N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC H114: Section BC H114: Flexible Fabric Signs

H114.1 General.

The provisions of this section shall apply to flexible fabric signs and flexible fabric sign structures, including the fabric display area, the restraining framework, and all stiffening and fastening devices.

H114.2 Materials.

Fabric used in flexible fabric signs shall be flame resistant in accordance with NFPA 701 or listed under UL 214.

H114.2.1 Longevity.

The same fabric shall not be used for longer than a 12 month period. The same fabric may be relocated and re-erected within that 12 month period, but in no case shall re-inking of fabrics be permitted.

H114.2.2 Affidavit.

Prior to installation of a flexible fabric sign, an affidavit shall be submitted to the Department in which the sign graphic producer shall attest that the sign was made from noncombustible fabric, flame-resistant fabric tested in accordance with NFPA 701 by a nationally recognized testing entity, or fabric bearing a UL Classification Mark obtained from the manufacturer of the fabric.

H114.2.3 Identification.

The additional requirements set forth in Sections H114.2.3.1 through H114.2.3.2 shall apply:

H114.2.3.1 UL classification decal.

All signs shall bear a decal bearing the UL Classification Mark or name of the testing entity and its listing number on a corner of the face of the fabric. This decal shall be of color(s) contrasting with those of the background of the display, and shall be readable from street or roadway level with the aid of binoculars.

H114.2.3.2 Date of sign erection.

All signs shall bear a decal identifying the date of erection of the flexible sign structure on a corner of the face of the sign fabric. This decal shall be of color(s) contrasting with those of the background of the display, and shall be readable from street or roadway level with the aid of binoculars. If the same fabric is relocated, the existing decal shall remain, and a new decal stating the re-erection date shall be affixed.

H114.2.4 Limitations.

When erected on walls, flexible fabric signs exceeding 500 square feet (46.5 m

2

) in area shall be of the open weave type, unless backed by means of a wall sign or projecting sign structure supported as provided by Sections H111 and H112.

H114.3 Attachment to exterior walls.

A flexible fabric sign attached to an exterior wall shall be attached in accordance with this section. The sign fabric shall not be placed in front of doors, windows, glass blocks, louvers, grilles, fire escapes, exterior stairs, balconies, marquees, wall recesses or projections unless backed by a wall sign or a projecting sign structure as provided by Sections H111 and H112.

H114.3.1 Load spreader bars.

Load spreader bars comprised of noncombustible materials must be inserted around the entire perimeter of the fabric display area into pockets that are either woven, or heat-welded and stitched seamed. The load spreader bars shall be provided with rounded edges to prevent tearing of the fabric.

H114.3.2 Spring snaps.

As an alternate to load spreader bars, the side hems of the fabric may be equipped with grommets to receive spring snaps. The applicant shall determine the appropriate spacing of grommets. The sides of fabric display areas equipped with grommets may be secured with spring snaps to vertical steel wire rope in lieu of restraining angles. The vertical steel wire rope shall be anchored to the wall or other mounting surface by means of eyebolts spaced at intervals to be determined by the applicant. The ends of the vertical steel wire rope shall be restrained by means of turnbuckles or "J" hooks secured to metal angles.

H114.3.3 Fasteners.

Fasteners shall consist of "J" hooks secured with lock nuts or double nuts to continuous metal restraining angles around the perimeter of the display area. The "J" hooks shall extend through holes in the load spreader bars. The ends of the "J" hooks shall be secured with either safety clips or nuts in order to prevent accidental dislodging of the load spreader bars. In lieu of "J" hooks and restraining angles, the load spreader bars in the pockets along the top edge of the fabric display area may be bolted to steel flat bars.

H114.3.3.1 Metal restraining angles and bars.

For all flexible sign structures, the metal angles and/or steel flat bars shall be secured to the wall or other mounting surface. Angles and/or bars shall not be secured to any parapet or wall unless the applicant has determined that the parapet or wall is capable of resisting the loads imposed on it by the flexible sign structure. Unsatisfactory parapets or walls shall be braced or otherwise reinforced as determined by the applicant, prior to the erection of the flexible sign structure. A wall sign, projecting sign, roof sign or ground sign structure must be capable of resisting the loads imposed on it by the flexible sign structure.

H114.3.4 Tensioning.

Initial tension may be applied mechanically to the fabric display area, but it shall be held in final position by adjusting or tightening the turnbuckles, or the nuts holding the "J" hooks to the restraining angles. Mechanical tensioning devices may not remain attached to the flexible sign, except as permitted by Section H114.4.

H114.4 Attachment to sign structures.

Fabric stretched around any edge of a sign structure shall be protected from any sharp edge that may cut or tear the fabric. The perimeter of the fabric located on the front or rear of a sign structure shall be secured as required by Section H114.3, except that the "J" hooks may be secured directly to the sign structure.

H114.4.1 Tensioning devices.

Opposing ends of a fabric sign stretched around the edges of a sign structure may be secured to each other by means of mechanical tensioning devices behind the sign structure, provided that the open ends for the "S" hooks shall be closed with safety clips. Spring snaps may be used in lieu of "S" hooks. The mechanical tensioning devices shall be fastened to safety wires, placed through the holes in the load spreader bars or grommets, to prevent the devices from falling in the event of loss of tension.

H114.4.2 Limitations.

The length of the fabric or safety wire perpendicular to any edge of the sign structure shall be dimensioned such that in the event of failure of any part of the flexible sign structure, no load spreader bars, mechanical tensioning devices, clamps, or wires will strike any nearby doors, windows, vents, chimneys, grilles, skylights, light fixtures, decorations or other wall appurtenances, or mechanical equipment, nor shall any load spreader bar fall within 10 feet (3048 mm) of grade.