3424 114th Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2Z 3V6
Get Directions
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Get a Quote
Call Us Contact Us
Portfolio

Updating Your Signs: Repair, Retrofit or Replace?

Let's Start A Conversation:



3/19/2024

Attractive, quality signage is key to any business. It often has to catch the eye of both motorists and pedestrians. Of course, it must also communicate quality. A sign that’s outdated or in disrepair shows prospects and customers that quality is not a key concern of management, which could discourage visitors and even diminish sales.

If your outdoor sign is out-of-date or has seen better days, it’s probably time to improve your company’s “curb appeal.” But what should you do? When it comes to updating your signage, you have three main options: repair, retrofit or replace — each choice with its own pros and cons. outdoor before sign repair

1. Repairing Your Sign

Some signs have an up-to-date design that reflects your brand perfectly but simply needs a few repairs. Whether your retail signage requires a new paint job or needs to be refastened to your building, repairing it can be the most simple and cost-effective way to improve its look, feel and appeal.

Even if your sign has lost letters, trim, or other important details, it’s often still possible to simply repair it. Professional signage companies can recreate custom pieces to match the look of your original sign. Don’t give up on your old sign simply because it’s faded or missing a few pieces!

Pros and Cons of Repair Work

A prime reason to choose repair work rather than a complete replacement is cost. It’s almost always more economical to refurbish an original sign than to replace it, particularly with larger examples. Sometimes a good cleaning or repainting is all you need!

On the negative side, a faded or broken sign can often be easily fixed but an outdated sign that doesn’t accurately reflect your brand or business focus may need to be replaced. Significant repair work can sometimes cost almost as much as buying a new sign.

So, if your signage is old or heavily damaged, you may want to consider replacing it entirely to renew customer interest in it.

2. Retrofitting Your Sign

If the frame and electronics of your signage is still good, then retrofitting is a good option for sprucing up your sign. outdoor after sign repair

Whether you need changing message displays to feature your daily announcements or simply require a brighter logo, retrofitting can help bring new life to your signs.

Pros and Cons of Retrofitting

A retrofitted sign will likely be more economical than a new purchase. Instead of replacing every aspect of your signage, retrofitting utilizes the existing structure that is still in good quality and updates the rest of your sign to give it a new and improved look. 

Of course, retrofitting isn't always the right choice for every sign. One thing to consider is the intergrity and maintenence of your current sign's structure. How many more years until that will need to be replaced too? Similar to the negative side of repair work, sometimes replacing the entire sign can be better if you need a complete refresh.

3. Replacing Your Sign

Sometimes you need a totally new sign to refresh your branding and attract new customers. Whether your sign displays an outdated logo, incorrect information or simply needs a complete overhaul, repairs or retrofits can’t always provide a good solution. In these instances, you need a new custom sign that’s designed and installed by a professional signage provider.

You’ll want to consider your communication objectives, branding requirements and promotional budget when designing and working on a new sign for your business!

Pros and Cons of Replacement

Replacing your sign can signal a dramatic switch in your business. If you’ve refreshed your menu, upgraded your service or given your entire business a facelift, a new sign can help your customers prepare for a fresh, new approach to your business. New signage is also a great way to answer common questions or add updated information to your sign.

Another plus? Built with newer materials and techniques, new signs often last longer than those they replace. 

All that said, replacing your sign is often a greater investment than a repair or retrofit. A full replacement can also take more time. First, you’ll need to meet with your signage provider and discuss design options. Municipal permitting can add days or weeks to the process. Once you’ve finalized your design, you’ll have to wait for it to be fabricated. Delivery, removing your old sign and installing your new one will also require time. Of course, all the while, your current sign will still be hard at work.

Ready to begin? Look to Image360 for any or all your needs.

Image360 is your all-in-one source for graphics that enhance, signage that works and displays that inform. We work with you closely from imagination through installation to attain the high quality you seek, while adhering to your time frame and budget. This, of course, includes exploring the best options available for updating your signage. Contact us or drop by today to discover the many ways we can help you!

Looking for custom sign or graphics option?

Back