Spring Sign Maintenance: A Practical Checklist for Businesses

Winter weather can cause problems for business signs, including fading, cracks, loose hardware, and lighting problems. In the spring, once the winter weather is finished, damaged signs can reduce curb appeal, mislead customers, cause traffic bottlenecks, and reflect poorly on your business. Damaged signs can also increase safety risks for your customers and business.

At this time of year, it’s important to perform seasonal inspections. Doing this helps prevent costly repairs while extending signage service life. Knowing how to conduct inspections and repairs is important.

Walk Your Property and Inspect All Signs

Conduct a full visual check of every sign on your property. Even indoor signs benefit from a quick inspection, even if they weren’t subjected to the same winter weather.

Performing this inspection helps ensure that your signs look and function their best. Inspect for:

• Winter-related wear or weather damage.
• Cracks.
• Faded words.
• The lights are no longer functioning.
• Peeling graphics.
• Rust, corrosion, or loose mounting hardware.

Confirm the poles and supports are stable and intact. Identify water stains or structural deterioration.

Check Electrical Components

In addition to the appearance of the signs, the electrical components need special inspection. Test the LED and neon lighting for dim or flickering sections, then look at the wiring for fraying or corrosion. Test timers and photocells, and replace burned-out bulbs promptly.

Assess Structural Integrity

The structural integrity of outdoor signs can be compromised by ice, snow, and exposure to wind.

• Confirm signs are securely anchored.
• Check mounting systems for looseness or instability.
• Inspect for gaps that allow water intrusion.
• Verify supports can withstand spring storms.

Make notes of all problems that you’re unable to fix yourself. You may need to get help from a sign repair professional.

Clean and Refresh

Even if you’re not able to fix your signs yourself, you may be able to clean them. Using a sponge and soapy water, remove dirt, debris, and bird droppings. Never spray signs with a pressure washer; use gentle cleaning methods and mild soap. Apply any protective coatings to reduce fading.

Document and Plan Repairs

If you do encounter damage on any signs, take photos to send to your sign maintenance company. Doing this can help them determine what needs repair. Prioritize any safety-related issues, such as electrical problems or wobbling. Schedule repairs or replacements as needed.

When to Call a Professional

Repair any damage to your signs to ensure their long service life and to make a good impression on customers. It’s especially important to call a professional for structural instability, electrical problems, and water damage. Never try to repair a large or hard-to-reach sign on your own. If a major restoration or replacement is needed, call a pro.

Take Care of Your Signs With ABC Signs

Spring inspections help maintain the safety and visibility of your signs. Taking proactive steps to extend your sign’s service life can make all the difference. If your signs in Cincinnati need repair or replacement, contact ABC Signs today.