Signage is your finishing touch for a sharp looking storefront. There are a number of details that you should be keeping an eye out for to make certain your storefront looks as good close-up as it does from across the street. Here is a quick list of the details that will give you the polished look you are going for and will also ensure the longevity of your signage.
1. LEDS
If your sign is backlit you will want to double check with your sign company on what kind of bulbs they have used within the sign. Nothing is worse than driving past a business and seeing burnt out or flickering letters. As a standard, florescent bulbs should never be used; LEDs are cheaper, don’t require service, and they actually work better in the cold. Over the years, we have seen some signs that have a double row of LED bulbs installed – heads up: the double row of LEDs is completely unnecessary. If the bulbs are high quality, a single row is ideal and will provide better viewing angles.
2. PLASTIC QUALITY
Light should always be diffused evenly throughout your sign. This is your brand we are talking about, and it is important that the sign is built with material that evenly distributes the light. If you avoid using low grade plastic, you will prevent the appearance of thin spots and patches.
3. CLADDING MATERIAL
Cladding refers to the facade of your building. Your signage and storefront in general may look great from a distance, but as soon as a customer walks up to the building they may be able to see poorly crafted cladding that doesn’t match your actual building or is not properly installed. Additionally, with cheaper material like tin, you are not going to have the same lifespan as you would with steel. Our advice would be to invest in your signage materials at the onset to avoid additional maintenance and replacement costs down the road.
4. FASTENER APPLICATION
Fasteners refer to the rivets, screws, and bolts that hold you sign together. You should never be able to see the fasteners on your sign! It is the responsibility of your signage company to ensure that these are totally hidden from view – small details like this are usually a good indicator on the level of experience and craftsmanship that has gone into your sign.
5. PERMITS
Make sure that you have all the permits required for your signage. Failure to obtain the correct documentation may result in hefty, and unnecessary, fines and the removal of your sign. For instance, a new bylaw from spring this year makes it mandatory for a property survey to be conducted prior to even applying for your permits. Make sure everything is in order with your paperwork before your signage goes up and avoid future headaches – like removing your signage and starting from square one!
With these details in mind, you will know what to look for in your signage and what to expect from your signage provider. Don’t be afraid to point things out and ask questions about your install. Our biggest piece of advice it to invest in craftsmanship and quality; it is going to make for a smoother process in working with your signage provider and will give you beautiful signage that is low-maintenance, well-designed, and long-lasting.