How Do You Hang A Banner Outside A Building?

If you have a building, that’s valuable advertising space! Hanging a banner outside a building is a fantastic way to grab attention and promote an event or message. 

As one of the leading banner companies in the country, our experts at NorthCoast Banners are here to walk you through everything you need to know to hang a banner outside a building – the RIGHT way. Let’s get started!

What Materials Do I Need to Hang a Banner Outside a Building?

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

• Banner: Choose a durable, weather-resistant shade cloth banner that suits your purpose and desired size. NorthCoast Banners offers any size you need, as big as you like. The ideal material is solid vinyl. Since the banner is going up against the wall and you won’t need to worry about the wind through it, you do not need a vinyl mesh banner.The exception to this rule is when a building banner is strung up between buildings, or over a street. In that case, you’ll want to go with 70/30 vinyl mesh (30% blow through) or 30/70 mesh (70% blow through), depending on the amount of wind that can be expected in the area.
• Rope or bungee cords: Select a strong rope or twine to help secure the banner.
• Nails or Screws: Depending on your building’s structure, use appropriate nails or screws.
• Hammer or Screwdriver: Ensure you have the necessary tools to drive in nails or screws securely.
• Ladder: Use a stable ladder that reaches the desired hanging location.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes while working with tools.

How Do I Choose the Right Location to Hang a Banner Outside a Building?

Consider the following factors when selecting a location for your banner:

1. Size and Weight of the Banner:
   • Ensure the chosen location can accommodate the dimensions and weight of your banner.
     • Solid vinyl banners weigh about 0.1 lb per square foot.
   • Large banners may require sturdier structures or support.

2. Wind Conditions in the Area:
   • Choose a location that offers some protection from strong winds.
   • Avoid areas where the wind may cause the banner to flap excessively or become a safety hazard.

3. Visibility of the Location:
   • Opt for a spot where the banner will be easily seen by your target audience.
   • Consider the flow of foot or vehicle traffic and aim for high visibility.

4. Accessibility of the Location:
   • Ensure the chosen location allows for safe and convenient installation and removal of the banner.
   • Consider factors such as nearby obstacles or obstructions.

4 Best Ways to Hang a Banner Outside a Building

Next, let’s explore the four most common methods for hanging a banner:

1. Hanging the Banner from a Wall or Fence:
   • Attach the banner directly to a sturdy wall or fence using nails, screws, or adhesive hooks.
   • Ensure the attachment points are evenly spaced along the banner’s top edge.
   • Use a level to ensure the banner hangs straight.

2. Hanging the Banner from a Tree or Other Structure:
   • Find a suitable branch or structure to suspend the banner.
   • Use ropes or cables to securely tie the banner to the chosen location.
   • Make sure the knots are tight and that the banner is level and taut.

3. Hanging the Banner from a Building’s Roof:
   • Attach the banner to the building’s roof using hooks, nails, or screws.
   • Ensure the roof’s edge or an overhang provides enough space for the banner to hang freely.
   • Verify that the banner is visible from a distance and does not obstruct any view or entrance.

4. Hanging the Banner from a Pole or Flagpole:
   • Fasten the banner to a pole or flagpole using ties, bungee cords, or brackets designed for banners.
   • Make sure the pole is secure and upright, preventing the banner from slipping or twisting.
   • Confirm that the pole’s height allows for clear visibility.

How Do I Secure a Banner to a Building So It Doesn’t Fly Away?

To prevent your banner from flying away, use one of these techniques:

1. Tying the Banner to the Building with Rope, Twine, or bungee cords:
   • Securely tie the corners and midpoints of the banner to sturdy anchor points using strong rope or twine.
   • Ensure the knots are tight and will withstand wind gusts.

2. Nailing or Screwing the Banner to the Building:
   • Attach the banner to the building’s surface using nails or screws.
   • Use multiple attachment points along the top edge of the banner for better stability.

3. Using a Banner Bracket or Hanger:
   • Install a banner bracket or hanger designed for this purpose.
   • These devices provide a secure and professional-looking attachment point for your banner.

How Do You Hang a Banner on a Building with Wall Brackets?

If you prefer using wall brackets to hang your banner, follow these five basic steps:

1. Choose the Right Wall Brackets:
   • Select sturdy wall brackets that match the size and weight of your banner.
   • Ensure they are appropriate for the building’s surface and provide a secure attachment.
2. Mark the Location of the Wall Brackets:
   • Use a level to mark the placement of the wall brackets on the wall.
   • Make sure the marks are evenly spaced and level.
3. Drill Holes for the Wall Brackets:
   • Use a drill to create holes in the wall at the marked locations.
   • The hole size should match the specifications of the wall brackets.
4. Secure the Wall Brackets to the Wall:
   • Use screws or nails to firmly attach the wall brackets to the wall.
   • Double-check that the brackets are securely fastened before proceeding.
5. Hang the Banner on the Wall Brackets:

How to Hang a Banner Without Getting Wrinkles

Follow these three simple tips to ensure a smooth and wrinkle-free banner display:

1. Clean and Prepare the Banner:
   • Wipe off any dirt or debris from the banner before hanging it.
   • Smooth out any existing wrinkles with your hands or a soft cloth.

2. Use a Level:
   • Check that the banner is hanging straight using a level.
   • Adjust the attachment points as necessary to maintain a level position.

3. Secure the Banner Tightly:
   • Avoid loose or sagging areas by securing the banner tightly against the surface.
   • This will minimize the chance of wrinkles forming.

How to Choose the Right Material and Finishings for a Banner

While the tips listed above are important for hanging your banner correctly, the true first step is to start with a quality banner. That means choosing one with the right material and finishings to hang your banner. 

Material

Our most common large-format materials include:

• Mesh (both 70/30 and 30/70) – for outdoor banners, only necessary when the banner is not up against a wall.
• 10 oz and 13 oz vinyl in both matte and gloss finish – most common for building banners.
• Natural and synthetic pre-treated fabrics.

Finishings

At NorthCoast Banners, our most common banner finishings include:

• Standard Hems
• Hems reinforced with webbing
• Reinforced Corners
• Grommets
• Pole pockets on the top and bottom
• Wind slits

Selecting the correct finishings to match how you will hang the banner is crucial.

Our banners come with hems, unless you specifically ask for them to be omitted. If your banner is over 100 sq feet, we recommend webbing in the hems. This reinforces the hem to prevent the grommets from tearing out with the weight of the banner or if there is wind. Reinforced corners is an additional reinforcement added to the corner to prevent the seam from ripping. Reinforced corners are particularly helpful if you are hanging the banner by corner grommets only. For example is the banner is suspended between buildings or across a street.

If you plan to use rope, twine, bungees, or hooks to hang the banner, you will want grommets on the banners. Pole pockets are used when there is a preexisting pole that the banner can be slid onto. Usually pole pockets are used with indoor banners, but if your outdoor setup has a pole for banners it could be useful to you.

Wind slits are available in our solid vinyl material to allow some wind to pass through the banner. Wind slits are not as effective as the mesh material, which allows the wind to pass through it more easily, and prevents damage to the banner.

Ready to Hang Your Outdoor Banner?

Hanging a banner outside a building is an effective way to communicate your message to a wider audience. By purchasing high-quality banners and following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to hang your banner securely. And NorthCoast Banners is here to help every step of the way! Reach out for a quote today!