Reflective Sheeting — Classes and Standards in Canada
Reflective Sheeting — Classes & Standards (Canada)
1) What “class” means (quick overview)
Reflective sheeting classes describe night-time brightness and construction. In plain terms:
- Engineer Grade (EG/Type I): entry level; glass-bead or basic prismatic. Close-range, low-speed areas.
- High-Intensity Prismatic (HIP/Type III–IV): much brighter; prismatic; good all-rounder.
- Diamond Grade (DG/Type IX–XI): maximum brightness and wide observation angles; long approaches and complex backgrounds.
2) Classes compared — brightness & typical use
| Class | Relative Brightness* | Where it makes sense | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Grade (Type I) | ●○○ | Indoor boards, parking garages, private lots with short viewing distances | Budget choice; not for long approaches |
| High-Intensity Prismatic (Type III/IV) | ●●○ | Warehouses, outdoor sites, municipal work zones, site traffic | Good value; handles most needs |
| Diamond Grade (Type IX/XI) | ●●● | High clutter backgrounds, long sight lines, critical warnings | Best night performance; higher cost |
*Relative brightness is a simple visual scale for buyers; actual candela values depend on colour, entrance/observation angles, and standard test conditions.
3) Colours, durability & printing
- Colours: white, yellow, red, orange, green, blue; fluorescent yellow/green for high conspicuity.
- Durability: EG ≈ 5–7 yrs, HIP ≈ 10 yrs, DG ≈ 10–12 yrs (real life varies with sun, salt and cleaning).
- Printing: use compatible inks/overlaminates; screen or digital traffic-rated systems for outdoor life.
4) Mounting & sign design basics
- Mount to smooth, clean substrates (aluminum, traffic-grade panels). Avoid oil, dust and loose paint.
- Use rounded corners and stainless/aluminum hardware. Back-bracing for larger boards outdoors.
- Face the sign toward the driver’s line of sight; for driveways/garages, tilt slightly to avoid headlight glare bounce.
- In snow areas, raise signs above plow spray; keep posts out of impact paths.
5) Cleaning & handling — don’t kill the retro
- Clean with mild soap + water + microfiber. Rinse well. That’s it.
- No solvents/ammonia/abrasives. They haze or delaminate the reflective layer.
- Pressure washing: keep the nozzle back (≥50 cm) and avoid panel edges and seams.
6) Cold, snow & salt — Canadian realities
- Use prismatic sheetings with proven UV and cold-crack resistance. Salt accelerates edge lift — seal edges on harsh sites.
- Wipe winter film off faces; a dirty reflective sign is basically non-reflective.
- For parking garages, choose non-metallic backers only if moisture won’t warp them — aluminum lasts longest.
7) Work zones vs private property (EN/FR)
- Private property & workplaces: choose class by viewing distance and background clutter; HIP is the safe default.
- Public roads & municipal work: follow the governing manual/spec for colour, size and sheeting class.
- FR/EN: Suivre le manuel applicable pour la route / Follow the applicable manual on public rights-of-way.
8) Inspection & replacement checklist
- Quarterly: clean; check for chalking, cracks, vandal damage and loose hardware.
- Replace faces that are hazy, peeled, or no longer bright at night.
- Log installs and lot codes to track warranty life.
9) Common mistakes to avoid
- Using EG for long sight-lines — drivers won’t see it in time.
- Mounting on rough/dirty boards — adhesion fails early.
- Cleaning with harsh chemicals — instant brightness killer.
10) Related products & bundles
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Reflective sheeting for public roads must comply with the applicable Traffic Control Device Manual and procurement specifications used by your province/municipality. For private property and workplaces, follow your safety program and any referenced standards. When a standard or contract specifies sheeting class, colours, or sizes, that document prevails. Consult the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for site-specific requirements.
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The Biri Group is a supplier of building materials that specializes in the production and manufacture of road and traffic safety products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses.
At Biri Group, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions for road and traffic safety. Our portfolio includes a wide range of products, including traffic signs, building materials, and hoses. Our state-of-the-art production and manufacturing unit, Biri Industries, located in RAK, allows us to efficiently produce products to meet the demands of the market.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just our products. We believe in building long-lasting relationships with our customers and partners and providing exceptional customer service. Our team of experts is always available to assist with any questions or concerns and provide guidance on selecting the right product for your needs.
At Biri Group, we are constantly striving to improve and offer better, stronger products. We take pride in our ability to adapt to the changing market and provide innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Thank you for considering Biri Group for your traffic safety needs. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and help make your roads safer.