A monument sign is a significant investment. A lot of time and money went into the creation of your monument sign, after all. So when the signage starts looking dull and faded, your business can take a hit. The elements in the design, such as electronic equipment, landscaping, and materials all need to be maintained to keep your sign looking monumental.
Don’t let a neglected monument sign impact your business image. Here is how to keep your monument sign looking brand new:
Always Be Committed to Safety
Monument signs don’t require the same amount of precaution as a pylon sign, but that doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind. Signs that are installed low to the ground will need to be blocked off during inspection and cleaning. Make sure pedestrians know that there are going to be parts scattered around the vicinity. Do this by roping off the area and ensuring that unauthorized individuals are redirected somewhere safer.
Keep the area closed off until the sign has been cleaned, repaired, and put back together. And yes, you will need to disassemble the entire sign, especially if it contains electrical parts.
Once you have finished maintaining your sign, make sure the area around it is also cleaned up and maintained. Even if your sign looks decent, poorly done landscaping, litter, or leftover pieces from the maintenance will reflect badly on your business. Trimming up bushes and watering the flowers will also keep your monument sign looking fresh.
Inspect, Clean, and Repair
Preventative maintenance plays a huge role in upkeep. Many industries throughout the world utilize preventative maintenance to bring down operating costs and increase productivity. This holds true for monument signs as well. Throughout the year, you can keep your sign looking new by refreshing the landscaping—weeding, mowing, laying new mulch or gravel—and inspecting the construction for any damages.
A quick inspection can help you spot potential problems, such as cracks in the sign or missing nails, or even malfunctioning electrical components. Consider bringing in a local business sign company to have their technician inspect and clean out any electrical components on your monument sign. They’ll also be able to repair any problems that you have spotted.
Use Shade to Your Advantage
One way to keep a monument sign looking brand new is to cover it with some shade. This might sound counterintuitive because you want the sign to be seen, but that bit of shade will help the paint from fading and peeling. Additionally, shade from trees or a purpose-built awning will protect your monument sign from wind, rain, snow, and other elements.
Replace Lettering
Does your monument sign use traditional lettering or paint? The years are going to take a toll on those elements. Even if there is an electronic message center on your monument sign, the components can wear down, and the letters can become difficult to read. Take care of these issues with routine maintenance. You may also have to get your sign refreshed and new lettering installed every few years.
Wash Your Signage Seasonally
Depending on where you are located, the wear and tear on your outdoor signage could be environmentally related. For example, if your monument sign is built within an industrial complex, there are corrosive particles in the air that will impact the paint and other materials. Living in a coastal area could dull the colors. Pollen, resin, and animal droppings also need to be removed quickly to avoid damages.
Use soap or wash designed for cars and clean water. Car detergent has a special sealant that will protect your sign. Only use protective wax on specific materials, such as aluminum. If you’re unsure about what to use, consult a signage expert like those here at Tupp Signs. To get a deep clean, remove the hardware, panels, and frames. Work around any dimensional letters and other raised surfaces.
Be sure to be gentle with your monument sign. Don’t use any abrasive materials that could scratch the sign, and avoid using any harsh chemicals. Also, never power wash or steam clean outdoor signage, regardless of the materials used.
Consider Upgrades
While your sign has been disassembled for cleaning and maintenance, you might as well consider doing some LED retrofitting or another upgrade. If you opt to go with LED fixtures, you’re doing yourself a favor. LED lights emit more light without draining energy, so you get a lower utility bill. Plus, you won’t have to maintain the electrical components as often as you would a traditional setup.
Call Tupp Signs Today
It might sound like a lot to tackle to keep your monument sign looking brand new, but you can split up these tasks throughout the year. Just make sure that you are checking your signage routinely and fixing problems before they start to worsen. Need assistance inspecting your business signage? Call us here at Tupp Signs. We do more than design and fabricate signage. We also install and inspect the signs on your property, offer LED retrofitting, and more.