Estimating Signage Costs: Calculating Outdoor Durability

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How to estimate the costs while improving your sign´s durability? 
When people think of “durability” they immediately think of top notch dollar to pay, which isn´t entirely true. The same occurs in the signage business: people think  they have to pay a lot of money in order to have the best advertisement sign with the best duration. Remember, expensive does not mean the best; nowadays the most advertised companies will be the most expensive without actually having the quality they say they have. Here you will see how to calculate the costs of a proper sign that will last the time you desire.  
 
First off, you need to take into consideration that the sign´s lifespan depends entirely on the type of vinyl you use and on the weather conditions your sign will be exposed to. 

Calendared PCV or Cast PCV?
On one hand, calendared PCV is often chosen by cautious buyers who are looking for an affordable short to medium-term sign that can last between 3 to 6 years. As we said before, the external factors, such UV ray´s fading effects, can decrease its lifespan, that´s why we recommend not using any metallic colors but just black and white for higher durability against the sun.  
On the other hand, cast PCV can be more expensive, but it´s totally worth it. The sign´s lifespan expands from 5 to 12 years. Just like before, we strongly suggest that you go for black and white instead of metallic colors for higher durability.

Mylar and fluorescent vinyl:
On one hand, metalized polyester, also known as mylar, is the proper option if you want to add that metallic effect on your sign without the reduced duration effect from high quality flake content. Nevertheless, you should be very protective with these types of signs, because their lifespan can last from 3 to 5 years, mostly also because of the sun.

On the other hand, fluorescent vinyl is considered to be the cheapest option, mainly for disposal options. This is the most vulnerable to UV ray´s fading effect sign material. Nonetheless, it can last from 2 to 3 years with the proper care.

How can my sign durability change due to its ink?  
Is no wonder that the sign industry is shaping itself into new modern ways, such as printing techniques or even digital signage. When a sign industry supplier says that their ink can last 6 years for instance, this means that the letters will not crack nor peel, but it doesn´t mean it won´t be vulnerable of fading effects. Normally, the most solvent ink sign´s duration goes from 3 to five years. Remember that the best way to show ad art is through preservation. 

What about weather conditions?
It is obvious that the town´s climate and environmental factors have an impact in your signs, especially if you live in places such as Arizona, California, Utah and Southern Florida. The signage durability in these states is reduced up to 20%.

Posted by Randy Blaskeslee