As the days cool and the leaves begin to turn, your thoughts might drift to cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice. But for facility managers and business owners, fall is also the ideal time to pay attention to your exterior business signs. A little prevention care now helps avoid damage, costly repairs, and downtime when winter weather hits. 

Keep reading to explore practical steps and prepare your exterior business signs for the colder months with Identity Group. 

Inspect Structure, Fasteners, and Supports 

Start with a thorough visual inspection of your sign’s structure and mounting: 

• Check fasteners and anchors: Look for rusted bolts, worn threads, or loose screws. Over time, mechanical fixes may loosen from vibration or settling. 
• Examine framing, brackets, and supports: Even a small bend or shift can grow into a major issue under the weight of snow, ice, or wind. 
• Look for rust or corrosion: Metals exposed to moisture and salt can degrade over time. Address surface rust and add protective coatings. 
• Test for structural movement: Gently push or shake to detect excessive play or shifts. 

Early detection lets you reinforce or re-anchor before winter stressors aggravate small faults. 

Clean and Protect Surfaces and Graphics

A clean sign resists damage better than a dirty one. Plan to:

• Remove grime, bird droppings, salt residue, mold, and mildew: Use mild soap, water, and soft brushes or microfiber towels. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives that scratch finishes. 
• Rinse thoroughly: Ensure no cleaning chemical residue remains. 
• Dry completely before treatment: Moisture trapped under coatings can lead to peeling or blistering later. 
• Apply a protective coating: A UV-resistant clear coat, sealant, or an anti-graffiti film helps shield paint, graphics, and substrates from moisture intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and fading.
• Touch up paint and graphics: If you see chips, scratches, or fading, touch-up while the temperature is mild enough for coatings to cure properly. 

Routine maintenance of surfaces extends the life of your exterior business signs and preserves brand integrity. 

Seal Joints, Edges, and Electrical Components 

Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles and moisture infiltration can wreak havoc on unsealed junctions and enclosures. 

• Re-seal edges and seams: Use an appropriate elastomeric sealant to reseal seams, flanges, frame-to-face joints, and perimeter edges. 
• Inspect gaskets and weatherstripping: Replace any that are cracked, hardened, or missing. 
• Check electrical compartments: If your sign is illuminated, open junction boxes and inspect wiring, closures, and protective glands. Make sure all seals are intact, and there’s no evidence of moisture ingress. 
• Verify drainage: Some signs have small weep holes or vents. Ensure they’re clear of debris so any condensation can escape. 
• Label and log: Mark dates of re-sealing work and record the materials used for future reference. 

By sealing vulnerabilities now, you reduce the risk of water infiltration, ice damage, or corrosion in your sign’s core. 

Test Lighting, Illumination, and Electrical Systems

Dark winter evenings magnify any lighting problems. Before snow or ice accumulation: 

• Cycle lights and lamps: Turn LEDS, fluorescents, neon, or other lighting systems on/off to ensure all elements function. 
• Measure voltage and symptom-check: Look for flicker, dim spots, or color shifts. Replace failing modules or drivers proactively. 
• Inspect light housings: Ensure lenses, covers, or facades are clean, intact, and sealed. Clear away debris or insect nests around lighting fixtures. 
• Check backup systems and control systems: If your sign is controlled by timers, photosensors, or dimmers, test those under daytime and dusk conditions. 
• Document wattage and energy metrics: These can help spot unusual spikes later, which might hint at wiring issues. 

Identity Group: Your Partner in Durable Exterior Business Signs

When it comes to crafting, installing, and maintaining high-quality signage, Identity Group is one of the few companies that blend design excellence with long-term durability. If you’re looking to ensure your exterior business signs not only survive winter but continue projecting your brand with clarity, we can help. Whether you need routine maintenance, a sign refresh, or a full redesign, our experts are ready to partner with you.

Ready to get ahead of winter’s challenges? Contact us at Identity Group today to discuss a maintenance plan or signage upgrade.