Though we’re still in the heat of summer, very soon we’ll be preparing for long, dark, cold nights. While that means getting out those coats from storage, it also means making sure your business is ready for those dark months. In particular, now’s a great time to plan ahead by checking on your signage. Here we have a checklist of what you should do to winter proof your signage.
Winter Preparation Business Sign Checklist:
- Does your business sign light up as expected?
- Is all of your sign lighting up?
- If you have a timer or solar switch, is it working?
You may have to drive by your store in the evening, but if you expect your sign to be lit at night then make sure to see if the sign’s lit up?
Similarly, it’s not just important to see if your sign lights up but how much of it does. If just one letter is out, that’s still an issue but may signal a different problem than if the entire sign isn’t lighting.
If you have an exterior lit sign, you likely have a timer or solar switch. This is a good time to double-check that they’re working properly, as they’ll be essential during the darker days of winter.
Optional (But Helpful):
While you’re examining your lit signs, be sure to check your other exterior signs as well including vinyl, pan face, tenant panels, monument, and pylon signs. Though these may not all be lit, it’s possible that over time they’ve faded, become damaged, or weathered — or perhaps your signage is no longer effectively marketing your business.
Next Steps:
If the answer is no to the first three questions, it’s time to call a sign company to assist with your needs. An excellent service team, like we have at Ortwein Sign, can help get your signage working for you again. A business that looks closed will lose customers.
Non-lit Exterior Signs:
If your non-lit signs need repairs, refacing, or even rebranding, call a skilled sign company such as Ortwein Sign to help your business signage effectively market your company.
LED Retrofit:
Often when repairing sign lighting, it’s a great opportunity to convert to LEDs. This can save costs for years to come and provide more stability and safety, as LEDs are more resilient. Whether you have an old sign needing LED conversion or parking lot lights, we can help you save money with a retrofit.

