Your storefront faces a tough job battling the sun, wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations every single day. If you choose the wrong material, faded colors, rusted edges, cracked letters, and flyaway signs are all possible outcomes. These issues make your business look neglected rather than professional.
Choosing durable materials for exterior signs is the first step toward a positive business reputation and a storefront that looks fresh for years. Consider each of these materials to achieve your aesthetic goals and keep up with your region’s climate challenges.
Vinyl Banners
Vinyl banners offer a flexible way to display large graphics without the expense of a rigid material. Print shops typically measure the material’s thickness in ounces. The banners will be anywhere from 10 ounces to 18 ounces. The heavier the vinyl, the better it will withstand tearing and stretching.
These banners work perfectly for announcements, seasonal sales, and special events. You can customize the finishing style to include grommets for hanging with rope or zip ties. Another popular option involves sewing pole pockets along the top and bottom for a sleek, tensioned appearance.
Wind can pose a problem for standard vinyl banners if you install them in an open area. The solid material acts like a sail and can rip from its anchor points during a storm. As long as you secure them tightly against a solid surface, the banner will endure breezy conditions.
Mesh Vinyl
Mesh vinyl solves the sail effect inherent in unsecured vinyl banners. Manufacturers perforate the material with thousands of tiny holes that allow air to pass through freely. Airflow reduces the stress on the mounting points and prevents the banner from shredding in high winds.
You’ll see these banners wrapped around construction site fences or hanging between pillars on a building facade. The mesh construction makes the banner semitransparent, but the printed image remains clear to viewers from a distance for massive advertising.
Keep in mind that the colors on a mesh banner may appear slightly less vibrant than on solid vinyl due to the holes. The reduced surface area means there is less material to hold the ink. However, the trade-off for longevity in harsh weather conditions usually justifies the slight difference in saturation.
High-Density Urethane (HDU)
High-density urethane offers a sophisticated alternative to natural wood for dimensional signage. The closed-cell foam product is waterproof and immune to rot, insects, and cracking. While wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, HDU remains stable.
Sign makers can carve, sand, and shape HDU to look exactly like wood, stone, and more. If your business has more of a classic appearance, you’ll benefit from the high-density urethane’s long-lasting, durable nature.
The material works best for main exterior signs and hanging signs in boutique shopping districts. You can create layers of depth that catch sunlight and shadows to make your logo pop.
Aluminum
Aluminum remains is an incredible permanent exterior signage because of its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. It defies rust and resists corrosion, even in damp environments where other metals might fail. The material’s resilience makes it a standard choice for parking signs, regulatory notices, and real estate signs.
You can order aluminum signs in various thicknesses. Thick sheets provide more rigidity and resist bending if the sign stands alone on a post. Thin sheets work well when you mount the sign flush against a building wall.
Aluminum Composite Panels
Aluminum composite material features a polyethylene core sandwiched between two thin sheets of aluminum. It’s much lighter than solid aluminum but surprisingly rigid and flat; the material won’t bow or warp over time.
Aluminum composite creates a sleek, modern background for digital prints or cut vinyl lettering. You can mount it directly to a facade or use it as part of a post-and-panel system near your entrance. The smooth surface accepts high-resolution graphics exceptionally well.
Many tech companies and modern retail stores prefer this material because of its clean lines and industrial aesthetic. From finishes like brushed silver to copper, aluminum composite offers a premium look.
Corrugated Plastic
Corrugated plastic is an excellent choice for temporary applications like real estate listings, political campaigns, or short-term event directions. You can mount these sheets directly to a wall or use wire stakes to place them in the ground near a street.
Manufacturers create corrugated plastic by sandwiching a zig-zagged layer of plastic between two flat sheets. The air channels make the sheets light and easy to handle.
How To Choose a Material Based on Your Local Climate
Local weather patterns should dictate your final material choice. In Oregon, winter brings snow, wind, and cold temperatures. The summertime produces temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit as the sun beats down.
Intense sunlight acts as the enemy of digital prints and certain plastics. If you face a south-facing wall with direct exposure, you need UV laminates or carved materials like HDU. Taking these environmental factors into account prevents premature failure.
Wind loads also play a major role in safety and longevity. If your area experiences frequent gusts, avoid installing flimsy sheet plastics and large solid banners that don’t have proper securement.
Vinyl, corrugated plastic, and aluminum can withstand fluctuating temperatures, windy conditions, and high UV rays. Consulting with a professional is ideal to find the perfect fit for your business.
Contact Sign-On for Custom Business Signs
Sign-On knows that durability matters, which is why we teach all our customers how to choose the best materials for outdoor signs. Our team is ready to assist you through material selection and the design process. We know that every business has a limited marketing budget, and we want to help you maximize your investment.
Investing in custom outdoor signs made from the right materials ensures you get the best return. Whether you need a temporary banner for a sale or a permanent carved monument, we have a variety of materials to satisfy your requirements.
If you need help determining which material fits your location and budget, contact Sign-On today to start your project. We’ll take care of the design and installation process, and your business will start reaping the benefits of your new high-quality signage.