When severe weather strikes, signage is often one of the first casualties. High winds, hail, lightning, and flying debris can severely damage the face of a sign—cracking panels, peeling vinyl, shattering lenses, or knocking out backlighting. While the structure itself may remain intact, the face is what customers see, and damage here can significantly impact a brand’s image.
What exactly is a sign face? Simply put, a sign face refers to a sign's outer surface or structure. It is attached to a metal frame or “cabinet” or individual channel letters. Faces can be flat, thermoformed/pan-formed, or flex fabric. When installed into the cabinet, they can be backlit to provide illumination and visibility at night or simply non-illuminated.
When damaged, replacing the sign face is critical for safety and brand visibility. A broken or missing face can present a physical hazard, especially if pieces become dislodged. Storm-damaged signage also sends the wrong message to potential customers, implying neglect or disrepair. For national brands and local businesses alike, an unsightly sign is flat-out ugly. You’ve invested a good amount of money in your sign already. Keeping it looking its best is key to maintaining customer awareness and trust.
The good news is that face replacements are typically faster and more cost-effective than a complete sign rebuild. Signage providers can often quickly replicate or update the original face using existing artwork or templates. Materials such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or flexible faces can usually be fabricated and installed quickly, minimizing business disruption.
To prepare for inevitable storms, businesses should keep their signage specs and design files readily available. Partnering with a responsive sign service provider ensures prompt evaluation and replacement when damage occurs. In storm-prone regions, investing in more durable materials upfront may also reduce the need for future replacements.
Ultimately, timely face replacement is more than cosmetic—it’s key to maintaining visibility, brand consistency, and customer confidence in the aftermath of a storm. By addressing damage quickly, businesses can weather the storm and keep their image intact.