FAQ

• 1) What are PRETENDE spacer plates and what responsibility do you have?

  Spacer-mounted plaques in the PRETENDE standard are signage elements mechanically installed on spacers, with a controlled offset from the substrate,
  implemented as part of a wayfinding system or as a single element — within a clearly defined scope of responsibility.
  The scope of delivery may include design, production and installation, depending on the agreed cooperation model, with a single point of responsibility for the agreed scope.

   

  What this means in practice

  – We define the function of the plaque within the facility’s information structure (e.g. room name, number, direction, zone).
  – We design the format, content layout and legibility parameters in relation to the conditions of use.
  – We select the plaque material, marking technique and spacer type according to the environment and intensity of use.
  – We prepare production files, manufacture the elements and — if installation is included — install them on site using mounting templates.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – The design is developed according to wayfinding system logic: information hierarchy, naming consistency, repeatable axes and layouts.
  – Production is carried out based on production files with control of dimensions, mounting axes and content accuracy.
  – Installation is performed using templates and defined reference points to ensure a repeatable result throughout the entire facility.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for compliance of execution with the approved design and for installation within the scope of the agreed substrate and fixing technology.
  – We are not responsible for hidden substrate conditions, undocumented installations within walls, or incorrect input data provided by the investor (e.g. names, numbering), unless these were subject to verification on our side.

   

  FAQ

  – Do you deliver single plaques without a complete system?
  Yes, provided that the content, mounting axes and substrate conditions are clearly and unambiguously defined.

  – Is installation part of the standard?
  Installation is a separate scope. It may be included if the goal is full control of the final effect after installation.

  – What does “post-installation effect control” mean?
  Verification of position, axes, levels, completeness, and compliance with the design and system assumptions.

• 2) What materials do you use to make the plates on the spacers and what are the implications of these choices for durability, cleaning, environmental resistance and service?

  PRETENDE standard spacer-mounted plaques are signage elements mechanically installed on spacers, with a controlled offset from the substrate,
  delivered as part of a wayfinding system or as a single element — within a clearly defined scope of responsibility.
  The scope may include design, production and installation, depending on the agreed cooperation model, with one accountable party for the agreed scope.

   

  What this means in practice

  – We define the plaque’s function within the facility’s information structure (e.g. room name, number, direction, zone).
  – We design the format, content layout and legibility parameters in relation to the conditions of use.
  – We select the plaque material, marking method and spacer type according to the environment and intensity of use.
  – We prepare production files, manufacture the elements and — if installation is included — install them on site using mounting templates.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – The design is developed within a wayfinding logic: information hierarchy, naming consistency, repeatable axes and layouts.
  – Production is carried out based on production files with control of dimensions, mounting axes and content accuracy.
  – Installation is performed using templates and defined reference points to ensure a repeatable result throughout the facility.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for compliance of execution with the approved design and for installation within the scope of the agreed substrate and fixing technology.
  – We are not responsible for hidden substrate conditions, undocumented installations inside walls, or incorrect input data provided by the investor (e.g. names, numbering), unless they were covered by verification on our side.

   

  FAQ

  – Do you deliver single plaques without a full system?
  Yes, provided that the content, mounting axes and substrate conditions are defined unambiguously.

  – Is installation part of the standard?
  Installation is a separate scope. It can be included if the goal is full control of the final outcome after installation.

  – What does “post-installation effect control” mean?
  Verification of position, axes, levels, completeness, and compliance with the design and system assumptions.

• 3) What are the standard distances of plaques from the wall and when do you use non-standard distances (substrate, tolerances, legibility, installation collisions)?

  A standard spacer distance is not a fixed catalogue value, but a system parameter selected to ensure legibility, user safety, and repeatable installation geometry throughout the entire facility.
  Non-standard spacers are used exclusively when required by substrate conditions, cladding tolerances, installation conflicts, or the need to adapt to architectural constraints.

   

  What this means in practice

  – The spacer is not a “decoration” but a technical parameter: it affects stability, cleanability, and installation geometry.
  – In facilities with multiple wall types (concrete, drywall, cladding, glass), the spacer is selected to maintain axis consistency and avoid internal stresses.
  – A non-standard spacer is applied when it is necessary to bypass trims, joints, cladding breaks, or building services.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – In the execution standard, the spacer is specified in the documentation together with the fixing type and tolerances.
  – Installation is carried out using templates/axis alignment so that repeatability within the building does not depend on the “installer’s eye”.
  – In facilities with collision risks, we recommend a site survey or the designation of safe drilling zones.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for spacer selection within the scope of substrate information and installation conditions confirmed prior to production.
  – We are not responsible for undocumented installations within drilling zones or for substrate deviations exceeding agreed tolerances if they were unknown at the design stage.

   

  FAQ

  – Does the spacer affect legibility?
  Indirectly, yes — it determines the position of the plaque in relation to light, the wall, and the surroundings.

  – Can the spacer be unified throughout the entire facility?
  Yes, provided that substrates and claddings allow for a common standard.

  – When must a spacer be non-standard?
  When the substrate or cladding enforces a different installation geometry or when collisions must be avoided.

• 4) Do you implement a complete signage system, or do you work on a supplied design - and where does the responsibility for design versus implementation go?

  We design a complete signage system and take full responsibility for its consistency and compliance with execution, or we manufacture plaques based on a supplied design — exclusively after defined entry conditions are met.
  The scope of responsibility for design-to-execution compliance is clearly defined and depends on whether the design and its verification are handled by us.

   

  What this means in practice

  – If the design is on our side: we are responsible for system consistency, production files, and installation compatibility.
  – If the design is supplied: we verify it for production and installation within an agreed scope (formats, legibility, margins, safe areas, holes, axes).
  – Without verification, we do not assume responsibility for substantive errors in the design.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – Entry conditions include: file formats, dimensional definitions, material specification, content, and mounting axis layout.
  – Prior to production, we require approval of: content, dimensions, mounting axes, and execution technology.
  – Verification is defined as a scope: what we check and what the client approves.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for compliance of execution with approved production files and specification.
  – We are not responsible for incorrect content (e.g. names, numbering) if supplied and approved by the investor without verification on our side.
  – We are not responsible for a supplied design if it did not include installation arrangements (axes, holes, tolerances) and was not subject to verification.

   

  FAQ

  – Can you manufacture plaques based on an architect’s design?
  Yes, provided that entry conditions are met and the design is approved after production and installation verification.

  – What does “verification for production” include?
  Feasibility check: dimensions, safe areas, marking method, holes/axis alignment, tolerances.

  – Do you verify substantive content?
  Only if it is defined as a specific scope (e.g. system and nomenclature audit).

• 5) What is the installation of the plates on the spacers and where is the limit of responsibility for the end result after installation?

  Installation of spacer-mounted plaques consists of defining axes, creating fixing points in the confirmed substrate, and mounting the plaques on spacers in accordance with system tolerances.
  Responsibility for the final result includes correct positioning, geometry and installation stability within the scope of the agreed substrate and fixing technology — up to the moment of installation acceptance.

   

  What this means in practice

  – Prior to installation, we confirm: wall type, layers (e.g. drywall/cladding), and safe drilling zones.
  – We install using templates or axis alignment to ensure a repeatable plaque layout throughout the entire facility.
  – We control levels, distances, axes and completeness of the installation set.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – We use templates and marked mounting axes to minimize installation error.
  – We define installation tolerances (level, deviation, spacing) as a system standard.
  – After installation, we verify compliance with the design and provide information on any deviations resulting from the substrate.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for installation within the scope of the substrate that has been confirmed and complies with technical assumptions.
  – We are not responsible for the consequences of installation on substrates inconsistent with the declaration (e.g. unstable claddings, lack of reinforcement), nor for undocumented installations in drilling zones.
  – If installation is carried out by a third party, we are responsible for the specification and supplied elements, but not for execution on site.

   

  FAQ

  – Do you install on every type of wall?
  We install on substrates that meet load-bearing requirements and allow for safe drilling and anchoring.

  – Do you provide mounting templates?
  Yes. If installation is performed by the client or a contractor, we provide axis alignment rules and templates within the agreed scope.

  – When is a wall survey required?
  When there is a risk of installation collisions or the substrate has a non-uniform structure.

• 6) How is the durability, service and replacement of plaques during the life of the facility resolved (compatibility of fixings, availability of parts, interference with the wall)?

  Durability, serviceability and the possibility of replacing spacer-mounted plaques are addressed at the design stage through the use of repeatable components and documentation that enables elements to be reproduced to the same specification.
  In typical cases, content replacement does not require interference with the wall, provided that the mounting base and system standard are maintained.

   

  What this means in practice

  – We design compatibility: spacers, spacing and fixing methods so that servicing does not require wall reconstruction.
  – Replacement usually concerns content (e.g. changes of names, numbers, tenants) and is carried out by replacing the plaque element while retaining the existing mounting points.
  – In the case of major architectural changes (claddings, renovations), service requires renewed verification of the substrate and axes.

   

  Proof / mechanism

  – Each system has an assigned specification: dimensions, spacing, spacers, marking technology and production files.
  – We maintain component repeatability so that a replacement part can be produced without “designing from scratch”.
  – Service is based on element traceability and the ability to reproduce them using the same technology.

   

  Limits of responsibility

  – We are responsible for reproducing elements to the system standard, provided that the specification is maintained and installation conditions have not changed.
  – We are not responsible for compatibility with elements of other systems or for changes within the facility that disrupt the original axes, spacing or substrate structure.
  – If cleaning chemistry or environmental conditions have been changed during operation, the durability of markings may require a change in technology.

   

  FAQ

  – Does replacement require drilling new holes?
  No, as long as the spacing standard is maintained and the mounting base remains in place.

  – Do you ensure availability of elements after many years?
  Yes, within the scope of maintaining the specification standard and the ability to reproduce components using the same technology.

  – What is required to order a replacement?
  Element identification, content, location within the facility and confirmation that the mounting base has not been modified.