Palram PALFOA - Manual (Page 5)

Fabrication Guide
4
Exterior Signs
PALIGHT, when used correctly and with basic mechanical fixing methods is suitable for exterior use. Using PALIGHT can provide an
excellent weatherproof sign substrate ready for screen printing, painting, or vinyl graphics.
Tips on Sign Installations with Posts
The following tips have been compiled to be used as a general guide for fixing PALIGHT for a minimum amount of breakage.
Unusual designs falling outside the examples given may require certain modifications when considering PALIGHT.
Significant Items to be Considered
1. Bolt holes should always be larger than the bolt shaft to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, thus eliminating the possible
stress at bolt fixing points. The use of washers spread the compressive load when bolts/nuts are tightened. Be sure not to over
tighten as this will weaken the connection.
2. Split timber posts are the best to use because the PALIGHT is supported evenly on both sides. If steel or aluminum poles are
used, nylon bolts and washers give the best results. Be certain not
to skimp on fasteners for these types of installation. They should be
evenly spaced and away from the top and bottom edges.
Screwed Joints
For the attachment of PALIGHT, basically all known through bolts are
acceptable. For outdoor mounting, it is recommended that the bolt
shank be passed through the PALIGHT in prepared holes or suitably
dimensioned slots that leave adequate clearance between the bolt
shank and the PALIGHT.
The screws should only be tightened firmly enough to allow the
sheet to expand and contract in all directions without warping or
buckling. Tapping screws or screws with form fitted passage of the shank through the sheet should be avoided, but are allowed for
interior uses with predictably low temperature variations.
The diameter of the hole or length of the slot should not be less than 2.5 times the shank diameter of the fastener. Disc washers
should be used to cover the holes or to bridge the slots and they should be large enough to ensure adequate load distribution.
Precise centering of the screws in holes and slots is essential to permit free movement of the sheet in all directions.
Frame Fastening of Flat PALIGHT Sheets
PALIGHT can be fastened utilizing various different framing materials such as, but not limited to, wood, aluminum, steel and vinyl.
Besides the inherent rigidity of PALIGHT sheets, which is dependent on thickness, all possible exterior stresses, e.g., wind pressure,
etc., must be taken into consideration in frame fastening. For appropriate mechanical and elastic property values the data sheet
should be consulted. Dimensional changes due to thermal expansion (or contraction) must be taken into consideration by leaving
sufficient clearance between the sheet edge and the frame.
Hanging Signs
PALIGHT may be successfully used as interior hanging signs. As PALIGHT is an extruded sheet product, thin gauges or large hanging
signs may require additional support. The addition of an aluminum or thick walled plastic “C” channel across the top, bottom, or
around the perimeter may be needed to alleviate any tendencies to warp. When the additions of supporting channels are not
an option, the method illustrated below may also be used to help prevent bowing. Holes should be located 2-1/2 times material
thickness from edge.
25mm