Being Storm Prepared with Formetco’s Panel-Free Frame
It is that time of year again. Hurricane season is finally upon us, and for the out-of-home advertising industry, this presents significant challenges. When the wind starts blowing and the rain rolls in, traditional framing often struggles to withstand the forces of nature during storms. So, how do we combat this challenge? Formetco’s Panel-Free Framing Solution.
Being storm prepared is about understanding the hazards that can arise under threatening conditions. Traditional framing puts immense stress on structures due to their resistance to wind. This can lead to face panels becoming loose, damaging nearby property or posing a risk of injury. It’s a situation that no one wants to be responsible for. Additionally, structural damages can occur under these conditions, and they aren’t always caught, leading to long-term issues. The key to being truly prepared is understanding the hazards that happen and finding ways to eliminate them.
Going Panel-Free addresses the issues that billboards can face during storms, and it is in its design that makes this possible. The core idea behind the Panel-Free Frame is simple: instead of fighting high wind, let it pass through. Without panels, wind is able to pass through the structure more easily, reducing the resistance and minimizing stress on the structure as a whole. By removing heavy, hand-built wood panels, there are less highly damaging materials that can become airborne. Not only is damage contained, it is reduced entirely.
However, the advantages don’t end there. Since there are no face panels, the solution reportedly offers a significant 45% reduction in material usage. This results in a lightweight design, preventing any wood pole from cracking, splitting, or any other forms of structural wear and tear. Labor also feels the impact due to the decreased maintenance requirements, saving you time and money. Everything from crews to owners is taken into account to make operating easier. Vinyl installs are now smoother and more efficient thanks to the clean, uniform surface—no more struggling with wrinkles or panel imperfections.
This product didn’t come out of nowhere. It was born out of listening to customers. “Our clients needed a mounting system that eliminated extra hardware, provided flexible adjustments, reduced overall weight, and offered a sleek design to prevent vinyl damage,” said Chris Adams, Hardware Product Manager at Formetco. “The result is a frame that’s not only hurricane-tough but also far easier to work with.” This product is just one example of commitment to innovation in the industry.
If you’re interested in retrofitting your board with Panel-Free, don’t hesitate to reach out to Formetco Hardware at hardware@formetco.com.
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