Protecting Your Banner Sign From The Spring And Summer Weather

During the spring, many companies order new banner signs to advertise their businesses. The dreariness of winter is over, so it's time to boost your company's curb appeal. Also, once the sub-freezing temperatures and risk of blizzards has passed, it seems like a great time to invest in a sign that will, with proper care, last at least a few years. However, you might not be aware that the spring and summer months carry their own hazards when it comes to keeping your sign in great condition. The main problems are wind and sun. Here are some ways you can mitigate the risk of damage from these natural elements.

Guarding Against Wind

If thunderstorms, hurricanes and other windy weather conditions are common where you live, your sign company will need to install your banner sign with that in mind. There are two common ways to protect against wind damage.

The first is to fasten the sign securely with heavy-duty grommets. Since grommets can tear the sign, it's important that all four corners be reinforced with additional vinyl or PVC. This double layer of protection can mean the difference between having your sign rip or blow down and having it withstand heavy wind gusts.

The second way to protect against wind damage is to cut wind pockets into the sign. These are small half-circles that allow wind to blow through, rather than blow the sign down. Sign companies with experience installing signs in your location will know how many wind pockets to cut and where to put them to avoid distorting the letters or images on the sign. The number and size of the wind pockets will depend on local weather conditions, how large the sign is and how high the sign is being placed (because higher signs tend to be subject to more wind).

Guarding Against Sun

Another cause of damage to signs in the spring and summer is the sun. While your sign will look great with the sun lighting it up for all to see, it won't look so great if those strong rays begin to make it fade. Also, the sun can cause the sign to become more brittle, which makes it more likely to crack, peel or break. Again, there are two common ways around these problems.

The first is to use high-quality materials in manufacturing the sign. UV inks resist fading, and laminating the sign with a UV-resistant coating can help delay fading. Using the right type of vinyl is paramount to success, says Sign Warehouse. Calendared PVC is affordable, but it is more prone to fading than a higher quality material, such as cast PVC. Metalized polyester can be used with moderate success if you choose the durable version, as opposed to the decorative version. Talk to your sign company about these options. If the right type of vinyl for your area is used, that can help prevent the peeling, blistering and cracking that is common in signs placed in full sun.

Perhaps more important is the sign's placement. If you have a banner sign facing the south or west in a sunny climate, it's very likely to fade and become brittle in a relatively short period of time. On the other hand, if you can situate the sign in such a way so that it faces north or east, the strong afternoon rays won't be shining on its face. This can help prevent (or at least slow down) fading. Consider which way your building faces and talk to your sign installation company about whether the sign should be placed at an angle to preserve its integrity over time.

If you can keep your sign safe from heavy winds and strong sun, all you'll need to do to keep it looking good is clean it off occasionally and call the sign company if you notice any small issues needing repairs. Keeping the sign maintained now can prevent larger repairs later. This will not only save you money in sign repair, but it will also keep your business looking great and attracting the right kind of attention.

Talk with your sign company or click to find out more information and tips for a long-lasting and durable sign.