ADA signs are the tactile, Braille and high-contrast signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces so people with vision or mobility disabilities can find their way. If your Raleigh business has permanent rooms such as restrooms, offices, conference rooms or stairwells, those spaces generally need compliant ADA signs. Mercury Signs designs, makes and installs them across the Triangle.
What are ADA signs, and does my Raleigh business need them?
The Americans with Disabilities Act sets accessibility standards for places where the public goes. For signage, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design spell out how certain signs must look and where they must be mounted.
In plain terms, an ADA sign has raised characters you can read by touch, Grade 2 Braille underneath, and a clean, high-contrast design you can read from a short distance. Most commercial buildings need them, including offices, medical practices, retail centers, schools and multifamily properties.
A quick definition helps here: a sign that names a permanent room or space, such as “Restroom,” “Suite 204” or “Stair 1,” needs tactile characters and Braille. A sign that only gives directions or general information needs readable visual characters, but not Braille.
Which signs need Braille and raised characters?
Think about spaces that will not change. Those are the ones that need tactile signs. Common examples in Raleigh offices and retail centers include:
- Restrooms and changing rooms
- Room and suite numbers
- Exit stairs, exit doors and exit passageways
- Conference rooms, break rooms and private offices with a fixed name or number
- Mechanical, storage and utility rooms
Temporary or changing information, like a sale announcement or a rotating meeting name, is usually not covered by the tactile rules.
How should ADA signs be designed and mounted?
Good ADA signs follow a handful of clear rules. Here are the ones we build into every project:
- Raised, uppercase characters in a simple sans-serif style, raised at least 1/32 inch so fingers can read them.
- Grade 2 Braille placed directly below the text.
- A non-glare finish with strong contrast between characters and background, so the sign is easy to read in any lighting.
- Consistent mounting height: the baseline of the lowest tactile characters sits at least 48 inches from the floor, and the baseline of the highest sits no more than 60 inches up.
- Latch-side placement: the sign goes on the wall beside the latch side of the door, with clear space so a person can step close and read it.
Local building codes and your inspector have the final word on details. That is one reason we handle the design, fabrication and installation together. You can read the federal rules directly in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
What is the difference between interior and exterior commercial signs?
Interior signs guide people once they are inside: lobby signs, office signs, door signs and room identification. Exterior signs, such as monument signs, channel letters and storefront signs, draw people in from the street.
ADA rules apply mainly to the interior signs that identify permanent spaces. Exterior signs have their own considerations, including local sign ordinances and permits. If you are planning both, our team can coordinate everything so your branding looks consistent from the parking lot to the front desk. See our interior branding and exterior branding pages for examples.
What does the process look like with Mercury Signs?
We keep it simple for business owners, property managers and contractors:
- Consult: share your floor plan or a list of rooms and we map out which signs you need.
- Design: we match your brand colors and style so ADA signs look like part of your space, not an afterthought.
- Fabricate: signs are made with tactile characters and Braille to specification.
- Install: our crew mounts every sign at the correct height and location.
Learn more about each step on our Our Process page.
Why plan ADA signs early for a new Raleigh space?
Signs are often the last item on a construction schedule, yet they can hold up a final walkthrough if they are missing. Room numbers depend on the final floor plan, so it helps to confirm names and numbering as early as you can.
For multifamily housing, new offices and tenant build-outs around Apex, Cary and Durham, we suggest sending your room list while drywall is going up. That gives us time for design, fabrication and any required permits, so your doors open on schedule and every visitor can find their way from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all signs in my building need to be ADA compliant?
No. Signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces need tactile characters and Braille. Directional and informational signs need readable visual characters. Temporary signs and logos are generally not covered by the tactile rules, though they should still be clear and easy to read.
How high should an ADA sign be mounted?
The baseline of the lowest tactile character should be at least 48 inches above the floor, and the baseline of the highest should be no more than 60 inches. Signs usually go on the wall next to the latch side of the door so people can find and touch them easily.
Can ADA signs match my brand?
Yes. ADA signs can use your brand colors, materials and layout while still meeting the standards for contrast, raised characters and Braille. Acrylic and layered designs are popular because they look polished and read clearly in lobbies, hallways and suites.
Do you handle installation in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Apex?
Yes. Mercury Signs handles design, fabrication and professional installation for commercial properties throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Morrisville, Apex and nearby communities.
Ready for ADA signs in Raleigh, NC?
If you manage an office, retail center or multifamily property and want signs that look great and work for every visitor, we can help. Visit Mercury Signs to explore our ADA signs, then request a quote and let us take it from design to installation.
