A properly installed and clear sign is critical since it speaks volumes about your business and shows you care about your image and presence. It also goes further to showcase that you are keen on the quality of your products. On the other hand, a poorly maintained sign can damage your image and create a completely opposite impression. By working with a reputable and experienced sign company, you can give your business a face through a good lighted or non-lighted sign. In this article, we focus on different types of signs, their pros and cons.
Illuminated Channel Letter Signs
Lighted channel letter signs are becoming popular in the signage and advertising industry today. If you are looking to install lighted signs, then you are probably wondering if your utility bills will be sustainable. Without a doubt illuminated signs are powered by energy, but the extent of the cost can vary depending on the type of sign lighting. Read on to find out more about outdoor and indoor signage and the energy efficiency of each type.
LED Signage
Light-emitting Diode commonly known as LED lights, are now used as both interior and exterior signage. They come in different designs, colors. They are considered the most energy efficient type out there. LED lights do not have filaments, so they do not produce heat. This means that every watt that you consume goes into creating light as opposed to heat. Energy experts have found that LED lights consume less than 20% of the energy used by incandescent lights to give the same amount of light. Besides, LEDs are durable (they last approximately 50,000 hours or roughly 11 years), so you want spent more on replacing your lights often. Check out our LED signs here.
High Intensity Discharge Lights (HID)
High intensity Discharge (HID) lights have been around for more than a century and have been used in the signage industry before the introduction of LED lights. However, their popularity has dwindled since the LEDs are twice as energy efficient compared to them. LED lights. HID lights have been in use for over 100 years and are available in a variety of colors.
Although they are still in use, albeit on a small scale, they take some time to warm up, they produce UV and IR radiation, which are a health risk. In addition, they begin to flicker and fade when they approach the end of their lifespan.
Neon Signs
Neon signs have been used for over a century but their popularity has dropped because of lack of aesthetic appeal and the fact that they are not as energy efficient. They are not as clear as one would want, so they are less preferred today.
Free Standing Signs
Freestanding signs are the type of signs that are not attached to a structure. They can be classified as pole signs and lower profile monument signs. They are used to identify a business or entity. They feature a perpendicular orientation for increased visibility.
Pole Signs
Pole signs, also called pylon signs, feature poles, columns or sign cabinets as support structures. The signage can be installed on a simple pole or an elaborate structure that feature architectural add-ons such as cornicles, tiles or stucco that blends well with the structure. The downside of pole signs is that the local codes may restrict their height hence may not be visible by motorists moving at a faster speed. These signs are common to restaurants, gas stations, and hotels.
Street oriented pole signs are smaller (usually under 50 feet high) and are meant to attract the attention of slowly moving motorists travelling on surface streets. They can be used in combination with freeway signs to create a more detailed signage.
Monument Signs
Monument signs are used to identify the business to pedestrians passing by and motorists. They are usually shorter than pole signs (they range anywhere between 3ft and 15ft), and feature a base to provide support. They are preferred by landlords and local codes to declutter the place. In other words, they are designed to complement that structures.
Final Thoughts
If you are keen on the aesthetic value and energy efficiency of your signs, opt for LED digital signage since they are about 10 times more energy efficient compared to neon signs. For more information about lighted or non-lighted signage, contact a reputable signage company to help you design your interior and exterior signs so you can increase the visibility of your business.
