According to research, the average person spends almost five hours a week commuting to work, accumulating up to 200 hours per year in their car. Why is this statistic important? Because it demonstrates how pylon signs impact us in our everyday lives. As we commute, whether we are traveling at our normal rate of speed or are stuck in traffic, our eyes wander to the pylon advertising along the roadway. Our team here at Tupp Signs provides some insight into what pylon signs are and how they remain visible even after dark.
What is a Pylon Sign?
Pylon signs are mounted on poles and are not attached to any structure or building. Many people refer to them as highway or road signs. They are used to attract the attention of customers due to their visibility. Often, the signs are mounted on tall poles which are raised above any obstructions, like trees or buildings.
How are Pylon Signs Constructed?
Most pylon signs are constructed using aluminum coverings welded to a steel frame. In order to prevent the uneven flow of metal on the surface, larger sections are reinforced. The steel within the sign is often painted separately from the skin in order to help avoid rust. You can also create a unique look for your sign using brick, stucco, or other elements. Graphics on the sign are computer generated in order to make them precise. The design is printed on UV-resistant plastic to keep them from fading.
Types of Pylon Signs
There are several versions of pylon signs. Single pole-mounted signs are freestanding and feature just one pole holding the sign. They are the most economical option while two-pole mount signs are slightly more expensive but are more stable than single-pole signs. You can also choose covered pole signs which add a covering to the pole so that it blends into the surrounding area. You can also choose a custom lightbox sign that keeps your advertising visible even at night.
Illuminated or Non-Illuminated
Although non-illuminated signs are less costly, they often cannot be seen at night. This means anyone traveling on the road after dark may miss your advertising. Illuminated signs allow your sign to be visible at all times. In addition, you have more options as far as design as you can incorporate full-color graphics on the sign face. Even though an illuminated sign will cost more, the return on your investment is likely greater as you will reach a larger audience.
CRI and Degrees Kelvin
You have many options for illuminating your pylon sign as well. The first thing to understand is that there are two important indexes used to judge the best lighting for a sign and these are the Color Rendering Index (CRI) and the light’s color which is expressed as degrees Kelvin (K). When it comes to degrees Kelvin, the lower the number used, the more yellow or red the light will be while a higher number indicates it is bluer. A CRI of 100 perfectly matches the sun’s effect on the colors in the sign. In signage, 6000K with a CRI of 100 is the accepted level of lighting.
Types of Lamps Used
In addition to CRI and degrees Kelvin, the type of lighting used to illuminate a pylon sign is also important. Fluorescent lamps are the most common type used to light roadside signs. Most companies lean toward a cool, white, high-output lamp as they are usually the lowest cost. However, you can also use CW HO lamps which will provide a crisper, brighter sign. These are more expensive, but they can make your sign more noticeable, especially in areas without other types of lighting. Incandescent lighting has slowly vanished from the pylon sign industry due to government mandates.
LED Lighting
A growing type of lighting in the sign industry is LED lighting and it is possible to actually use LED lighting that is solar-powered. LED lights allow your sign to be lit every night without worrying about power loss. However, there must be adequate sunlight in the area of the sign in order to properly charge the lighting during the day. In a heavily wooded area, this may be difficult. In those cases, it is possible to install a timer that will turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Keep in mind that LED lighting is designed for specific use. For instance, the LED lightbulb you use in your living room lamp will not be the same as the LED light used to illuminate your roadside sign. There are also LED lights designed for specific sign uses. For instance, there are LED lights that are designed to highlight channel letter signs while others are designed to accent printed graphics or to create designs around specific sign elements.
Get a Pylon Sign For Your Business
Knowing that people spend an average of 200 hours per year in their car commuting, it makes sense that putting your advertising where they will see it as they travel is a great way to keep your business in their minds. If you are considering a pylon sign and need to learn more, contact Tupp Signs today to see what options are available. You can give us a call at 302-322-1600 or fill out the easy online form. Our experienced team will guide you through the process and help you create a sign that is perfect for your business.