | First-surface digital print, available as an add-on capability on painted panels for first-surface logo and graphic elements. |
| Solid color | Integrally colored acrylic panel; color is inherent to the substrate throughout. |
| Embedded | Decorative material (wood veneer, fabric, or mesh) encapsulated within the panel. Custom — coordinate scope with the manufacturer. |
| Braille color | Braille is left in the clear substrate / face color on 2nd surface, direct print, and solid color expressions. On 1st surface (front-painted) expressions, Braille is finished in the face color. |
2.5 Substrate, finish, and configuration options
- Substrate type: [Clear acrylic] [White acrylic] [Black acrylic] [Solid color acrylic] [Polycarbonate – fire-rated] [Photoluminescent – egress] [Solid surface] [Embedded].
- Substrate thickness: [1/16 in.] [1/8 in. – standard] [1/4 in.] [3/8 in.] [1/2 in.] [5/8 in.] [3/4 in.] [7/8 in.] [1 in.]. 1/2 in. is offered. Thicknesses up to 1 in. are available. 1/32 in. for thin frame inserts. Fire-rated polycarbonate: 0.118 in. to 0.236 in. only (see 2.3.B).
- Surface finish: [Non-glare (matte) – standard for ADA] [Smooth] [Fine-texture (stipple)]. Non-glare and super-matte appearances are surface finishes, not separate substrate selections.
- Edge finish: [Laser-finished (eased)] [Router-finished] [Beveled].
- Corner / shape: [Square] [1/8 in. radius] [1/4 in. radius] [Custom shape].
- Panel size: as indicated on the Sign Type Drawings and Sign Message Schedule. Coordinate maximum single-panel dimensions with the manufacturer.
- Mounting method: [Double-sided foam tape – typical interior] [Mechanical fasteners] [Magnetic mount] [Glass-backer assembly]. Where a glass-backer assembly is used, a first-surface vinyl glass backer is applied to the glazing before the sign panel. Printed paper inserts used in window or changeable frames are furnished by the Owner / others.
2.6 Fabrication
- Form each sign as a monolithic compression molded acrylic panel; integrally form raised copy, raised graphics, and Braille in a single high-pressure molding operation against a machined mold. Do not apply, mill, or insert tactile features.
- Produce characters and Braille precisely formed, free of burrs, cut marks, and tooling artifacts.
- Tipping: where scheduled, apply color to the top plane of raised copy and graphics.
- Edges: finish to the selected edge treatment; ease laser-cut edges. Anneal laser-cut acrylic where required to minimize stress crazing.
- Mold from the customer's production-ready art. Do not alter copy or braille. The manufacturer does not check translation accuracy.
2.7 Source quality control
- Inspect each panel for character height and relief, braille dot form and placement against the supplied production art, contrast, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy before shipment.
- Reject panels exhibiting malformed characters, braille that does not match the supplied production art, insufficient relief, or finish defects.
Part 3 — Execution
3.1 Examination
- Verify that surfaces and conditions are ready to receive the Work. Verify door swing, latch side, and available wall space at each sign location.
- Do not begin installation until unacceptable conditions are corrected.
3.2 Preparation
- Clean mounting surfaces of dust, grease, and contaminants. Verify the surface is sound and within the flatness tolerance required for the selected mounting method.
- Lay out sign locations and heights; verify against the approved Sign Message Schedule.
3.3 Installation
Install signs plumb, level, and true, at the locations and heights indicated and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the following ADA requirements.
- Mounting height — §703.4.1: Mount tactile characters 48 in. (1220 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground, measured to the baseline of the lowest tactile character, and 60 in. (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground, measured to the baseline of the highest tactile character.
- At a single door, locate the sign on the latch side.
- At double doors with one active leaf, locate the sign on the inactive leaf.
- At double doors with two active leaves, locate the sign to the right of the right-hand door.
- Where there is no wall space on the latch side (including at recessed doors), locate the sign on the nearest adjacent wall.
- Clear floor space: 18 in. × 18 in. (455 × 455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degrees open.
- Foam tape: apply to clean, dry surfaces per the manufacturer's instructions; apply firm, even pressure across the full panel.
- Mechanical fasteners: locate per the approved shop drawings; do not over-torque.
- Glass-backer assembly: apply the first-surface vinyl glass backer to the glazing before applying the sign panel; mount the panel with foam tape and clear RTV silicone as detailed.
- Fire-rated polycarbonate: install only in a tested configuration per 2.3.B.
- Do not install signs with damaged, malformed, or non-compliant tactile copy or Braille.
3.4 Field quality control
- Verify installed mounting heights and locations comply with §703.4.
- Verify legibility and contrast, and confirm each installed sign matches the approved Sign Message Schedule.
3.5 Cleaning and protection
- Remove protective masking. Clean signs with soap and water or non-alcohol, non-ammonia-based cleaners. Do not use abrasive cleaners, harsh solvents, aromatic solvents, ketones, or lacquer thinners, which attack acrylic.
- Protect installed signs from damage until Substantial Completion.
3.6 Sign message schedule
Provide signs as indicated in the Sign Message Schedule and on the Sign Type Drawings. Copy and braille follow the customer's production-ready art.
Insert the project Sign Message Schedule here, or reference the drawings. Coordinate sign types, finish expressions, substrates, surface finishes, mounting methods, and messages across this Section, the schedule, and the drawings.
End of Section 10 14 00