Billboards & Site Signs – Winnipeg

Posted on November 17, 2011 by jadesignworks

For many years Jade SignWorks has undertaken a vast amount of billboard sites signs in Winnipeg. From design to installation, the process of constructing this style of signage has been perfected to provide a consistently high quality product. This versatile and comparatively simple type of sign impresses for it’s affordability and its effectiveness.

Billboard site signs come in various materials and designs depending on a clients needs and expectations. Jade SignWorks provides advice and recommendations on what to build upon receiving pertinent information from the client. The following options are to demonstrate, to a limited extent, the amount of choices available.

Some examples of commonly used substrates / materials are:

  • UV-board
  • Overlay plywood
  • Aluminum
  • Di-Bond
  • Coroplast

There are numerous forms of applying graphics to these particular signs. However vinyls and laminates are most common and are matched to accommodate specific sign requirements. Anti graffiti laminate is a prime example, This product ensures the protection of the signage from vandalism. Once the appropriate materials have been selected, the manufacturing process is underway. Billboard site signs are fabricated by our skilled team and are completed efficiently while retaining our signature quality.

These billboard site signs are used for many purposes. These billboard style signs can be used for short and long term applications. The list of uses for this sign type is as varied as the potential materials from which it can be made.

Examples include:

  • Construction site signs
  • Government signs (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)
  • Realtor signs
  • Commercial signs
  • Safety signs
  • Retail signs
  • Event signs

The support structure of a sign is often the most overlooked aspect. At Jade SignWorks, we put an emphasis on building a sound sign structure and back bracing if required. The structure is only constructed once these important factors have been addressed:  wind load, overall height, project life, budgetary constraints and sign surface area. Sign posts are set using lime stone gravel, however concrete can be utilized for more permanent structures. To complement the sign, a coat of paint is added to the framing and back bracing to ensure it is aesthetically pleasing.

Common sign structure materials include:

  • Douglas fir wood
  • Pressure treated spruce wood
  • Steel ( U-channel, i-beam or tubular )

The knowledge attained from years of experience in the sign industry demonstrates the endless potential use for this type of signage. Jade SignWorks provides many examples of completed billboard site signs on our website. These examples serve the purpose of inspiring ideas and demonstrating potential for your next billboard sign project.

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Vinyl Wall Graphics – Winnipeg

Posted on November 10, 2011 by jadesignworks

Jade SignWorks was asked to produce and install a printed wall vinyl graphic for an outdoor product distributor at their new location in Winnipeg. The main goal being an aesthetic appeal that would grab the attention of potential clients and liven-up an otherwise bare wall. The professional photograph was provide to us in a high resolution format and uploaded to our FTP site ( file transfer protocol ).

Jade SignWorks opted to use a wall vinyl that would ensure high quality printing and ease of installation. The picture was paneled into six different pieces which contained a small amount of overlap to give the final product a seamless look. The important feature of our printed wall vinyl is it’s low initial bond and water based adhesive that strengthens over a longer period of time. This low-tack adhesive vinyl is frequently picked for interior wall applications. Another benefit of this material is it can easily be removed after an allotted period of time without causing unnecessary damage to the wall underneath.

Printed wall vinyl graphics such as the one depicted above provide an excellent option for clients that want to promote products, enhance visual appeal and create a vibrant exhibit for long or short term use. Jade SignWorks is able to create and print high resolution images and graphics for wall vinyls which utilize the full potential of this unique product. Clients are pleased with the results that come from having these oversized wall vinyl prints in their retail, public or office work space. Printed wall vinyls add a strong visual message to observers.

Our professional installers have applied this printed wall vinyl to various surfaces with many obstacles such as support beams, doors and windows. Nevertheless, owing to past experience, these obstacles do not pose a challenge and in fact tend to enhance the visual impact of the final product. The printed wall vinyl that was applied above had to be placed around a doorway and cut to conform to a small set of stairs. The final product was well received by the client and Jade SignWorks completed yet another printed wall vinyl graphic. Visit the Jade SignWorks website for ideas and further examples of our completed projects.

Posted in Interior signs, Printed Vinyl Wall Graphics, Signs | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Outdoor Billboard Signs for Richardson Pioneer Grain

Posted on August 17, 2011 by jadesignworks

Richardson Pioneer grain is Canada’s largest privately owned agricultural business, serving farmers across Western Canada. From their humble beginnings in 1882 when they built their first grain elevator in Kingston, Pioneer grain has since successfully grown into an industry leading corporation. To establish an efficient network, Pioneer grain has built grain elevators across the country that are close to export corridors. Jade SignWorks has been responsible for many of their sign projects including outdoor billboard signs that prominently display the company name on their grain elevators.

Multiple outdoor billboard signs were required for municipalities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The communities of Lethbridge, Estevan, Starbuck and numerous others needed new billboard signs on their grain elevators. Jade SignWorks was tasked to fabricate these signs and have them packaged and shipped for installation. Before starting production of a full sized sign, Jade SignWorks produced a small scaled prototype for client approval. This served two purposes; to provide the client with a visual of a completed sign and to verify the accuracy of their corporate colours. Once the prototype had been approved, the various sized billboards went into production. Sign dimensions varied between 5 feet x 30 feet to 10 feet x 24 feet.

Jade SignWorks cut and applied premium 3M colour matched vinyl to the aluminum composite material. This material is known in the industry as Di-Bond. Due to the size and shape of the Di-Bond sheets, the vinyl graphics had to be applied in sections by hand. This process is challenging and time consuming. However, our experienced staff was able to apply the vinyl in a proficient and effective manner.

After completion, special shipping crates were fabricated for each sign to properly safeguard the billboard signs during transportation. Jade SignWorks fashioned these crates utilizing wood planks and corrugated cardboard. The billboards arrived safely to their respective destinations and were subsequently installed.

Every step of the fabrication and design process was handled professionally and was well received. Case in point; the town of Killarney proudly displays a picture of their new billboard sign on their municipal website. Pioneer grain was extremely pleased with the care and quality given to their completed billboard sign projects and continues to work with Jade SignWorks for their signage requirements.

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Illuminated Channel Letter Sign for Qualico Winnipeg

Posted on August 5, 2011 by jadesignworks

Qualico is one of the largest real estate companies in Western Canada. Founded over 50 years ago, Qualico has been involved in many developments ranging from commercial office buildings to single-family homes. In 2007, Qualico started construction of their new corporate office in the Sage Creek area. Jade SignWorks was awarded the contract to fabricate and install the building signage. Part of the contract entailed large illuminated channel letters on the atrium glass walls.

This proved to be a fairly unique sign project that required a great deal of coordination with the on-site construction crew. All the appropriate permits and certifications were obtained for the illuminated channel letter project. The letters were custom-built from anodized aluminum and are over four feet high.  A total of 1748 LED’s were used to ensure the proper amount of illumination. The LED’s have a life expectancy of  over 50,000 hours and due to the low voltage demand, meet the LEED requirement certification. For the letter faces, a blue Plaskolite acrylic was chosen to match Qualico’s corporate colour.  A custom aluminum frame was fabricated to provide ease of install and additional support between the letters. The frame matches the buildings window mullions in colour and size,  making it virtually impossible to see once installed.

For this illuminated channel letter sign, Jade SignWorks coordinated closely with on-site contractors and electricians to ensure a quick and flawless installation. Electricians worked inside the building to complete the final hook-up, while Jade’s installers focused on securing the sign to the building.  An engineering firm was contracted by Jade SignWorks to verify the construction details based on wind loads and structural integrity; to ensure a long lasting and safe sign.

Qualico’s history of excellence and quality in all their endeavours speaks volumes. Jade SignWorks was proud to have had the opportunity to complete their corporate office signage and continues to work with Qualico in their various projects.

This eye-catching illuminated channel letter sign will undoubtedly complement their building for years to come.

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Banner Sign Installed in Winnipeg District Area

Posted on July 28, 2011 by jadesignworks

StreetSide Development Corporation is in the process of building condominiums in the heart of the Winnipeg District area. Having purchased several buildings, they are past the initial stages of construction for several units and are now in the selling phase. To advertise these new concept District Condos and attract potential buyers, StreetSide decided on a very large banner sign and requested that Jade SignWorks design, produce and install it.

For this large banner sign, Jade SignWorks opted to use an 18oz heavy weight scrim vinyl to withstand the elements. It will also ensure a long lasting sign through the multiple phases of development. These banner signs typically have reenforced edges that prevent the mounting hardware from tearing the banner. Large banner signs are a cost effective option which provide eye catching advertising.

Installing banners of this significant size ( 16 feet x 24 feet ) can pose some challenges. It is imperative that folds and wrinkles are worked out, while avoiding over-stretched material. High winds are another concern; although there was wind present, it was not strong enough to impede the install. Caution was used in the hammer drilling process because old brick buildings are prone to crumbling when drilled. These typical problems were compounded due to the size of this particular banner sign; nevertheless the install was finished quickly and efficiently by our skilled installers.

The end result was a very well installed, large and highly visible banner sign on James Street. StreetSide Development is extremely pleased with the amount of attention that this banner is producing.

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Vehicle Decals for Silver Jeans Winnipeg

Posted on July 18, 2011 by jadesignworks

In preparation for the upcoming Canadian Bullrun Rally; Silver Jeans decided to liven-up their already stylish Porsche 911-Turbo with some custom vehicle decals. Jade Signworks was tasked to print and apply the approved vehicle graphics.

Jade Signworks has completed many vehicle decals for a plethora of businesses over the past 16 years. This has given us a wealth of experience in regards to properly applying the vehicle decals as well as ensuring that they adhere for the proper amount of time. The majority of these vehicle decal applications are commercial in nature which made this particular job unique in comparison.

For this vehicle we chose to use a Rapid Air technology vinyl. This was to ease the difficulty of applying the vehicle decals, due to the fact this Porsche possesses many extreme body curves. These curves make it somewhat difficult to assure that the vehicle decal lines remain parallel while applying them. Although this challenge is present in every vehicle, it was specifically more difficult due to the shape of this particular car.

Jade Signworks managed to finish applying the vehicle graphics to the Porsche in one day. The end result was well received by the client and subsequently posted on the Canadian Bullrun Rally website shortly afterwards. Jade Signworks was pleased with the completed project as well.

We wish Silver Jeans all the best in the upcoming race.

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Community Entrance Sign for Southdale Winnipeg

Posted on July 4, 2011 by jadesignworks

A jam-packed Southdale intersection was the first in Winnipeg to be retrofit with a traffic round-about. With the construction of the round-about completed, The City of Winnipeg initiated a new community entrance sign that would welcome people to the community entering from Bishop Grandin Boulevard.  Jade SignWorks Inc. was awarded the contract to build this interesting curved wood and steel community entrance sign. The design and concept was developed by McGowan Russell Group. The structural engineering was provided and overlooked by Dillon Consulting.

The production of this sign presented many construction challenges such as; heavy steel forming, fabrication and wood shaping. Due to the nature and size of the various metal components involved, such steps as transportation and installation on site as well as the location itself posed various challenges. The fabrication of the Southdale community sign was mostly done on site and given the amount of traffic in the work area,  required an appropriate amount of planning to ensure a safe worksite for all.  Another hurdle to deal with was ensuring that the wood was shaped to the appropriate angles to fit perfectly onto the curved steel frame. This would result in a gap free sign face.  All these challenges were easily overcome by Jade SignWorks due to the construction and installation experience we have acquired over 16 years of business.

This community entrance sign was engineered with the following specifications and components:

  • Curved heavy steel c-channels
  • Large steel posts and baseplates
  • Three 2 feet x 15 feet deep concrete piles with galvanized reinforcing steel cages
  • Appearance grade 4 inch x 6 inch fir timbers that were custom milled
  • Embedded concrete anchor bolts

All the steel components were sandblasted and galvanized in order to be maintenance free. The appearance grade fir lumber that was utilized to produce the sign face and was shaped by CNC cutting equipment. The lettering was engraved into the lumber and then followed by traditional hand-painting to add a touch of colour. The entire wood sign was then coated liberally with an anti-graffiti and UV sealant.

The completion of this community entrance signs was on schedule and within our clients budget expectations. The City of Winnipeg and Jade Signworks is extremely pleased with the community entrance sign which, given the attention to quality and detail, will ensure a lasting product for years to come.

Visit our website to see other sign projects that Jade Signworks has produced.


Posted in Community Entrance Signs, Signs | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Free Standing Information Sign for Qualico Winnipeg

Posted on June 9, 2011 by jadesignworks

Jade SignWorks produces a unique free standing sign structure for the residents of Sage Creek. Qualico is one of the largest real estate development operations in Western Canada. Qualico along with McGowan Russell Group, developed the idea of having an area that residents can utilize to post and read about important community developments and functions. Not only does this sign emulate strong architectural characteristics of the neighborhood, it is also functional.

On the one side we installed a weather resistant lockable cabinet; the other side is a bulletin board. The materials used for the construction of the sign consisted of large rough sawn fir timbers that we embedded deep into the ground. The internal framing was made with a combination of pressure treated and marian grade lumber. The top portion of this free standing sign was custom cladded with a pre-painted aluminum. The individual lettering “Rendezvous” was made from 1/4” thick aluminum and blind stud mounted. Other finishing components consisted of fibercement siding and polyurethane faux stone panels. The entire structure was assembled on site in late December by our talented installers.

We had a deadline to meet and despite the cold weather we pushed through.  At the finishing stages of the project hoarding was constructed so the interior could be heated allowing all the bonding components time to dry properly. Once all the work was completed, this unique sign structure was immediately put to use. Qualico was very pleased that we met their completion date and they were proud to present to the community a well built sign structure.

For further information please contact us: Jade Signworks.ca

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Portable Billboard Signs for Paterson Grain Winnipeg

Posted on June 6, 2011 by jadesignworks

Paterson Grain is a family-owned group of companies. The grain industry experiences constant and often unpredictable shifts in global markets and Paterson Grain has maintained its place at the forefront of the industry. Paterson Grain’s goal for these portable billboards was to advertise and promote awareness of their company at many locations across the prairies. With the development of these portable sign trailers the task became easy as these portable billboards could be transported from location to location with little expense.

Sokal Industries and Jade Signworks worked together in developing the perfect portable billboard sign system. The trailers were engineered for highway travel and meet all transportation requirements. Steel framing and pressure treated components made sign installation a breeze. These trailers can accommodate two 10’ x 20’ signs made from UV stable fir plywood designed specifically for sign production. The fact that these are doublesided units made them perfect for roadside view-ability.  With full colour graphics they were the perfect addition to the campaign to celebrate Paterson Grain’s 100 years of service.

Jade Signworks was employed to produce the signage, transport and install several of these portable billboards across the Prairies; reaching as far as Alberta. Another exciting and environmentally friendly aspect of these signs is that once a particular advertising campaign is over, we reuse the existing plywood sheeting for the next production. This prevents the used plywood from going into the landfill and reduces costs.

These portable billboards have now been in service for a while and the client is extremely pleased with the versatility and the positive feed back they have received.

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Manitoba Government Fish Futures Billboard Sign

Posted on May 26, 2011 by jadesignworks

As the concern grows over the spread of aquatic nuisance species, Fish Futures hopes to increase awareness of this problem. Fish Futures and the Manitoba Government contracted Jade SignWorks to re-face existing billboards that were situated across Manitoba.  These billboard signs were placed in rough terrain and difficult to access locations. However, with our specialty lift equipment we turned this potential nightmare into a normal install for Jade SignWorks.

After assessing the condition of the existing wood structures, we determined that the best product to re-face these billboards would be an aluminum composite material. This composite material is better known as Dibond, which is made by Alcan. We utilize Dibond for it’s light weight properties. Keeping the added weight down of the new sign was important so as not to jeopardize the structural capacities of the existing wood structure. In addition, Dibond sign material has a long outdoor life expectancy and a pre-painted white finish that carries a 25 year warranty.

We used a premium 3M vinyl for the the lettering and logo portion of this sign. On the right side of the billboard we included a full colour graphic that adds a modern and eye catching appearance. Our clients were extremely pleased with price, construction and time frame of this project. These new signs will provide years of service for Fish Futures and their program to keep our waters safe.

For further information visit us at:  jadesignworks

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