This blog title sort of sounds like it should have the words “for Dummies” after it. Though it sounds simple, it is all too often that we see signs in the field mounted improperly. And just for the record, a few new members of the Vulcan team have made the same mistake, so no judgment here. If you have never been shown, then you don’t know. However, it is pertinent to learn the correct way since improper mounting techniques can cause multiple issues, with the primary one being sign instability.

If you will notice, a U-Channel post has two sides – a flat side and a side that has a protruding edge. The sign will always need to mount to the flat side of the U-Channel to ensure maximum wind resistance. See diagram below for visual.

In high-wind areas, a Sign Saver may be installed to further increase sign stability.

Over time, constant wind can take a toll on your signs, widening the hole where the sign is attached to the post to the point where the bolt can no longer hold the sign. Watch the video below to see the result of a sign improperly mounted on a U-Channel post in a high wind area. Improve the longevity of your signs in the field by ensuring signs are mounted to the flat side of the U-Channel, as well as install a sign saver kit (pictured above).

For more information on post options and mounting hardware, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help. 1.888.846.2728 | vulcan@vulcaninc.com

Since the mid 1980s, Vulcan has proudly manufactured only one alloy… 5052. This alloy has been a household staple for us for a very long time and our sole concentration on 5052 has served us well up to this point in time. Over the past few years however, the automotive market has shifted to the use of aluminum in the manufacturing process in order to build lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. This trend has encouraged us to expand the alloys that we manufacture and supply.

No longer a one trick pony, Vulcan now proudly provides alloys 5754 and 5182 in addition to our old standby, 5052. While 5052 is a fairly common alloy that is used in every product from concrete forms to pizza pans, our two newest alloys serve as integral components in the automotive industry, but are equally as diverse. Applications for 5182 and 5754 are described below.

5182 Applications

• Packaging products (such as containers)
• Beverage cans
• Motor vehicle/automotive body panels and reinforcement members
•  Brackets and parts

5754 Applications

• Treadplate
• Shipbuilding
• Vehicle bodies
• Rivets
• Fishing industry equipment

5754 Alloy has an excellent corrosion resistance, especially to saltwater. For this reason, 5754 is the primary alloy chosen for marine applications.

Taking into account our most recent rolling mill expansion which doubled our capacity from 50 million pounds per year to 100 million, coupled with the alloy diversity we now offer, opportunity is evident today for Vulcan. We pride ourselves on the trusting relationships we build with our business partners and stand behind our products that we have put our mark on for the past 75+ years. So if you are looking for an aluminum supplier that stands ready to serve, this pony now officially has more than one trick up its saddlebag.