Screw Holes or Double Sided Tape: Mounting Lobby Signs
A sign is only compliant if it stays on the wall. The right mounting method depends on the surface, the spot and sometimes the rules. Here's how supers and installers decide between screws and tape.
The quick answer
In short: Use screws with anchors on brick, concrete and plaster for the strongest, most tamper proof hold. Use strong mounting tape on marble, tile and glass. On fire rated doors, use tape or decals and never drill. FDNY notices must be "securely affixed, by mounting hardware or an adhesive."
Screws: when and how
- 1Best forBrick, concrete, plaster and drywall, and anywhere signs tend to disappear.
- 2What you needA drill, masonry or wood bits, wall anchors and screws that fit the sign's holes.
- 3TipTamper resistant screws stop signs from walking away in busy lobbies.
Tape: when and how
- 1Best forMarble, tile, glass, metal doors and fire rated doors.
- 2PrepClean the spot with rubbing alcohol and let it dry. Dust is tape's worst enemy.
- 3PressPress firmly for 30 seconds, and give it a day before anyone leans on it.
Tell us the surface when you order and we'll suggest the right mounting. Shop required signs
Special spots
Don't drill fire rated doors, including stairwell doors with close the door signs. Use adhesive or decals.
Damp walls loosen tape. Use screws for the boiler room key notice on the door.
The fire safety notice often goes on as a decal to avoid holes.
Screws and stainless hardware for a street number sign.
Get the height right while you're at it
Mounting is when most placement mistakes happen. The inspection frame must sit 48 to 62 inches off the floor near the mailboxes, and FDNY notices go between 4 and 5.5 feet. Measure from the floor and mark with a pencil before you drill. Our lobby placement guide shows a full layout.
What this looks like in practice
Say a super is hanging a full set in a lobby with marble on one wall and plaster on the other. The notices go on the plaster wall with anchors and screws, lined up with a level. The registration sign goes on the plaster wall with screws too, since HPD's rule says it must be screwed or bolted. Stairwell close the door signs go on as adhesive backed plates. Everything's done in an afternoon, and nothing gets drilled that shouldn't be.
Tips from our shop
- Dry fit first.
Tape the signs up with painter's tape to check the layout before committing.
- Use a level.
Crooked signs look careless, even when they're compliant.
- Photograph the wall.
A dated photo helps if you ever need to show a violation was fixed.
Official sources: FDNY 3 RCNY 401-06, HPD Required Signage.
Quick answers
Can I use double sided tape for HPD signs?
Yes, for most notices strong mounting tape works on clean, smooth surfaces. The registration and super signs are the exception: HPD's rule says they must be screwed or bolted to the wall.
Can I drill into a fire rated door?
Avoid it. Use adhesive or decals so the door's rating isn't affected.
What's the best way to stop signs being stolen?
Screws, ideally tamper resistant, on a solid wall. See which materials last longest.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.