Your sign is the first thing people see and often the last thing they remember. But even the best signage won’t make an impression if it’s cracked, faded, or flickering.
Over time, exposure to weather, sunlight, and other harsh conditions wears down your pylon or monument signs. That means fewer people know what your business is about, and even fewer want to walk through the door. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late.
In this post, we’ll share practical, easy-to-follow maintenance tips to extend the life of your signage, preserve your investment, and keep your brand looking sharp year-round.
6 Common Issues That Affect Pylon & Monument Signs
Your pylon or monument sign works 24/7 to promote your business, but all that hard work can be quickly undone by some rainy days. Taking care of your sign means preserving your visibility, safety, and reputation, even through the fiercest storms and warm and dry days.
Here are some common issues to watch for so they don’t quietly damage your investment:
1. Fading and Discoloration from UV Exposure
When colors fade, your brand fades with them. Sun damage dulls your logo, blurs text, and makes your sign harder to read. This sends the wrong message to passersby that your business has seen better days.
2. Water Damage and Corrosion
Moisture can sneak in through small cracks, leading to rust, peeling paint, and even electrical shorts if your sign includes digital or illuminated components.
3. Burnt-Out or Dim Lighting (for Illuminated Signs)
Dim or flickering lights give the impression of neglect and make your location harder to spot after dark. Think about those old, faded motel signs you see in movies and how they instantly make you feel about the place. The same goes for your business.
4. Loose Panels or Structural Wear
Wind, time, and temperature changes can loosen panels or cause leaning. Beyond being a safety concern, it creates a visual distraction that weakens your brand’s professional image.
5. Dirty or Fogged Acrylic Faces
Dust, fogging, or insect buildup can block your message. A sign that’s hard to see becomes an instant turnoff for potential customers.
6. Electrical or Wiring Malfunctions
Short circuits can knock out lighting entirely or pose safety risks to customers and staff. What starts as a flicker can end in a full replacement job if your sign’s electrical systems aren’t regularly checked.
That’s why routine inspections are essential, especially after heavy storms or seasonal shifts, to catch small issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
And if major winds or natural events hit your area, contacting a professional right away can prevent long-term damage. A little maintenance now keeps your sign working, shining, and selling for years to come.
The Easy-to-Follow Routine Maintenance Checklist You Can Implement Today
By following a few simple maintenance steps, you can extend your sign’s life, keep your brand looking sharp, and avoid expensive repairs down the road, making your ylon and monument signs the last thing your clients will forget about your business. Here’s how to keep your signage in top shape year-round:
1. Inspect for Damage – Start with a visual check. Look for cracks, fading, or peeling vinyl, and schedule repairs early before small flaws become major problems.
2. Clean the Surface – Dirt, bugs, and grime build up faster than you think. Use non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to keep surfaces spotless and colors vibrant.
3. Tighten Fixtures and Panels – Make sure all screws, bolts, and support structures are tight and secure. Loose hardware can quickly turn into safety issues or lead to costly replacements if ignored.
4. Protect Against UV Damage – If possible, provide shade using nearby structures or landscaping to minimize direct sun exposure. Choosing durable, UV-resistant paints, such as automotive-grade polyurethane coatings, can also help maintain color and finish longer.
5. Check Illumination – Replace fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs at the first sign of dimming. LEDs can last up to 10 years, roughly 10 times longer than fluorescent bulbs, while using less energy and providing brighter, more even light.
6. Schedule Electrical Inspections – A professional electrical check once or twice a year helps prevent outages, wiring damage, or power surges that can shorten your system’s lifespan.
7. Seasonal Checks – To keep things smooth during the year, it’s important to consider that each season brings unique challenges for outdoor signage. A little attention during transitions can save you a lot of trouble later:
For spring and summer, remember to clear away pollen buildup, check for UV fading, and make sure illuminated signs have proper airflow to prevent overheating.
For fall and winter, your priorities should be to remove leaves and debris that can trap moisture. Keep snow, ice, and water away from the sign’s base to prevent corrosion or cracking.
Consistent maintenance not only keeps your signage compliant but can add three to five years to its lifespan. And when you do notice damage or electrical issues beyond your expertise, calling a professional like Viewpoint ensures your sign stays safe, compliant, and visually striking for years to come.
Do You Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional?
Even with the best routine care, there are moments when a quick touch-up just won’t do the job. When your signage starts showing deeper signs of damage, it’s time to bring in the professionals.
If you notice non-functioning lights, rust, or corrosion creeping up the base, those are clear warnings that your sign’s structure or wiring may be compromised. Ignoring them can lead to safety risks, costly repairs, and even local code violations, which can range anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per infraction, depending on the municipality.
And when it comes to repainting, refacing, or restoring faded panels, professional service makes all the difference. After all, it’s nearly impossible to find an exact color match at a home improvement store if you weren’t part of the original installation.
Or to know which paints and materials can actually stand up to UV rays, temperature swings, and long-term exposure. Not to mention, handling installation safely requires the right equipment, permits, and expertise.
That’s where Viewpoint Sign & Awning stands apart. We combine expert craftsmanship with engineering precision to ensure every repair or upgrade maintains your brand’s integrity, keeps your signage safe, and meets all code requirements.
Because when your sign looks professional, so does your business, and that’s one impression you can’t afford to get wrong.
Protect Your Investment to Keep Attracting Clients
Now that you know how to identify and take care of your pylon or monument sign, with regular maintenance and professional inspections, you can extend its life, reduce costs, and keep your brand looking as strong as the day it was installed.
Need help maintaining or restoring your exterior signage? Schedule a free consultation with ViewPoint Sign & Awning today.