Everyone is getting ready for the summer heat to give way to cooler autumn temperatures. It’s been a hot summer for everybody, with many areas of the US reaching all-time record highs.
Because exposure to extreme heat can be unbearable and dangerous for people, we typically forget about the impact it can have on other things! For example, extreme heat can cause severe damage to your vehicle’s windshield, and being exposed to UV rays can fade your upholstery and put you at risk of skin cancer and other issues.
Did you know that extreme heat can also damage your business’ commercial sign?
Whereas signs created for outdoor use are fabricated to stand up to shifts in the weather, even the most durable sign materials aren’t indestructible. Lengthy exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat environment can cause some considerable damage!
What commercial sign materials are most impacted by heat?
Practically every kind of material can be impacted by heat or temperature shifts in some way. Nevertheless, some are going to show the impacts of heat damage well before others, possibly requiring repair or total replacement of your signage.
Vinyl is a good instance of a material that can be noticeably impacted by fluctuating temperature conditions.
Vinyl signs that are fabricated for outdoor use should last for years, but they do have a lifespan. A vinyl sign that’s been exposed to the heat for too long can shrink, crack, or stretch making your sign lettering or logo look less-than-appealing.
Thankfully, vinyl is one of the easiest and most inexpensive materials to replace– should the vinyl lettering on a commercial sign gets sun damage, it’s easy to call up Arizona Commercial Signs and have us replace it with new lettering.
Other sign materials that might be impacted can comprise of aluminum and acrylic. These two are typically used in unison, however, they expand and contract at various rates in the heat.
This variation in expansion might impact the structural integrity of your commercial sign if it’s installed improperly or constructed by a company lacking the required experience. To avoid these kinds of issues, always hire the professionals!
Does color matter?
The color of your business sign is a determining factor in the way it is going to react to the heat. For example, black and other darker colors tend to absorb heat, whereas white reflects it.
Applying vinyl lettering or a vinyl wrap to a black sign is bound to cause issues at some point, because the temperature variances is going to cause stress to the vinyl material. Meaning you are going to have to replace the vinyl much more quickly than you would otherwise!
In addition, specific colors are more vulnerable to fading than others. If your sign features many warmer tones, such as yellows, oranges, and reds, you might see that they fade when they are exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.
If your sign company suggests you choose a different material or color, it’s important to take the advice– otherwise, you may find yourself having to pay money out of pocket for a new sign.
What commercial sign materials are not impacted by the heat?
When you’re thinking about how you want your business sign to look, consider building materials. Things such as stone and metal are used for sign fabrication for good reasons– they’re long lasting.
Whereas metal and stone do expand and contract in the weather, they are able to hold up to these fluctuations a lot better than materials such as acrylic.
What kind of business sign should I purchase?
To invest in a sign that is going to stand up to the heat (and cold) of your area in the future, you should seek a sign company’s expertise.
At Arizona Commercial Signs, we understand how all of our signage materials hold up throughout the years, and is going to be able to recommend the perfect materials to create a sign that is going to stay looking great for years to come.
Benefits of Signs
Signs are one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business. It has been proven that business signage can be less expensive than radio, TV or newspaper ads and more effective than all three according to the SBA (Small Business Association).
Whichever style of sign you choose, you can trust Arizona Commercial Signs for all the help you need along the way. We are your go-to signage and graphics resource and can help with Site assessment, Sign Design, sign permits and the installation of the sign itself.
Are you ready to talk signage with us? Schedule a free consultation with Arizona Commercial Signs by calling us directly at 480 921-9900 or fill out our contact form. We can’t wait to fabricate the signage your business requires!