Magnetic mounting of facade signs
Short answer: facade signs, advertising panels and cover plates are mounted magnetically with magnets on the back of the panel and a steel frame, strip or plate on the facade. Outdoors, choose plastic-coated magnets with a countersunk hole, for example 25.4 x 25.4 x 12.7 mm, which you screw onto the panel. Because of wind, allow plenty of margin: at least 4 magnets per panel and a total holding force of 5 to 10 times the panel weight, with a mechanical safeguard if the panel would be dangerous if it came loose.
Which magnets for facade advertising?
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Outdoors, exposed to the weather | block magnet 25.4 x 25.4 x 12.7 mm plastic-coated with countersunk hole or 50.8 x 25.4 x 12.7 mm with 2 holes |
| Light panels, under a canopy | 19 x 19 x 6.4 mm plastic-coated or epoxy magnets |
| On painted steel facade cladding | rubber pot magnets with threaded stud or thread |
| Indoors: wall signs, lettering | see signage and advertising boards |
Calculation example
An aluminium panel of 120 x 60 cm weighs approx. 3 kg. Hanging vertically, a magnet already slides at about a quarter of its holding force, and wind pulls on it additionally. So choose 4 to 6 magnets with at least 8 – 10 kg holding force each, distributed over the corners and the middle. A steel U-profile or strip on the facade of at least 3 mm thick gives enough force. See how is holding force determined?
Benefits
- no visible screws on the front;
- swap panels in a few seconds for a new house style or campaign;
- no drill holes in the front of the panel;
- easy maintenance of lighting behind the sign.
Safety
A panel that comes loose in a storm can be dangerous. For panels at height or above walkways, always use a mechanical safeguard (a cable, an edge or a locking screw) in addition to the magnets. Magnets are not a certified fastener for heavy loads. See holding force, pull force and working load.
Frequently asked questions
Do magnets on a facade rust?
Plastic-coated magnets do not. An ordinary NiCuNi magnet does. See can magnets be used outdoors?
Does it work on an aluminium or wooden facade?
Only with a steel strip or frame on the facade, or with magnets on both sides.
Read also
Need help? Use the Magnet Advisor or contact us.
