Reflective Signs & Boards in Canada
Reflective Signs & Boards — Materials, Grades & Mounting (Canada)
1) What are reflective signs used for?
- Regulatory signs (STOP, SPEED LIMIT) — traffic and parking control.
- Warning & hazard signs — low visibility or night locations.
- Warehouse safety boards — forklift lanes, restricted zones.
- Custom branding — reflective logos and labels for industrial use.
2) Reflective sheeting grades — what’s the difference?
| Grade | Typical Use | Durability | Retroreflectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineer Grade (EG) | Indoor / parking lots | 5–7 years | Low |
| High-Intensity Prismatic (HIP) | Urban traffic signs | 8–10 years | Medium-high |
| Diamond Grade (DG) | Highways / critical zones | 10–12 years | Very high |
Tip: Always replace before fading — not after readability drops.
3) Materials: aluminum, ACP, PVC, or steel?
- Aluminum — corrosion-resistant, light, long life (most common).
- ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel) — smooth, stiff, economical for large signs.
- PVC / Plastic — indoor or temporary; not UV-stable long-term.
- Steel — rare today; heavy-duty industrial only.
4) Indoor vs outdoor durability expectations.
- Indoor boards: ~10+ years lifespan with minimal UV exposure.
- Outdoor HIP/DG signs: replace every 7–10 years in Canadian climates.
- Use anti-graffiti laminate in public-facing locations.
5) Mounting options: wall, post, cone, or barrier?
- Wall mount: pre-drilled or adhesive foam pads (light boards).
- Post mount: 2-bolt u-clamps on 2″ square/round posts.
- Cone top boards: attach with slot or elastic base (temporary zones).
- Barrier/bracket mount: bolt-on or magnetic backings.
6) Retroreflectivity, color meaning, and visibility rules.
| Color | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop, Prohibition |
| Yellow | Caution, Warning |
| Blue | Information, Services |
| Green | Directional / Exit |
| White | Regulatory background |
7) Cleaning, inspection, and lifespan tips (EN/FR).
- Use mild soap and soft cloth; avoid solvents or high-pressure wash.
- Inspect yearly for fading, corrosion, vandalism, or loose hardware.
- FR/EN: Nettoyer avec de l’eau tiède et du savon / Clean with mild soap and water.
8) Custom bilingual signage — compliance tips.
- In Quebec, French text must appear at least equal in size and prominence.
- Across Canada, bilingual signage is encouraged in public and federally regulated facilities.
- Include pictograms for universal understanding.
9) Best practice for reflective tape and supplementary boards.
- Use reflective tapes on gates, barriers, and bollards for added night visibility.
- Maintain consistent colour coding with your main signs.
- Combine signs with traffic posts or portable warning boards for mobile setups.
10) Compatible products and bundle ideas.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Reflective signage must comply with applicable Traffic Control Device Manuals and provincial Highway Traffic Acts, municipal by-laws, and accessibility regulations (e.g., AODA, CSA B651). For bilingual or safety-critical applications, verify requirements with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Where code or standard specifies colour, retroreflectivity, or mounting, that document prevails.
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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.