- What is Slate? How is it formed?
Slate is a sedimentary rock. It is formed after long periods of weathering of stones. The fine sediment is carried to a lake bottom after which these fine sedimentary deposits become buried and then subjected to movement, heat and pressure beneath the surface of the earth. The consequent 'metamorphism' resulted in the formation of slate. Different slates from around the world are of different ages.
They are still not young but the range is considerable:
- 500 million years old
- 300 million years old
- 150 million years old
As with some wines - the older the slate, the higher the quality and durability. Our slates are among the oldest in the world!
- Does our slate fade in colour? Is it weather resistant?
No, our slate is non-fading – it will not rust, it will not change colour.
We guarantee that the slate will not fade or crack under normal conditions.
- What type of “colour inlay” or paint do we use?
All of our paints are LITHOCHROME paints – rated for 20 years of exterior use.
- Will the paint peel or fade?
There will be some oxidation of the metallic paints after a period of time. However, we guarantee that the paint will not peel.
If there is any peeling of the sign we will replace it free of charge.
- Are the Screw Cap covers durable?
All of the screw cap covers are non-corrosive. Likewise the screws for attaching the sign are stainless steel and will not rust.
If there is any problem they will be replaced at no cost.
- How does your signage program work?
We supply each store location with order forms, toll free faxing and customer service numbers. Working with your store assistants, each customer simply fills out all steps of the order forms. The form is then faxed to IIS for processing.
- Can customers specify different size fonts; different colour inlays, or use the Filigris designs on different shapes?
- The customer can choose any options as outlined on the order forms.
- They can also specify the size of font if needed – just make a note on the order form itself this will be done if at all possible. If the letter height requested will not fit then the letters will be made as close to the requested size as possible.
- They can mix and match any of colour inlays with any of the slate signs.
- The Filigris design can be used on any slate sign.
- What happens if we are unsure about how the text will fit?
We do not restrict the number of characters that can be put on a line. However, keep in mind, the more letters or numbers there are the smaller they will be.
- What are the shipping costs? Can we have it shipped directly to the customer?
- We have established a flat shipping fee for regular service, see current price list for details.
- We offer shipping services back to the store or directly to the customer if they are from out of town. The address is to be filled in on the order forms.
- How long does it take for the sign to arrive?
Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. In some cases, such as shipping to western Canada your sign may not be delivered until the 4th week.
- Do you offer rush service if needed?
Yes, we can ship the sign(s) via courier service.Extra charges apply.
- What is your refund policy if a customer does not like their sign?
You should have the customer sign the order form at the time of ordering. This will avoid any un-necessary mistakes.If there is a problem caused by our mistake – the sign will be replaced free of charge with the shipping costs at our expense.
- What are the price points for the various signs offered?
Enclosed is a complete price listing for your review.
- What are the black or green markings in the slate? What causes bubbles or ridge looking lines through the slate?
As slate is a natural stone it is not perfect. In burgundy color slate you may see some small green fleck and in green slate there will be small black markings. This is pyrite (a harder mineral found in the piece of stone) better known as “fools gold”. These markings are completely natural and in most cases cannot be avoided.
As well, in the sand blasted areas (imprinted area) there may be a line or raised areas (may look like paint bubbles but it is not); this is also pyrite that is unable to be penetrated by the sandblasting technique. When the stone is sandblasted this harder surface will not be completely smooth.
All of these special characteristics of slate add to its uniqueness and show that it is a completely natural and environmentally friendly product.
Due to the fact of the above-mentioned are naturally occurring blemishes; Images in Slate will not offer refunds on signs based on these complaints. Please notify the customer at the time of purchase that these natural flaws may occur to avoid any conflict. Reassure the customer that it will not take away from the beautiful natural appearance of the sign and the sign will not break during the weathering process because of these flaws..
- Can a sign be imprinted on both sides?
Yes. There is an additional fee of $25.00 for this service. Please note to the purchaser that the opposite side will not be exactly the same as the other side. If you were to take down an oval sign for example you will see the difference in the opposite surface and edges.
- Can there be a logo or image put on the sign?
Yes. If this is a custom logo there is an artwork charge of $65.00 + a set up fee of $40.00. If the customer wishes to have one of our standard retail images inserted on a sign there is only an extra $25.00 fee.
- Note:
If you are allowing your customers to take home order forms it is a good idea to stamp your company name and address in the area provided. Otherwise, people will try to buy direct.
Stamping the order form will make it easier for us to determine which retailer to refer the customer back to.
- Can the screw holes be put in a different place on the sign?
Yes. Please indicate this in writing on the sign order form. If one just draws the holes in on the diagram on top these holes will not be noticed. Likewise, if a customer wishes not to have any holes please make a note of this.
If the customer decides that they would like their sign to be hanging please make note; If hanging from a chain put something in the holes, like grommets, to protect the slate from wearing away. They can also attach the sign to a wooden backing and then hang it from the wooden frame. As of July 11, 2002, we do not currently have a supplier for grommets. If we do find a supplier for grommets they will be supplied with the sign. Grommets can be found at you local hardware store, they normally come in 3/8” size. Please request for holes to be drilled at 3/8” if your customer wishes to use this method. Your customer may also use the standard size hole and put hard plastic on the inside of the holes or mount the sign on a wooden frame. Although many people do hang their signs, our signs are designed for mounting. We will not be responsible for any sign that is broken as a result of hanging from a chain or other fixture.
- Can the signs be mounted on vinyl siding?
Yes. This is the most common application. The sign will just screw into the sheeting behind the siding.
- What kind of screw is provided?
There are 2-2 ½” stainless steel wood screws provided with each sign.
- What is high relief?
High relief is when the back round is sandblasted out and painted and the numbers are raised and natural. This is not a popular option however customers have requested it in the past. Please advise your customer when ordering that the imperfections of the slate can be more noticeable on high relief version therefore if they choose to go with this option we will not Refund or re-do the item based on this.
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