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Whether it’s a business, a car park, a construction zone, or a public space, signage is usually the first thing visitors see when they approach your site.
A bright, well-maintained sign signals professionalism, safety, and clear communication. A faded, flickering, or broken sign can undermine credibility and diminish visibility.
Why bother with sign maintenance?
Maintaining your signs may often be an afterthought or a low priority, especially in our current climate, with ever-increasing costs making budget management harder than ever. However, signage maintenance and safety inspections are pivotal in maintaining safety standards and protecting your brand.
First impressions count – A bright, well-maintained sign tells customers and visitors you care. A faded or broken one? Not so much.
According to a 2012 study by FedEx Office, 76% of consumers have entered a store they had never visited before solely based on its signage. Additionally, 67% of consumers reported making a purchase because a sign caught their attention, whilst 52% of consumers said they would be less likely to enter a store with poorly maintained or misspelled signage.
Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, businesses are legally required to maintain their signage in good condition. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in enforcement action.
Safety first – Loose panels, exposed wires, or unstable signs can be dangerous. Regular checks help prevent accidents. Signage is often installed onto historic buildings, particularly those on high streets with a long history of retail or recreational use. In some cases, signage is installed on unsuitable, aged, and rotting timber sub-fascias, compromising their stability. In other instances, new signage is affixed directly onto a previous occupier's sign or outdated branded signage, adding unnecessary weight and stress to existing fixings that may no longer be structurally suitable.
These common issues often go unnoticed without a robust routine safety inspection. The failure to follow best practices during signage installation is a key factor in these risks, highlighting the importance of regular, thorough safety inspections.
Saves you money – Fixing small issues early can prevent costly replacements down the track.
Legal requirements – Although a grey area, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as an employer/occupier of a commercial building, you are required by law to ensure that your shop signage and external building structure(s) is/are maintained in a safe condition.
How to manage your sign maintenance like a pro
Schedule regular check-ups – Set a calendar reminder to inspect your signs at least once a quarter. Look for flickering lights, peeling vinyl, or structural wear and tear.
Initially check your O&M manual issued by the manufacturer/installer of the signage you are maintaining; this will detail the methodology for maintaining that particular sign. If you do not have access to the O&M manual, contact a specialist signage maintenance provider for guidance on best practice.
Clean it up – Dirt, bird droppings, and grime can dull your sign’s impact. A gentle clean with the right products will keep it looking sharp. Contact a professional when dealing with dirt on a sign; using the wrong cleaning product, depending on the material, may cause more damage than good.
Check the lighting – If your sign is illuminated, make sure all bulbs are working, and consider switching to energy-efficient LEDs for longer life and lower costs. The UK government's phase-out plan for all fluorescent and halogen illumination components means that LED technology is the most suitable way forward. Retrofitting your existing signage from fluorescent to LED not only improves the efficiency of your signage but also extends its lifespan due to the longer lifespan of LED technology.
Plan for repairs – Keep a trusted signage professional on speed dial for any fixes. Small touch-ups now can save major headaches later. Routine planned maintenance inspections can identify minor issues in their infancy, preventing them from becoming major concerns. A simple repair during a routine inspection can save you thousands compared to waiting until the signage is beyond repair.
Prepare for the seasons – Different weather conditions can affect your signage. Ensure it’s secured against storms and shielded from extreme sun exposure. Exposure to UV rays can cause fading of signage. Therefore, a protective lacquer may improve the life of your sign. Naturally, exposure to UK elements can lead to water and wind entering places we don’t want them to. Without regular checks of weatherproof flashing and fixings, there is a risk of water ingress and subsequent failure of the fixings in the future.
A simple step for a big impact
Think of sign maintenance as a small investment with big returns. Whether it’s a storefront sign, a digital display, road signage, or parking guidance systems, keeping it in top shape ensures clear communication, safety, and a strong visual presence. Need help with maintenance or upgrades? The team at Sign Trade Supplies is always here to help!
Signage maintenance is not as glamorous as installing a brand new sign; that is a fact. Often undervalued, we view signage maintenance as a crucial aspect of maintaining brand protection through safety inspections. You have a duty to the public and your staff to ensure your signage is safe, secure, and operational.
Signage maintenance is a grey area, but with the support of the experts in this industry, the guidance becomes much clearer. There are multiple ways to manage your estate, whether it be one store or thousands of stores. There is a programme that can be tailored to suit all manner of signage types and budgets.
With the ever-evolving landscape and improving health and safety standards across the UK, we anticipate the issuance of more robust legislative guidance. This is the time to stay ahead of the curve and consider a regime of signage safety inspections.
Key Takeaways
1. First Impressions Matter
Well-maintained signage signals professionalism, safety, and attention to detail.
Poor signage can deter customers—studies show 76% enter new stores based on signage alone.
52% are less likely to enter a store with damaged or misspelled signage.
2. It's a Legal Obligation
Under UK law (Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007), signage must be kept in good condition.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also requires employers to ensure their signs are structurally safe.
3. Safety Risks Are Real
Unstable or poorly installed signs can pose serious hazards (e.g. loose panels, failing fixings, exposed wiring).
Signage on old buildings or reused structures can become dangerous without proper checks.
4. Maintenance Saves Money
Catching small issues early prevents expensive repairs or full replacements later.
Routine inspections extend sign lifespan and reduce emergency callouts.
5. Pro Tips for Proactive Maintenance
Schedule Quarterly Checks : Spot lighting issues, structural wear, or peeling graphics.
Consult Your O&M Manual : Use manufacturer guidance for best maintenance practices.
Clean Correctly : Use appropriate products to avoid damaging materials.
Upgrade Lighting : Switch to LEDs—brighter, longer-lasting, and more energy-efficient.
Plan for Weather : Apply protective coatings and inspect fixings to defend against UK weather.
6. Custom Maintenance Plans
Whether you're managing a single site or a national estate, tailored maintenance programmes are available.
Working with industry experts makes legal compliance and brand protection easier to manage.
Final Thought:
Sign maintenance may not be glamorous, but it's essential for brand reputation, safety, and compliance . A small investment now can prevent big problems later—and keep your business looking sharp and operating safely.