In a world where extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, gas station owners face a unique challenge: ensuring their signs remain visible and functional no matter the conditions.
From heavy rain and high winds to scorching heat and freezing cold, the elements can take a toll on even the most well-designed signs. But with the right strategies and materials, it's possible to weatherproof your gas station signs and keep them shining bright, attracting customers, and driving business success.
“Most people consider words about the weather to fall into the category of small talk. But for C-store operators, it’s serious business, not idle chatter,” Erik J. Martin wrote in CSP. “Severe storms and extreme events involving the elements can threaten C-store retailers’ bottom lines as well as their employees’ safety. But planning for and talking about these Mother Nature-induced adversities can help soften the blow—and even recoup some lost sales.”
When it comes to your signage, it needs to be visible to let your community, and those just passing through, that you are open. Let’s explore the key considerations for creating signs that can withstand the toughest weather challenges.
Rain and Humidity: Keeping Signs Clear and Operational
Wet conditions can be particularly challenging for gas station signs. Moisture can seep into electronic components, causing short circuits and malfunctions.
Additionally, humidity and condensation can lead to a cloudy appearance on sign faces, reducing visibility.
Finally, moisture can lead to leaks in LED panels, rusting bolts, and other parts, and even threaten your signage by overly soaking the ground around sign poles and other footings.
To combat these issues, consider the following:
- Employ waterproofing and sealing techniques that prevent leaks and protect sensitive components.
- Use corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, to extend the life of your signs in damp environments.
- Perform regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting seals, to ensure your signs remain clear and operational.
High Winds: Ensuring Stability and Readability
Strong winds pose a significant threat to gas station signs, causing structural damage and reducing visibility.
PWM understands all about the damage that winds can do as our Houston-area employees witnessed the rare weather phenomenon derecho which stormed through the Bayou City in May with 90 mph winds that caused havoc and destruction.
Signs that are not designed to withstand high winds can become bent, twisted, or even uprooted, rendering them ineffective at attracting customers. To make matters worse, loose signage or detached materials pose a health risk to employees and customers.
To mitigate these risks:
- Design signs with flexibility and wind resistance in mind, using materials that can bend without breaking, such as polycarbonate.
- Incorporate aerodynamic features that allow wind to pass through the sign structure.
- Properly secure signs to their foundations and regularly inspect for any signs of wear or damage.
Hot Weather and Heat-Related Issues
Extreme heat can be just as damaging to gas station signs as wet or windy conditions. And if you think it keeps getting hotter, it is, at least if you live in Texas!
The National Weather Service looks at 30-year intervals and for Austin, for example, here is the average number of triple-digit days, which has tripled since the 1960s:
- 1961-1990: 10 Triple-Digit Days
- 1971-2000: 12 Triple-Digit Days
- 1981-2010: 18 Triple-Digit Days
- 1991-2020: 29 Triple-Digit Days
High temperatures can cause electronic components to overheat and fail, leading to malfunctions or complete breakdowns.
Additionally, bright sunlight and glare can make signs difficult to read. To protect your signs from heat-related issues:
- Choose components that are rated for high-temperature operation.
- Incorporate cooling features, such as ventilation or heat sinks, into the sign design.
- Use anti-glare coatings or adjust the angle of the sign face to improve readability in bright sunlight.
Cold Weather Challenges: Freeze, Snow, and Sleet
Cold weather can also take a toll on gas station signs. Even in a state like Texas known for its heat and triple-digit weather, billion-dollar freeze events can strike that threaten residents and businesses.
Freezing temperatures can cause materials to become brittle and crack, while snow and ice buildup can obscure sign faces and reduce visibility. To combat these challenges:
- Choose materials that can withstand extreme cold, such as certain plastics or cold-rolled steel.
- Incorporate heating elements into the sign design to prevent snow and ice accumulation.
- Perform regular snow and ice removal to maintain sign visibility throughout the cold season.
The Importance of Visible and Reliable Gas Station Signs
Investing in weatherproof, visible, and reliable gas station signs is essential for attracting customers and driving business success.
- Clear, easy-to-read pricing and branding can make the difference between a driver choosing your gas station over a competitor's.
- Well-maintained signs contribute to a positive customer experience, encouraging repeat visits and long-term loyalty.
- Malfunctioning or obscured signs can lead to lost business and a negative perception of your brand.
- Visible and reliable signs can help establish trust with customers, demonstrating your commitment to quality and attention to detail.
- In emergency situations, such as power outages or extreme weather events, well-functioning signs can provide critical information and guidance to drivers, cementing your gas station as a reliable resource in the community.
Remember that keeping your gas station or C-store open during inconvenient hours and during extreme weather is not as much about profitability as it is about the reliability of your brand and commitment to the community.
Your sign is a beacon and a first impression that won’t be forgotten.
Partnering with Experts for Weatherproof Sign Solutions
To ensure your gas station signs are equipped to handle the challenges of various weather conditions, it's often beneficial to partner with experienced sign manufacturers.
Experts such as PWM can provide customizable solutions tailored to your specific climate and business needs, incorporating the latest weatherproofing technologies and durable materials
Ongoing maintenance and support services can help ensure your signs continue to perform optimally over the long term, maximizing your investment and maintaining a strong brand presence
Weatherproofing your gas station signs is essential for ensuring visibility and reliability in all weather conditions. By implementing strategies to protect against rain, humidity, wind, heat, and cold, you can maintain a strong brand presence and attract customers no matter the forecast.
At PWM we know that investing in durable, weather-resistant sign solutions and partnering with an experienced manufacturer such as us can help you navigate the challenges of extreme weather and drive long-term business success.
