Using Sign Post Sleeves and Square Post Mounting for Easy Sign Installation, Versatile Mounting, and Lower Replacement Costs
Square post tubing provides versatile installation options, allowing for sign posts to be erected in areas covered by blacktop, concrete, gravel or soil. For gravel or soil installation the anchor post assembly is simply driven into the ground, leaving an inch or two above ground level. After the anchor post assembly has been secured in place, the sign post can be inserted into the assembly and secured. During installation into blacktop surfaces the anchor assembly is pushed through the blacktop itself and deep into the subsoil, where it is secured. For concrete installations, a concrete drill or pneumatic hammer can be used to break through surface concrete, before driving down the anchor assembly to within one inch of the surface. Leaving an inch of clearance will allow for later attachment of the signpost itself. If circumstances require a flush installation, recessed clearance should be made on two opposing sides, so that the bolt remains clear for sign post assembly.
Use of a durable plastic sign post sleeve installed on the lower exterior of the square post makes installation even simpler, particularly in cases where posts must be periodically replaced because of damage due to collisions or other traffic-related accidents. Using a sign post sleeve can help to keep dirt and other debris from working its way through the post's perforations into the foundation assembly. Such debris can seriously hinder attempts to replace a damaged post, since it must be sufficiently cleared before a new sign post insert can be installed. For newly-installed posts, end caps can also be used in conjunction with sign post sleeves, to keep debris from being pushed up into the open, lower portion of the foundation anchor sleeve.
The trend toward the standardization of square-post signs across the country has proven beneficial for many individuals and businesses looking to save time, and cut down on operational expenses. Versatility and simplicity of design means a large available supply of equipment adaptable to sign post mounting systems, as well as a variety of other types of posts and barricades. Another major advantage of choosing a square post system is the remarkable opportunities for salvage recovery; often much of a damaged post can be preserved and rejoined to create new posts, used as an anchor post or cross member, or repurposed for general framing or other projects. This means much less accumulation of unusable, damaged material, and greater overall adaptability, efficiency, and economy.
The use of a square post system also means greater strength and stability, improved road safety, and easier, faster, and cheaper replacement in cases of damage. The square design allows for great torsional strength, which means these posts are better able to withstand twisting loads. This is especially important for road and traffic signs, which may be subject to high winds which could wrench a sign out of place, or cause loosening or damage to other elements of the assembly. Square post mountings can also help improve overall road safety when used in conjunction with a yielding breakaway design that can mitigate potential accidental impacts by automobiles or other traffic.
When square posts are properly installed with full anchor assembly, damaged signs can rapidly replaced; simply remove all securing rivets from the damaged sign post, lift up and out of the anchor assembly, and place a new post back into the existing anchor assembly. If you have made use of sign post sleeves and end caps to keep debris from obstructing the hardware, the process of replacement will be even easier, as you will not have to waste time clearing difficult-to-remove detritus before inserting a new sign post. When properly installed and maintained, square post systems can help to keep roads safer and installation simple, while also keeping the cost of maintenance and replacement of materials minimal.