No matter where in the world your business is, there’s almost always going to be the threat of intense weather damaging your signs. Whether you’re coastal and prone to flooding, you live in an area that gets hurricanes, or you deal with cold, snowy winters, you must factor potential weather into your decisions when it comes to the signage of your business or organization. There are some materials that are especially durable in terms of water, cold, and strong winds that are worth considering when those things are prevalent in your area, and there are ways that you can look after your signs before and after inclement weather to protect them from the brunt of the damage.
Mesh
Mesh banners are an excellent choice for outdoor signage when your location is extremely windy. The wind passing through the perforations in the mesh not only helps to keep the banner intact under intense wind, but also makes it easier to be read by people passing by on windy days. Mesh can be printed with UV resistant inks to help keep their colors bright, and can be laminated and treated for water damage to make them even more durable.
Vinyl
Vinyl is always great for outdoor signage like banners because it’s almost completely waterproof, and it’s resistant to intense hot and cold temperatures as well. Some common types are adhesive vinyl, cast vinyl, and calendered vinyl. Adhesive vinyl has a pressure sensitive adhesive making it sticky. Cast vinyl begins in a liquid form and is poured into a sheet. It’s a bit more expensive than other vinyls, although it is not prone to shrinking and it is also very thin and gives a sort of painted look. Calendared vinyl starts as a lump of what is essentially vinyl dough and is kneaded and rolled down to its final texture and thickness. It is a bit more cost effective than other vinyls and because it is slightly thicker and stiffer than cast vinyl, calendared vinyl is more resistant to abrasions and tears. One type isn’t necessarily better than the others, but they are all well-suited to particular conditions. Vinyl can also be treated with coatings to offer an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Coroplast
This is a type of plastic that’s common in free standing signs. Coroplast means corrugated plastic, a multi-layered material that’s waterproof and extremely resistant to wear and tear over time. Additionally, the plastic in coroplast can be made with additives to make UV resistant plastic or fire retardant plastic, depending on your needs.
Aluminum and Stainless Steel
For larger signs, one of the things you want to pay the most attention to is water. Aluminum and stainless steel are the metals of choice for signs like this because they won’t rust, whereas other metals would need to be coated in a waterproof sealant to prevent corrosion. Welding and mounting also needs to be done by experienced professionals to ensure the security of the sign.
Protecting Your Signs
There are some steps you can take and things you can consider ahead of time to protect your signs during serious weather conditions to keep them looking great for years to come.
Banners hung against flat surfaces like walls are more sheltered from wind than those in open air. Additionally, no matter where you’ve decided to hang the sign, using bungee cords instead of regular rope or cord, threading your cords through more than one grommet, and making sure your banner is nice and taut are all good ways to keep it secure.
For free standing signs, take stock of the surrounding area and see if there are any sheltered but visible spots that would be a good location for a sign, such as a nearby building or tree that might help to block some wind. If you’re using poles for a sign, it’s always better to mount it on two poles instead of one, and fix the bottoms into concrete or cement if you can. After a storm, it’s a good idea to go out and check on your sign, clear any water out of depressions in the design, and brush off any accumulated snow. This helps protect your sign from water damage and from the weight of ice and snow if your area is colder.
With a little consideration to materials, location, and care, it’s easy for your signs to be weather-resistant and stay beautiful for years to come. The most important step, however, is making sure you choose experienced professionals to build your signage. If you are interested in commissioning an eye-catching sign for your business or organization, Bartush Signs can help! We are the premier display signage company in Orwigsburg, PA. Contact us here to discuss your options!
