Choosing the Right Address Plaque for Your Home
Author: Ellen Bell
An important element of every home's front entrance is a well-marked address plaque. Having your house number clearly and prominently displayed on your home's exterior not only helps friends and visitors locate you, but it also helps service providers, delivery people, and emergency responders reach your home, as well. For this reason, an address plaque is more than just a matter of curb appeal; it's a safety feature of your home, too. In this article, we will explore some of the various types of address plaques available today and help you determine which type is right for your home.
When considering an address plaque for your home, there are several questions you should ask yourself. Where will the address plaque be located? Do I have space on the front of my home or garage to hang it? If it is to be hung, how will I affix to it my home's siding? Will the plaque be fully exposed to the weather and outdoor elements, or will it be somewhat protected under an eave or overhang of my home's roof?
Address plaques are available in an almost endless number of material choices. If you are looking at a framed plaque, aluminum is usually a good frame material choice, because it will resist rusting and corroding when exposed to the elements. Avoid steel, because it will rust quickly, and also copper, unless you desire the look of the tarnished patina that will develop over time. A vinyl house number plaque may also be a good material choice, and very long lasting, too. When purchasing a vinyl sign, though, make sure that the plastic has been UV treated so it won't fade or discolor in the sun.
For the most weatherproof address sign, consider a natural material like wood, stone, granite, or slate. In the case of wood, something unpainted will require the least maintenance. Usually the numbers on an unpainted wood address sign will be burned or carved into the wood. With a stone, granite, or slate plaque, numbers may also be carved or etched into the surface. Again, the result is a very durable and long lasting sign that will require little maintenance over the years.
Another important consideration is whether you want your sign to be lighted. An illuminated address plaque can be very helpful for anyone who might be trying to locate your home during dark hours. While you may not have many nighttime visitors, keep in mind that emergencies can occur at night, and a lighted address plaque will usually help emergency responders find your house more quickly. There are several choices when it comes to lighted address signs.
First, you can choose a sign that is illuminated from the inside. That means that the surface of the sign may glow, lighting up the numbers themselves. Another option is a sign that is externally lighted, meaning there is a light shining on the sign from above or below. Any standard address plaque can be illuminated by simply adding a spotlight to shine on it. Regardless of the type of lighted sign you chose, it will have to be powered in some way. The most common options are low voltage lighting or solar powered lights. Solar is certainly more convenient, because you won't have to run any wiring; however, solar lights do contain battery cells that will eventually need to be replaced. This is something to consider when purchasing any solar powered light. Low voltage will require you to run some wiring, but this can be as simple as just plugging the sign into a standard electrical outlet.
Regardless of the type of address plaque you choose, the most important thing is to have one displayed. So choose a spot on your house where the sign can be clearly seen from the street, and then get yourself an address plaque. Not only will your home look better, but your family will be safer, too.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/choosing-the-right-address-plaque-for-your-home-1060878.html
About the Author
Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on a wide variety of address plaques and lighted house numbers. Visit us at http://www.homeproducts
nmore.com/House_Numbers_s/763.htm
Address Plaques Provide Unique Identity To Homes
Author: Bach King
It is wonderful to embellish the entrance of your home with a decorative address plaque. It is one of the first things people notice when they approach your home.
How do you go about buying one? You see mesmerizing assortment of designs of address plaques on many well-known online retailers of home decor products and all curio cabinets. A plaque made of attractive and durable brass or aluminum and crafted by superb artisans will make a whale of a difference to your house nameplate. But, many people who wish to decorate their house entrance with an address sign have certain valid doubts.
Here are answers to some key questions.
Are Address Plaques Difficult To Install?
Most of these products come with clear and simple-to-follow instructions. The supplies include all mounting hardware and mounting templates, making it easy for anybody to install these items. Good makes can easily be mounted on both masonry and wooden walls.
How Long Do These Items Last?
Most address plaques are made of 1/8 inch thick copper or brass. Well-made items are long-lasting, and they provide many enjoyable years of service. Products made of aircraft-grade aluminum with weather-resistant powder-coated finish have a good record of durability. Solid brass accents tend to tarnish over time. But, many people have a fascination for the natural beauty of the faded look. Always make it a point to avoid address signs made of cheap materials of construction like plastics, vinyl, or laminates, so that the address sign withstands the onslaught of harsh elements.
Are The Engravings Real?
Trendy address plaques do have real engravings. Cuts are made through the surface to reveal the shiny inner surface of copper and brass plaques. A good thing about copper and brass is that they do not rust. If you so desire, you can even order address signs with decorative graphics.
Are The Accessories Made Of The Same Material As The Plaque?
Good suppliers provide the brackets made of solid brass or copper through and through. Brackets are hand-formed by skillful blacksmithing.
What Happens When There Is Relocation?
You must be wondering what happens to your expensive address sign when you relocate. Many Home Decor Products suppliers remodify the engravings with the details of the new address for a small fee.
Most address signs are easy to maintain. All you need to do is to wipe the surface with a clean moist cloth. You can even repaint the frame if you so desire. Just be sure to ask the supplier his recommendation for the type of spray paint needed. An address plaque can usually accommodate as many numbers as you desire. But you must remember that the more the numbers, the greater will be the reduction in the size of the letters. Just ensure that the numbers are large enough for proper visibility and recognition from a reasonable distance. Most suppliers provide diagrams displaying the actual dimensions of the signs.
Custom address plaques serve several purposes when affixed to the outside of your home. Easy identification is main among them. This aspect is very important when a vehicle driver or your friends have to spot your home in the event of an emergency.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/address-plaques-provide-unique-identity-to-homes-3855020.html
About the Author
Diverse Emporium is the best stop for finest handcrafted furniture in the U.S.A. which includes Address Plaques, Home Decor Products, and All Curio Cabinets or any other niche home furnishings.