Roll-Up vs. Aluminum Signs: Which Is Better for Work Zones?
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Introduction
Planning work zone signage reveals which temporary traffic control (TTC) signs to install, how many are needed, and where they go. The next choice to make is the sign type you’ll need. Both roll-up and aluminum signs are compliant, but they have different uses. Here’s how to choose between them.
What Are Roll-Up Signs?
Roll-Up Signs are made with flexible vinyl or mesh materials. They’re quick to set up, take down, and stow away for easy transport and storage. Mesh and non-reflective vinyl are only for daytime use, while retroreflective vinyl can be used at night.
Roll-Up Signs have several key advantages:
- Flexible, lightweight materials
- Ideal for quick, portable setups
- Easily collapsed for compact storage
- Compatible with many portable sign stands
Because of their lightweight material, Roll-Up Signs can flutter in strong winds. The right sign stand will keep them better secured.
What Are Rigid Signs?
Rigid signs, most often made of aluminum, are built for durability, so they’re best used in windy or turbulent areas. Many agencies require rigid signs for long-term projects.
The benefits of rigid signs include:
- Rustproof aluminum material
- Can be mounted on sign posts or portable stands
- Best for long-term projects
- Durable and long-lasting over many uses
Because rigid signs are heavier and bulkier, they aren’t as easily stored. Our rigid signs use .080” aluminum with pre-punched holes.
Roll-Up vs. Rigid Sign Comparison
In most cases, when your project calls for signs with better portability, storage, and setup speed, choose roll-up signs. When durability and long-term use are a priority, choose rigid signs.
| Feature | Roll-Up Signs | Rigid Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Lightweight | Heavier |
| Storage | Compact bundle | Stacked or on racks |
| Setup speed | Faster, latches on | Stand or post-mounted |
| Wind | Can flutter, needs a rated stand | Stays flat |
| Night use | Reflective vinyl only, not mesh | Yes, with reflective sheeting |
| Best for | Short-term work that moves often | Long-term work |
What Types of Projects Favor Roll-Up Signs?
To determine when to use Roll-Up Signs, think about the portability that your project needs. Common applications include:
- Utility and maintenance work
- Fiber optic installation
- Shoulder work
- Incident response
Roll-up signs are often the best choice for crews that frequently move signs as a project continues.
What Types of Projects Favor Rigid Signs?
The longer the project duration, the more durable TTC signs should be. Rigid signs fulfill that need for the following kinds of projects:
- Bridge construction
- Paving operations
- Long-term lane closures
- Roadway reconstruction
For projects that stay in place over the long term, or when work zones are in windy areas, rigid signs are the way to go.
TTC Signs in Work Zones
Section 6F.01 of the MUTCD allows TTC signs to be made with rigid or flexible materials. What usually decides the choice is how long the sign will be up and how high it is mounted:
- Short-term projects, 3 days or less: signs on portable stands below the normal mounting height are fine, which is where Roll-Up Signs fit best (6F.02).
- Long-term projects: signs should be at the full mounting height, at least 5 feet in rural areas and 7 feet in business, commercial, or residential areas. That usually means rigid signs on posts, or a tall stand such as our RU6000 (6F.02).
Most TTC warning signs are orange or fluorescent orange. The fluorescent color isn’t required but can be used (6F.01).
State and Local Considerations
Whether to use rigid or roll-up signs depends on the agency and the road. State and local rules add specific requirements:
- Which reflective sheeting is required
- Whether Roll-Up Signs are allowed
- Which sign stands are approved
The MUTCD requires signs and sign supports used together to be crashworthy and sets the minimum mounting heights (6F.02). Many agencies require newly purchased sign stands to be crash-tested to MASH, the current federal crash test standard.
Conclusion
When deciding on Roll-Up vs. rigid signs, consider the long-term durability of the sign and the level of portability your project needs. Remember the rule of thumb: Roll-Up Signs on portable stands are best for portability and for projects of 3 days or less, and rigid signs at full mounting height are best for durability and for long-term projects.
