Your custom signs can make or break your business. Winter can be harsh on them, and by spring, you will barely recognize them due to the damage they suffered. That is why you need to maintain your signs through winter, and if you have not done so already, winterize them, too. Here are five tips for helping your custom signs in Williston, ND look good and survive winter:
- Consider your material: Know how your signs are made and what materials they’re made from. If winter survival options are important to you, consider high-endurance plastics, treated wood and metal. Wood works great for adding prestige, and high-quality plastics and metal also look much better than choosing a budget material. Make something that lasts your priority when you are making decisions about new custom signs.
- Treat surfaces: If your signs are complete and already on display, consider treatment options. Wood signs require sealant, and if your signs have painted surfaces, they will need help staying preserved. Most surface treatment should occur in the dry days of summer, but if you have access to a garage or other enclosed space, you can do this job now. Make sure you have proper ventilation and dry your signs thoroughly before you apply a sealant. If you have signs in storage through winter, give them a treatment along with any other signs. Always keep an eye on the quality of the surface in case you need to apply another treatment next summer. Sometimes, unusually harsh conditions cause more wear and tear.
- Pay for cedar: If you want wood signs, cedar is your best choice. It offers winter-proof qualities along with a distinguished appearance. Naturally water-resistant, it stands up to snow and rain. In the summer, it is also resistant to bugs. If you add a sealant to cedar, it is nearly indestructible. Making this investment means not having to purchase a replacement sign for a long time.
- Add shelter and other element controls: Shield your signs from the elements. Bracing signs against a wall prevents wind damage. Adding awnings to keep an entrance dry prevents the corrosive power of water and snow. If you are considering a front porch cover, gazebo or other type of outdoor structure, plan on installing that next spring or summer. Your customers will enjoy it and your signs will also benefit.
- Know there is no shame in storage: It is possible that, no matter your efforts, your signs are simply not made for winter. If you believe that keeping them outside will lead to a new expense in spring, put them in storage. The same is true if severe winter weather or a blizzard is on the way—store your signs until the bad weather abates and avoid the risk entirely. Not many people will be out during that storm anyway. Sometimes, you can add life to signs by keeping them inside at night and paying attention to weather reports. It can be a pain to move them constantly, but you will also keep them intact.
If you are looking for vehicle wraps and custom signs in Williston, ND, contact Chaney Total Auto & Exhaust Repair to start the design and printing process.