6 Tips for Making Sure Your Outdoor Signage Can Survive the Weather
Blustering winds, pounding rain, heavy snowfall, or even direct sunlight for many hours can be brutal on outdoor signs. Without weather-resistant signs, your business’s signage might fade, warp, or even break under Mother Nature’s wrath. Whether it’s the scorching summer sun or the icy grip of winter, your outdoor signs are constantly tested.
But don’t let the elements steal your brand’s spotlight. With the right strategies, you can ensure your outdoor signage stays bold, beautiful, and functional, no matter the forecast. Protect your signs from weather damage and keep them strong for years with experts’ tips.
1. Choose a Weather Resistant Material
The foundation of any long-lasting outdoor sign is selecting a material that can endure the elements. Weather-resistant signs made from stainless steel or aluminum are excellent choices. Stainless steel resists corrosion caused by moisture, while aluminum offers water resistance and a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Wood signs treated with a waterproof finish can last a decade or longer for a rustic or natural aesthetic.
2. Properly Secure Your Outdoor Signage
Even the most robust materials won’t prevent damage from strong winds if your signage isn’t properly secured. For example, wind-resistant banners should be reinforced with steel cables and placed against solid surfaces like buildings to reduce exposure to gusts.
Freestanding signs or those mounted on poles benefit from additional precautions, like anchoring the base in concrete for stability or adding extra poles for reinforcement. Taking these steps ensures your outdoor signage can withstand high winds and remain securely in place.
3. Protect Exterior Signs from Moisture
Moisture from rain, snow, or fog can wreak havoc on outdoor signage, leading to rust, warping, mold, or even total deterioration over time. To create truly weather-resistant signs, start by choosing materials that inherently resist moisture, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or treated wood. For additional protection, consider investing in weather-resistant enclosures specifically designed for outdoor signage, which shield delicate elements from prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
If you’re using lawn signs, adding plastic or metal caps to the edges can help prevent water from seeping into the material. Similarly, placing corrugated plastic signs on well-drained soil can reduce the risk of moisture buildup around the base. When designing signs for high-moisture areas, consulting professionals who specialize in protecting signs from weather damage ensures your investment is built to last.
For outdoor digital signage, it’s critical to ensure all hardware and connections are rated for exterior use. Even small measures like sealing edges and joints can drastically reduce the risk of water penetration, keeping your signs functional and visually appealing, no matter the forecast.
4. Regularly Check on Your Outdoor Signs
One of the most important ways you can ensure your sign prevents moisture buildup and survives all weather types is to check your signs regularly. Inspect for signs of corrosion, mold, or damage and address them as soon as possible to help keep your sign looking its best and continue driving traffic to your business.
It’s a good idea to check on your signs every two or three weeks and after any weather event that may cause damage to your sign. Even weather-resistant signage should be looked after regularly to ensure it’s doing okay in the elements.
5. Select the Right Location
Another way to help prevent weather damage to your outdoor signage is by selecting the right location to place your sign. Placing your sign in a sunny spot may seem like a good idea, but remember that the sun can cause your sign to fade. Instead, try to install your sign in a protective space from the sun.
You may think that placing your sign in the shade of a tree is a solution, but consider the possibility of a tree limb breaking and falling on your sign during a storm, which may damage it. Instead, consider placing the exterior sign under the shade of a building.
6. Consider Portable Signage
Permanent signage is an excellent way to build brand recognition, but it isn’t always practical in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. Portable options, like wind-resistant banners, custom flags, and temporary signs, offer the perfect solution for businesses that need flexibility. These signs are designed to stand strong during normal weather but can easily be taken down when severe storms, high winds, or other adverse conditions are in the forecast.
When choosing portable signage, prioritize lightweight yet durable materials such as vinyl or reinforced fabric. Custom flag signs, for instance, are ideal for drawing attention to your business and can be quickly removed to prevent damage from extreme weather. In addition to portability, these banners often include features like reinforced edges and grommets, enhancing their resistance to wind and weather.
By incorporating weather-resistant signs into your advertising strategy, you’ll have versatile options that keep your brand visible and protected year-round. For businesses in areas with unpredictable weather, portable signage isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity for long-term success.
Need Help Getting Weather Resistant Signage for Your Business?
At The H&H Group, we can help create custom signs for your business. Our professional graphic designers will design a sign to reach your potential customers and help drive traffic to your business. We’ll help protect your exterior sign from the weather by using suitable materials, ensuring it’s installed and secured correctly, and providing direction on the right location and moisture protection.
When it comes to making sure your custom outdoor signs, metal signs, or other types of outdoor signs can withstand the weather, it starts with selecting the right sign manufacturer for your business. If you’re unsure of the correct type of material for your outdoor signage, contact the experts at The H&H Group!
