When Should You Call for Sign Repair? Common Issues to Watch For
As a business owner, the condition of your signage is a direct reflection of your brand. Whether you have an illuminated sign, a digital display, or a more traditional storefront sign, the visibility and functionality of your signage play a significant role in attracting customers and enhancing your business image. Therefore, maintaining your signage should be a priority.
However, knowing when to call for sign repair can be tricky. Minor issues can often go unnoticed, but left unchecked, they can lead to more serious problems and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the common signs of damage and wear that indicate your business signage may need attention. You’ll learn when it’s time to act and how taking prompt action can prevent further damage, saving you money in the long run.
SignsServices – The Sign Repair and Sign Maintenance Company specializes in sign repair and maintenance services that help your business signs remain in optimal condition. Keep reading to discover when to call in the professionals for sign repairs, and how our services can help protect your brand.
Why Sign Repair Is Important for Your Business
Before diving into the common issues that may require sign repairs, it’s essential to understand why addressing sign damage is so important. Your business sign serves as your first impression for potential customers, and if it’s broken, malfunctioning, or looking worn-out, it can seriously hurt your brand’s reputation.
A damaged sign:
- Reduces Visibility: If your sign isn’t visible or readable, customers may not be able to find your business, leading to lost sales and potential customers.
- Decreases Brand Value: A broken or worn-out sign can make your business look unprofessional, which could turn away customers and diminish trust in your brand.
- Can Lead to Safety Issues: If your sign is unstable or malfunctioning, it could present a safety risk to employees, customers, and passersby. This is especially true for outdoor signs that may be affected by the weather.
Now that you understand the importance of keeping your signage in top condition, let’s explore the common issues to look out for.
Common Issues That Indicate You Need Sign Repair
Your business sign may encounter various types of damage or malfunction over time. Below are some common signs that it’s time to call for sign repair:
1. Flickering or Dim Lighting
Whether you have a neon sign, LED sign, or any other illuminated signage, flickering or dim lighting is a tell-tale sign that something may be wrong with your sign. Here are a few potential causes:
- Electrical Malfunctions: A flickering light could indicate issues with the wiring or electrical connections inside the sign. Damaged wires or loose connections may cause power fluctuations, leading to the sign malfunctioning.
- Burned-Out Bulbs: If only part of the sign is flickering or dim, it could simply mean that one or more lightbulbs have burned out.
- Power Supply Problems: A faulty power supply or transformer can cause irregular voltage to the sign, leading to flickering or dimness.
If your sign is flickering, don’t ignore it. Call a professional sign repair service to diagnose and fix the issue before it worsens and requires more expensive repairs.
2. Broken or Missing Letters
In cases where your sign includes letters or logos, any broken or missing components can cause confusion for your customers. This issue can arise due to:
- Vandalism: Signs located outdoors are at risk of being tampered with, and vandalism can easily cause letters or parts of your sign to break or go missing.
- Weather Damage: Prolonged exposure to the elements can cause the adhesive or structural integrity of the letters to weaken, resulting in broken or detached letters.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the components of your sign may degrade due to normal wear and tear, leading to broken or missing pieces.
If letters are missing, your sign becomes unreadable and may cause your business to appear unprofessional. It’s essential to repair or replace these letters promptly to maintain the visibility and professionalism of your signage.
3. Faded or Peeling Signage
If your sign is exposed to the elements, such as sunlight, rain, or snow, it can begin to fade or peel over time. This is particularly common with vinyl or painted signs. Signs that are exposed to extreme weather conditions or direct sunlight for extended periods may experience:
- Color Fading: UV rays from the sun can cause the colors of your sign to fade, making it less eye-catching and visible to potential customers.
- Peeling or Cracking: The adhesive or paint used in your signage may deteriorate over time, causing peeling or cracking, which can make your sign look worn out and damaged.
Faded or peeling signage can severely reduce the effectiveness of your brand’s advertising. Call a professional to restore the colors and protect the material from further damage. Regular maintenance can also help prevent these issues from arising in the first place.
4. Physical Damage from Weather or Accidents
Outdoor signage is particularly vulnerable to weather-related damage or accidental impacts. Common types of physical damage include:
- Wind and Storm Damage: Strong winds and storms can knock over signs or cause damage to the frame, structure, or lighting components. This is especially common with larger, free-standing signs.
- Hail and Snow: Hail can cause dents, cracks, or breakage, while snow can cause water damage if it seeps into electrical components.
- Vehicle or Pedestrian Collisions: Outdoor signs near roads or walkways are at risk of being damaged by vehicles or pedestrians, leading to denting, bending, or complete destruction.
If your sign has experienced physical damage, it’s crucial to address the issue quickly to ensure your business remains visible and your sign remains safe.
5. Electrical Issues or Short Circuits
Electrical malfunctions can be some of the most serious issues with business signage. If your sign is malfunctioning due to electrical problems, you might experience:
- Complete Sign Failure: A total lack of power to the sign is a clear sign that something is wrong with the electrical system.
- Flickering or Intermittent Power: If the sign works intermittently or flickers on and off, the issue may be related to faulty wiring, connections, or the power supply.
- Short Circuits: A short circuit can occur if there’s a faulty connection, or if water or moisture gets inside the electrical components, potentially causing a fire hazard.
If you notice any electrical issues, it’s critical to call a sign repair professional immediately. Electrical problems can be hazardous, and attempting to fix them without expertise can make the situation worse.
6. Digital or LED Sign Malfunctions
If you have a digital or LED sign, you may encounter issues such as:
- Display Errors: If the digital display is showing incorrect information or the image is pixelated, the issue could be a malfunction in the digital board or software.
- Dead Pixels: For LED signs, dead pixels can cause parts of the display to go dark. This could be a sign that the individual LEDs need replacement or repair.
- Connectivity Problems: Digital signs that rely on internet or wireless connectivity may experience issues with signal reception, causing content to display incorrectly or not at all.
Digital and LED signs require specialized knowledge to repair. A professional will be able to diagnose and fix these issues quickly to restore your sign to full functionality.
7. Unstable or Loose Sign Structures
Sometimes, the structural integrity of your sign may be compromised due to issues such as:
- Corrosion or Rust: If your sign is made of metal, exposure to the elements can cause rust and corrosion, weakening the frame and potentially causing it to collapse.
- Loose or Wobbly Signs: Over time, bolts and screws can loosen, causing the sign to become unstable. This can pose a safety risk, especially with larger signs.
- Foundation Problems: If your sign is mounted on a post or pole, foundation issues may cause the sign to lean or shift out of position.
Loose or unstable signs can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately. Ensuring the stability of your signage is crucial to prevent accidents and further damage.
How Sign Repair Can Save You Money
Addressing sign issues early can save you significant amounts of money in the long run. Here’s how:
- Preventing Further Damage: Small issues, if left untreated, can escalate into much larger problems that are more costly to repair. Timely repairs help to prevent this escalation.
- Avoiding Downtime: A broken sign reduces the visibility of your business, leading to lost customers and revenue. Quick repairs ensure your business stays visible and operating smoothly.
- Protecting Your Brand: A damaged sign can hurt your business reputation. Prompt repair helps maintain your brand’s image and professionalism.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Problems to Worsen
Maintaining your signage is an essential part of your business operations. Regularly checking for common signs of damage, such as flickering lights, broken components, or physical wear, can help prevent expensive repairs and protect your brand’s image.
If you notice any of the issues outlined in this article, it’s time to call a professional. SignsServices – The Sign Repair and Sign Maintenance Company is here to provide you with expert sign repair services, ensuring your signage stays in excellent condition.
Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a major repair. Contact SignsServices today to schedule a sign inspection or repair service. Let us help you keep your business looking its best, all year long.