subject: Practical Information On Signs [print this page] Many signs are designed to be maintenance free, especially if they are considered a temporary sign anyway. On the other hand cleaning and keeping a sign well maintained will help extend the life of signs and ensure they look good for decades to come. Keeping signs in good shape will help save money as well over time.
If a sign needs any maintenance the sign maker will provide care instructions. This might be as simple as bringing in a sign when it starts to rain. There are signs that are not weatherproof, such as a chalk or dry erase board A-frame sign. These are great to put outside on the sidewalk of a restaurant, for example. Such A-frame signs have handwritten messages on them including a todays menu special. The message is not weather proof and usually the stand is wooden or other material that does not do well in moisture. When the weather is nice the sign can be displayed outside to attract customers. When it starts to rain or if rain is in the forecast it is best to display the sign inside. This action will help keep the sign in good shape for many years.
Chain stores, restaurants, automobile dealerships and other such locations usually obtain their signage from headquarters. They have requirements on what they are supposed to when it comes to being placed including how to where. An added benefit is being part of a comprehensive care program. The business takes special care that the signage does not get abused, but headquarters schedule routine maintenance or replacement to ensure every location looks the same and provides signage in good condition. This will provide a positive impression to customers.
Signs are important to every business and having effective as well as attractive signs is a major way to bring customers to a business. If a sign is dirty, fading or falling apart customers might feel the business is not organized or lack good quality products and services. Outdoor signs often need cleaning and maintenance more often than indoor signs. Outdoor signs are also considered more permanent than most inside signs. One example of this is the awning used at some store and office entrances. These items often have identification information on them include contact information. They are put in place to add character and decoration to the building, but also serve a purpose. If an awning sign is not maintained then it will start to fade and fall apart, but on the other hand if maintained it could double its lifetime.
Awnings are made of vinyl, metal, canvas cloth and other weather resistant products. Yet is still needs cleaning from time to time. Cleaning the fabrics and seam a few times a year as well as when it is needed will help protect it. Rinsing with water, lightly scrubbing with soapy water and recoating it with a UV protective coating will maintain the awning. The coating should be applied every two years.
Signs can be difficult to get clean, but this is why sign makers provide care instructions for all kinds of signs. They have thought of everything from what type of cleaners to use and not use as well as way to clean signs without harming them.
