Your sign is usually the first thing that your customer will notice about your business. A well-maintained sign represents professionalism and dependability, while a faded or broken sign conveys just the opposite. Regular maintenance keeps signs legible and extends their lifespan, which will help avoid costly repairs down the line.
Best Practices in Cleaning Your Signs
Different signs involve different cleaning methods. The following are a few tips which are extremely helpful for different signage types:
- Acrylic And Polycarbonate Signs: Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they may make your sign cloudy or even crack.
- Metal Signs: Wipe down with a dampened cloth and mild detergent. For aluminum, use a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent oxidation.
- Vinyl Banners: Washed in water using a mild detergent. All prints need to be dry completely in order to keep mildew away.
- Illuminated Signs: Switch off power before cleaning. Gently dust bulbs and LED components using a microfiber cloth to maintain the brightness of the signs.
For more stubborn grime, it’s best to call in a professional to avoid any accidental damage.
Protecting Your Sign from the Elements
Texas weather is temperamental, with scorching summers, heavy rains, and even storms at times. Here’s how to protect your signs:
- UV Protection: Colors may bleach out under continued sun exposure. Apply a UV-resistant varnish coat or use superior, fade-resistant materials.
- Wind and Storm Damage Prevention: Properly secure freestanding signs. Take down banners and lightweight signs if a storm is imminent to avoid damage.
- Waterproofing: Electrical components in luminous signs should be sealed and watertight to avoid short circuits.
Routine inspections-especially after the incidences of harsh weather conditions, really catch little problems before they turn into major issues.
Structural Integrity Check
A sturdy sign framework is essential for safety and longevity. Conduct periodic checks on the following:
- Hardware Installation: Check that bolts, screws, and brackets are tightened and free of rust. Poorly attached hardware could lead to either damage or the sign falling.
- Frames and Supports: Check for rust, buckling, or corrosion, especially in metal signs. A fresh coat of rust-resistant paint can add years to a sign’s life.
- Illumination Issues: The most common reasons for flickering or dimming in LED or neon signs are wiring problems. Replacing the bulbs in time or solving the electrical concerns will prevent a bigger failure from occurring.
Knowing When to Call the Experts
While some repair works can be done in-house with simple maintenance, others require skilled hands. Invite a professional sign technician if you encounter:
- Peeling vinyl or fading colors
- Electrical malfunctions in illuminated signs
- Structural issues like cracking, leaning, or instability
- Water damage or mold growth on the signage
A professional sign company like Georgetown Sign Company will be able to do a much more in-depth inspection and repair and note whether an upgrade is necessary. Contact us today for expert sign maintenance services for businesses in and around the Cedar Park, TX, area.
