How to Make Outdoor Signs Survive Bad Weather

The merchandise inside the store is not the only thing retailers and business owners need to worry about protecting. The exterior is equally important. Correct property maintenance means catering to the outer structure and the most important element that draws the customer's attention—the signage!

The signs are the first introduction between the shopper and the supplier. This means they require the most protection. Check out these eight tips to make sure outdoor signs survive bad weather.

Choose the Right Material

It’s all about the material. Some materials can withstand harsh weather, while others can’t. Create an outdoor sign that can survive the rough weather and years to come. Choosing materials that will start to warp and deteriorate after a year or even a few months will be costly for your business. Weather-resistant signs do exist, and they’re a smart investment.

Durable materials like rock or metal will last much longer than wooden signs. Wood signs may add a sense of a historical element, but when they start to show signs of wear and tear, that’s not good. Of course, you have the option to seal the sign using water or laminate repellent each fall and spring, but that requires a lot more maintenance on your part.

Stainless steel signs resist corrosion when exposed to rain and snow. The material is an excellent choice for long-lasting signs. Aluminum signs can last around 7 to 10 years. Concrete also has a long lifespan but does require routine maintenance.

Find the Perfect Location

Choosing the right material for your sign isn’t the only consideration to make. Good materials don’t make a sign indestructible. Remember that nothing is more powerful than Mother Nature. So every decision needs to be strategic, starting with sign placement.

Where you choose to position your sign is crucial. It needs to be in a location visible to customers, but it also needs to be guarded. Placing your sign in a sunny spot might sound like a good idea. It can be more noticeable that way, but it can also wear down faster.

The sun can cause your sign to fade. So try and place it in a protective spot with some shade that’s still visible. Don’t put it behind a tree. The branches could grow out and block the sign out completely. Or they could break and damage it. Placing the sign under the shade of a building is ideal.

Gather the Proper Tools

Mount the sign and make sure it stays mounted. Proper mounting is crucial to prevent your signage from sustaining damage due to high winds or other weather-related factors. Use sturdy mounting brackets and fasteners to secure the signage to a solid structure.

If you need more reinforcements, don’t be afraid to add them. For banners, use steel bars to keep the sign stationary. Outdoor signs mounted on poles might need an extra pole for added security. Fix the base of the poles in concrete to ensure stability. Test the strength of the mount before stepping away. No one wants to deal with a fallen sign.

Protect Them From Moisture

Moisture will happen, and even water-resistant material will need additional backup. Weather like heavy rain, snow, and even hail is extremely damaging. An extra coat never hurt anyone, and it certainly won’t hurt your sign.

Place additional material around it. Consider using a display sign stand or putting it behind a plastic shield. Digital signs particularly require additional help. Speak with a company that can help you determine the proper materials for this type of signage. It’ll require a weather-resistant enclosure for protection during the winter.

Protect Them From UV Rays

Even with a shaded area, you still need to protect the signage from UV Rays. They’re harsh and powerful during any season. Don’t assume UV Rays don’t cause much damage in the fall or winter because they still do.

Use a UV-resistant coat or spray across the sign. This guards against fading and also protects the sign from water damage. Apply an additional layer of sealant over the signage to keep the moisture out and expand the lifespan.

Do Routine Checkups

Probably the best thing you can do for your sign is check on it. It’s so easy to forget it’s out there. But don’t be neglectful. Signs will need routine maintenance checks to ensure things are working. You want to catch a problem before it has a chance to arise.

Check your sign every two to three weeks. During rough weather, consider a week apart. Look for signs of corrosion, mold, or damage of any kind. Address any issues as soon as possible to extend the lifespan of your sign. Conduct these checkups either before the beginning of business hours or after. You don’t want to stop traffic from entering your store.

Consider Going Portable

Sometimes, portable signs are a turn-off. We get it. They’re not permanent and can make it seem like your business is temporary too. But that’s not the case. Portable signs supersede all the limitations that permanent signs hold.

You can place portable signs wherever you see fit. Move them out of the harsh sun or under an awning to protect them from the rain and snow. Consider placing these signs in a sidewalk A-frame sign holder for extra protection.

Invest in Replacements

Everyone needs a backup plan. Sometimes plan A fails, and then we need plan B to come in and save the day. Investing in replacement signs is a smart business move, especially for digital signage. If the sign starts to wear out, you’ll need a replacement.

And it could take a while for a maintenance crew to get out there and fix the problem. Keep some backup signs in storage for this very occasion. Also, remember that there will come a time when your old sign needs to retire.

At The Global Display Solution, we know the significance of a sign. And we want to help all our customers ensure the survival of their outdoor signs—especially when bad weather is a factor. For more information, visit our website.