When it comes to outdoor signage and billboards, no other city in the world can beat New York City. Looking at NYC’s skyline, you’re bound to come across several printed as well as digital billboards and signage, each of which costs around $5,000 to $50,000 per day, according to Inspiria Outdoor Advertising, depending on the location and size of the ad. The high price points are justified, given how millions of people come across these ads while commuting through NYC every year.
Sadly, for these billboards and signage, it’s getting harder to survive the great outdoors, mostly because of the harsh weather and environmental conditions.
As reported by the New York Post, NYC’s air pollution is currently the worst in the world. A lot of this is because of the smoke from the recent Canadian wildfires. However, even without these wildfires, the weather and environmental conditions in the city don’t let the billboards and signage breathe.
According to NBC New York, strong winds and storms are imminent across NYC over the next few months. These harsh weather conditions are more damaging to outdoor billboards and signage than the pollution.
All this goes to show how outdoor billboards and signage are always at risk of damage due to environmental and harsh weather conditions. Businesses that use such outdoor signage, therefore, must do whatever it takes to protect them, and in this article, we’ll discuss a few ways they can do just that.
Invest in High-Quality Materials
When it comes to outdoor signage, the quality of your material matters a lot. Investing in durable materials that are specifically designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions is vital here.
Opt for billboard materials that are weather and environment-resistant. These include materials like aluminum, vinyl, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These materials are capable of withstanding various harsh environmental and weather conditions, including rain, wind, intense sunlight, and even dust. You must remember that choosing the right outdoor signage material is the first line of defense against any sort of environmental or weather-related damage to your billboards or signs.
Utilize Protective Coatings
Applying protective coatings to your outdoor signage is an effective way to shield it from the damaging effects of the elements. UV-resistant coatings provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays, preventing fading and discoloration. Additionally, anti-graffiti coatings can help deter vandals and make it easier to clean off any unwanted markings or paint.
If your outdoor signage also includes comparatively smaller signs like banners and posters, consider laminating them. Since these signs usually come in a wide format, ordinary laminators won’t be enough.
For that, you have to opt for wide-format laminators. A wide-format laminator will let you laminate big banners and posters. They can tightly seal the signs from end to end, making sure no minute particles like dust or sand can get inside and ruin the signs.
According to SignWarehouse, the wide-format vinyl laminators by Daige will be ideal for outdoor banners and posters that need laminating. Given they come in a variety of widths, you can pick whichever size matches your signage dimensions.
Maintain and Clean Regularly
Regular maintenance and cleaning are vital if you want to keep your outdoor signage in pristine condition. For that, you should consider developing a routine inspection schedule for identifying signs of wear, loose fittings, or any other potential issue.
At the same time, you must repair or replace damaged parts or signage promptly. Also, don’t forget to regularly clean your signage so that dirt, debris, and pollutants can’t accumulate on them over time. While cleaning, always use mild cleaning solutions and soft cloths to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.
Consider Weatherproof Enclosures
For particularly harsh environments or locations prone to extreme weather conditions, consider investing in weatherproof enclosures for your outdoor signage. These enclosures provide an extra layer of protection and shield your signs from rain, snow, wind, and even dust storms.
Weatherproof enclosures are available in various designs and materials, such as sealed acrylic or polycarbonate cases. These enclosures not only protect your signage but also add an aesthetic appeal to your outdoor display.
Opt for Professional Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the longevity and durability of your outdoor signage. It’s recommended to enlist the services of professional sign installers who have the expertise and experience in handling outdoor installations.
Professional installers ensure that your signage is securely mounted, accounting for factors such as wind load, structural integrity, and visibility. They also ensure that the necessary precautions are taken to protect your signage from weather-related damage during the installation process.
Any form of advertisement that concerns a brand is part of its identity, and that includes the outdoor billboards and signage those ads go on. If you use such outdoor signage, it’s your responsibility to make sure they are regularly maintained so that your brand’s identity is not hampered when the signage is damaged, and that includes making sure that harsh weather or environmental conditions do not affect them much.
Sticking to the above-mentioned points will help you protect your outdoor business signage from harsh weather and environmental conditions. As you ensure that, you will not only be protecting your ads and billboards but also, in a way, your brand and its legacy.