When ordering a large-format banner, some terms used by sales representatives can be confusing. Words like "tensioning," "substrates," and "wind load" may be unfamiliar to many business owners.
This specialized terminology can make it difficult to effectively communicate display requirements. Using an incorrect term could lead to a banner system that’s incompatible with a building or lacks the durability to withstand environmental conditions.
Understanding a few hanging banner frame terms can help ensure clear communication with suppliers. This guide explains key industry jargon, allowing you to ask precise questions and secure a display for your needs.
Tension Systems: Keeping Things Taut
Let’s start with the basics: a sagging or rippled banner looks unprofessional and is hard to read. To fix this, you need to keep the banner material tight across the frame. In the past, people used bungee cords or zip ties, but these methods often failed—losing elasticity or breaking under UV exposure.
Today, modern systems use integrated springs, which apply constant, even pressure around the edges. This keeps the banner surface perfectly smooth, even as the fabric expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Substrate: What Your Banner Is Made Of
The industry calls the actual material of your sign the "substrate." It sounds technical, but it just means the surface you print on.
Vinyl is still the most common substrate for outdoor use. It’s durable, accepts ink well, and resists water. But not all vinyl is the same. You’ll hear about weights, usually measured in ounces. A 13-ounce vinyl is standard, while an 18-ounce version offers more durability for harsh environments.
Mesh is another popular substrate with tiny holes that allow air to pass through. This brings us to our next major term: wind load.
Wind Load: Battling the Elements
Wind load measures the force the wind exerts on your banner. A solid vinyl sheet acts like a sail. If a strong gust hits it, that force transfers directly to the frame and the wall behind it.
Understanding wind load helps you choose the right frame and substrate. If you’re in a breezy area, you need a system designed to distribute that pressure.
Spring-based systems excel here. The springs absorb the shock of wind gusts, protecting the banner from tearing. It’s a smarter approach than rigid attachment points, which often rip out when the wind picks up.
Perimeter Installation and Chanegeouts
Perimeter installation refers to how the frame attaches to a wall to outline the exact shape of your banner. With advanced systems like the BannerFrameAIR, the installation occurs around the edges. This results in a clean look because no bulky hardware covers the graphic.
A changeout refers to the process of removing an old banner and installing a new one. In retail, you might change your message every season. A complex system that takes hours to swap is a headache. You want a system designed for speed.
Spring systems allow for rapid changeouts through their hook setup. A single person can often change a medium-sized banner in minutes, keeping your marketing fresh without high labor costs.
Flange vs. Flush Mount
These terms describe how the frame sits against the wall.
A flush mount means the back of the frame touches the wall directly. This profile keeps the banner close to the building surface. It looks sleek and integrated.
Sometimes, the walls aren’t perfectly flat. There may be pipes, conduits, or uneven brickwork that create gaps. In these cases, installers use standoffs or specially designed frames for this area. By knowing whether your wall is flat or textured, your provider can recommend the best mounting solution.
Cover Plates: The Finishing Touch
Cover plates are designed to give signs a polished aesthetic. It’s a piece of metal or plastic that snaps over the tensioning hardware to conceal components like springs and hooks. This creates a clean border that resembles a picture frame.
Systems such as the BannerFrameDELUXE use decorative covers to elevate the sign's appearance, turning a standard advertisement into an architectural element of the building.
Retrofit: Upgrading What You Have
If your existing sign looks outdated or uses an old-fashioned lacing frame, you don't necessarily have to start over.
Retrofitting allows you to update an existing structure with new technology. Many modern spring systems can be adapted to fit existing surfaces or poles, saving money on installation. This process gives you the benefits of a new, tight banner without the cost of a complete replacement.
Durability and Longevity
When you invest in a sign, you want it to last. Durability in this context refers to two things: the lifespan of the print and the hardware.
For the hardware, materials matter. A powder-coated steel banner frame provides immense strength and resistance to rust. It holds its shape even under heavy tension.
UV resistance is key for your print because sunlight naturally fades ink over time. It's worth asking about UV-cured inks or protective laminates to keep it looking sharp.
Accessibility and Maintenance
The ease of accessing your sign can greatly impact maintenance costs. For example, if changing a graphic requires a bucket truck, the expenses can quickly add up. Some systems are designed to make access simpler and more cost-effective.
One example is the BannerFrameHINGE, which allows crews to open the frame like a door. This design is especially helpful for larger billboards, where access behind the banner may be needed to service lights or the wall itself. Solutions like these can save time and reduce maintenance efforts.
Taking the Next Step
We covered a lot of ground here. From tensioning to substrates, these terms are the building blocks of a great hanging banner frame. Don't let the vocabulary intimidate you.
When you grasp these basics, you can advocate for quality. Now that you speak the language, you’re ready to plan your project. You understand why specific features matter and how they protect your investment.
Finding a partner who prioritizes these durable, spring-based technologies is the final piece of the puzzle. At Lind SignSpring, we pioneered the spring-tension technology that takes the hassle out of hanging banners. Our systems are designed to make installation easy and ensure flawless results every time. Contact Lind SignSpring today for a quote and see the difference a flawless banner can make!
