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How can I measure this and what material is best?
Happy New Year to one and all.
Have not been on for a long time and realise how much I learn from here when I do. I promise to get on more often. I may not comment but belive me I am always learnnig.
Anyway to my question.
Firstly, how can I measure this shop front correctly apart from getting up there with a piece of string, following the curve and the measuring the string, or is that the easiest and safest way.
Secondly, what would be the best way of getting the curve into ACM, start fitting from the front & centre and bend it round?
Many Thanks
P.S David Hammond I have just downloaded the costing spreadsheet from another discussion, I have no idea how to set those thing up. Thank you
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12 Replies
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I would use the string method you have described. Then as a double check measure the white sill below the windows which looks like it projects out the same distance as the fascia and will obviously be much easier to measure
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That was my thinking so I am glad someone else thinks the same. What about the best material, ACM as i know it bends but ot sure if that bend is too much.
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I would use ACM too. Plastic will expand and warp as you know. I don’t think the bend is too much for ACM to cope with. Acm curves quite easily
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Cheers Phil.
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Also, continually measure the “depth” all the way around.
You will find it most likely is inconsistent.
If it is all very close, take the smallest size and knock a little off of it to give you play.As Phill says, ACM should work, but when installing it, have a minimum of two people fitting.
Bend it into place and “temporary tack” it into place all the way around, to make sure it is running correctly all the way around to the opposite end and that your panel join lines up. if it is, then go back and start firmly fixing in place. if it is not running correctly or whatever, then it allows you to simply remove a couple of screws and adjust, and try again.-
I would always have two installing on something like this. I am thinking that I would start front and centre, in the middle of the ACM panel, and tack around to the right and then around to the left. This way the front of the shop would have no joints and the back parts, nearest the wall would be smaller pieces.
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I usually use wire rather than string, no stretch to worry about, is there an existing panel there at present that you can template?
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Kevin
Yes I may get some thick fishing line or even a washing line.
As for the existing sign it is painted wood that is showing wear and tear, hence they need it replacing. The sun also hits this shop front in the summer for 6-8 hrs a day.
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Hi Lain,
I didn’t have any need to add a comment until you mentioned how much direct sunlight the fascia is exposed to, ACM will still be susceptible to thermal expansion so ensure you fix with some space for movement. If the panel is fixed without being able to move there’s a chance that the stress could cause de lamination
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I would just be using normal screws and caps. I always pre drill the holes throught the ACM with a bit 1mm bigger than the screws.
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@Iain George I’m really pleased you found it useful. I feel there’s lots of very good sign makers out there who aren’t business minded.
I’ve a friend who’s very good at what he does, but feels he can’t charge what he should. Doing the spreadsheet exercise, and watching a youtube video I linked too, he’s gained confidence in pricing.
As to your question, string etc is the only way I can see to measure it, without taking it down and templating it. Looking at the photo, is it flat or does it lean out at the top?
Regardless I’d imagine there’ll be some tension in the material trying to spring back, so best check the structure below is sound.
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Flexible tape measure! not string wire etc! 20m for less than £10.00, we keep on in van all the time for this type of reason.
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