About a week ago, the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas” sign was destroyed when a pickup truck came crashing into it, proving that even the most iconic signs aren’t immune to disaster. Business and property owners are tasked with the responsibility of keeping their signage in good condition, whether it’s affected by something as catastrophic as a truck accident or as routine as a summer storm. With minor damage, though, it may be hard for you to justify spending the costs on a replacement sign. How can you tell it’s time for a new sign? Here are 4 signs your sign’s time has run out.
1. Your sign is faded, cracked, peeling or otherwise showing evidence of distress
Your exterior signage represents your brand to the outside world. Has your UV-printed sign faded from the sun? If it’s painted, is the paint chipping? If it’s made out of wood, is it cracking? Unfortunately, looks matter quite a bit, as do first impressions, and visitors and passersby are noticing your signage. You don’t want to show them that your business either lacks the resources to fix the sign or that you don’t care—because that may very well be what they’re thinking. If your sign looks like it has worn out its welcome, it’s likely time to re-establish your brand by refreshing your signage.
2. You have an illuminated sign with burnt out lighting
Illuminated signs are amazing for attracting attention no matter how dark it is outside, provided that your illuminated sign actually works. Most of us have seen channel letter signs with burnt out letters—and if the spelling errors were amusing enough, we’ve probably laughed a little too. This is definitely not how you want your business to be remembered.
There are a couple reasons why illuminated signs may go out frequently. Fluorescent and neon lighting elements are prone to burning out, which may lead to costly replacement bulbs and the associated labor with changing them out. LEDs, on the other hand, use less energy and don’t get as hot, and they have a longer lifespan. It’s not necessary to replace your entire sign just to get LED; electronic signs with neon and fluorescent can be retrofitted with LED.
However, there’s a chance that the problem with your sign isn’t the lighting itself. If your sign wasn’t fabricated precisely, it may be leaking where it should be sealed tight, allowing water to get inside and damage your lighting element. Computerized tools are best for proper sign manufacturing, so ask your provider how they create their signs.
3. You’ve been using an indoor or temporary sign for an extended time outdoors
Being placed by a road puts any sign at risk of damage in the event of a motor vehicle accident, but admittedly, truck crashes aren’t usually the main reason business and property owners need to repair or replace their signs. Weather damage, on the other hand, is very common. Extreme weather may be able to take down even the sturdiest signs, but for the most part, your outdoor signage should withstand normal outdoor conditions. If it can’t, chances are the materials are better suited for indoor or temporary signage. For instance, banner signs are meant to be temporary and should be used as such if placed outdoors. Acrylic signs, similarly, can be permanent signs when used indoors, but a material like aluminum or high density urethane can handle the outdoors.
4. You keep needing replacement sign parts
Repairing your sign or replacing parts often seems like a better, less expensive option than getting a new one altogether. In the short term, this may be true, but over time, all those smaller costs can really add up. If your sign constantly needs repairs and replacement sign parts, it may be trying to give you a sign: it’s time to replace the whole thing altogether. This could be for any number of reasons we’ve already discussed, whether the materials aren’t suited for extended outdoor use or the sign was improperly constructed during manufacturing. Either way, it’s time to say goodbye to your old sign and hello to a new sign that won’t need so many fixes.
Keeping your sign looking great is important for your brand
The takeaway: if your signage looks like it needs to be replaced, it probably does—or it needs a major update such as LED retrofitting. A sign professional can advise you on the best options. The importance of communicating your brand through signage that looks great cannot be overstated.
