Blade Signs Chicago — Projecting Sidewalk Signs for Chicago Storefronts

Blade signs, also called projecting signs, extend perpendicular from the building facade and are visible from both directions along the sidewalk. In a city like Chicago where commercial corridors are dense and pedestrians walk parallel to the storefronts, blade signs provide a critical second angle of visibility that a flat facade sign cannot offer. A pedestrian approaching from down the block on Milwaukee Ave, Clark St, or Belmont Ave will see your blade sign before they ever see your primary facade sign.

TFA Signs fabricates illuminated and non-illuminated blade signs in aluminum, steel, acrylic, and mixed materials. A standard blade sign consists of a steel or aluminum mounting bracket bolted to the building facade, and a double-sided sign panel displaying your business name, logo, or category graphic. Non-illuminated blade signs use digitally printed aluminum panels or cut vinyl graphics on an aluminum substrate. Illuminated blade signs use LED-backlit panels, internal LED strips for an edge-lit effect, or neon tubes for a vintage glow.

Chicago blade signs require a permit from the Department of Buildings and must comply with Chicago Municipal Code requirements for projecting signs. Key requirements include: the bottom of the sign must be at least 8 feet above the finished grade of the sidewalk (to provide pedestrian clearance); the sign may not project more than two-thirds of the width of the sidewalk or more than 6 feet from the face of the building; the sign must be set back at least 2 feet from the curb line. In some Chicago neighborhoods and business districts, additional design standards apply — TFA Signs knows these requirements and designs blade signs to comply fully with applicable codes.

Mounting hardware for Chicago blade signs must be engineered to withstand the lateral wind loads that projecting signs experience — wind effectively pushes on a blade sign like a sail. TFA Signs engineers all blade sign mounting systems with appropriate structural calculations, using through-bolts or sleeve anchors into masonry, or through-wall connections to wood or metal framing, depending on the building construction. This ensures your blade sign will not fail or loosen even in Chicago's strongest winds.

Blade Sign Pricing

• Non-illuminated aluminum blade sign (standard size): $600–$1,500
• Non-illuminated custom-shaped blade sign: $900–$2,500
• LED-illuminated blade sign: $1,200–$3,500
• Neon blade sign: $1,500–$4,000
• Large decorative blade sign with custom fabrication: $2,000–$8,000+
• Installation and permit: additional, varies by location

Frequently Asked Questions — Blade Signs Chicago

Does a blade sign require a permit in Chicago? Yes. All blade and projecting signs in Chicago require a permit from the Department of Buildings. TFA Signs handles this permit application for you.

How is a blade sign attached to a masonry building? We use through-bolts with large backing plates inside the building wall, or sleeve anchors into solid masonry. The mounting bracket is then bolted to the threaded rods or anchor bolts, and the sign panel is attached to the bracket. We patch and waterproof all penetrations.

Can a blade sign be illuminated? Yes. Illuminated blade signs are popular — LED panel illumination, neon, or edge-lit acrylic panels. Electrical power runs through concealed conduit through the building facade from an interior power source.

Contact TFA Signs for Blade Signs

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