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Protecting Outdoor Signage from Harsh Weather: Tips & Tricks

Written by Craftsmen Industries | Feb 10, 2023 8:06:00 PM

Outdoor signs continue to be a cost-effective way to bring attention to your business and attract customers. But, one downfall to outdoor signage is dealing with the effects of harsh weather. If you are looking for tips on how to better protect your outdoor signage, look no further. Below are some great suggestions from a few of our readers.

Doug Greene

Doug Greene is the owner and operator of Signature Properties.

Follow These Simple Steps

Outdoor signs are an effective way to promote your business, attract customers, and provide important information. However, harsh weather conditions such as high winds, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can damage or even destroy these signs, causing costly repairs or replacements. Here are some tips to help protect your outdoor signage from harsh weather:

Choose Durable Materials

When selecting materials for your outdoor signage, it's important to consider the weather conditions in your area. Materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and acrylic are resistant to rust and corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Avoid using materials such as cardboard or paper, which can easily become damaged or disintegrate in wet conditions.

Use Proper Mounting

Proper mounting is crucial to prevent your signage from being damaged by high winds or other weather-related impacts. Use sturdy mounting brackets and fasteners to secure the signages to a solid structure, and consider adding additional support or reinforcement if necessary.

Protect Against Water Damage

Water damage can be a major issue for outdoor signage, especially if they are exposed to rain or snow. To prevent water damage, consider applying a waterproofing sealant or coating to the signage, or use a canopy or overhang to protect them from the elements.

Keep Them Clean

Regular cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of your outdoor signage and protect them from weather-related damage. Remove dirt, debris, and stains from the surface of the signage regularly, and inspect them for any damage or wear.

By following these tips, you can help protect your outdoor signage from harsh weather and ensure they continue to serve as a valuable marketing tool for your business or home.

Richard Dixon

Richard Dixon, Founder and Business Operations Head of Team Emergency Plumber.

Use Reinforcement

To ensure that your outside signage is weatherproof, strengthen it. Ensure that the sign will endure hail, wind, and snow by placing additional material around it.

You [can] protect your signage from the elements by placing it in a display sign stand or behind a plastic shield. Consider placing a metal frame around the periphery of your digital sign or enclosing it in a transparent box for added security.

Walid Hajj

Walid Hajj is the owner of onthemovecanada.com.

Apply A UV-resistant Coat

Outdoor signages are exposed to harsh weather and can quickly deteriorate due to sun, rain, wind, and even snow. It’s important to invest in a few protective measures to ensure your outdoor signage stays in the best possible condition.

A UV-resistant coat or spray is one of the most effective ways to protect outdoor signs. This not only guards against fading caused by sunlight but also helps prevent water damage from heavy rains or snowfall. Additionally, applying a layer of sealant over the signage will help keep moisture out and extend its lifespan.

Finally, a durable material such as aluminum for your signs is recommended as it better withstands winds and other extreme conditions, which can otherwise cause permanent deformations on those made from softer materials such as plastic or wood.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your outdoor signages remain protected from the elements and last as long as they should. Don’t forget to check in on them regularly and perform maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and resealing now and then, to maintain their quality.

Mark Joseph

Mark Joseph, Founder of Parental Queries.

Follow My Dad’s Tips

Here are some tips my dad taught me on protecting outdoor signage from harsh weather.

Place A Protective Cover Over The Signage

You can use a waterproof and UV-resistant cover if your signage is exposed to rain, snow, or other elements. This will help keep moisture out and also protect against fading due to sunlight.

Install A Sheltered Structure

If you have the space and budget, you can install an enclosed shelter over your signage to protect it from harsh weather. This could be as simple as a tarp or more complex as a carport-style shade structure.

Use Outdoor-Rated Paint

Always use paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use. This will make it more resistant to fading, scratching, and other damage caused by harsh weather conditions.

Seal the edges

Sealing the edges of your signage can help keep out moisture, dust, and dirt to protect the actual lettering and design from damage due to harsh weather.

Sholom Rosenbloom

Sholom Rosenbloom, Owner of Rosenbloom Pest Control.

Choose, Prepare, And Maintain Properly

There are several steps you can take to protect outdoor signage from harsh weather conditions:

  1. Choose Materials Wisely. Select weather-resistant materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic.
  2. Use A Protective Coating. Apply a clear coat or sealant to protect the signage from moisture and UV radiation.
  3. Install A Cover Or Canopy. Consider installing a cover or canopy over the signage to protect it from rain and snow.
  4. Use Proper Mounting Hardware. Use heavy-duty mounting hardware to secure the signage, especially if it is in an area prone to high winds.
  5. Bring Signs Indoors During Extreme Weather Events. If a storm is forecasted, it may be wise to bring the signage indoors to prevent damage.
  6. Regularly Maintain And Clean The Signage. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the signage can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking fresh.

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