A well-built sign, properly maintained, can serve a business for many years. But even the best materials degrade faster without basic maintenance. Faded faces, dead LEDs, rust stains, and overgrown landscaping are problems that creep in slowly — and by the time they are obvious, the sign has been underperforming for months. A small amount of regular attention prevents most of these issues entirely.
Cleaning
Dirt, pollen, and road grime accumulate on sign faces and cabinets over time. A simple wash with mild soap and water two to four times per year keeps the face bright and the colors accurate — just power the sign down first and keep water away from any exposed wiring or seams. Avoid pressure washers on illuminated sign faces — the water pressure can damage seals and allow moisture inside the cabinet. For monument signs with stone or stucco bases, check for mildew buildup and clean with appropriate products.
Electrical Checks
If your sign is illuminated, do a visual check at night at least once a month. Look for LEDs that are dim, flickering, or completely out. A single dead module inside a channel letter makes the entire letter look uneven. Catching it early means our technicians can do a quick module swap during a single service call rather than waiting until half the sign is dark — LED and power-supply components stay energized even when a section looks dark, so this should always go through a licensed technician. GOM Signs offers service calls for LED and power-supply replacement on most brands of sign, and we bring in a licensed electrician for anything on the line-voltage side.
Structural Inspection
Check mounting hardware, pole bases, and cabinet seams for obvious problems throughout the year — rust on exposed metal, loose fasteners, or any visible movement or leaning are signs something needs a closer look. Monument sign bases should be checked for cracks in masonry or stucco, especially after freeze-thaw cycles. Pole and pylon signs carry real structural loads, so we recommend a professional structural inspection on the schedule your sign company or a structural engineer sets for your specific structure — and if you ever notice corrosion, cracking, or leaning, stop illuminating the sign and call a professional right away.
Landscaping
Overgrown bushes, trees, and grass can block your sign from the road, trap moisture against the base, and even damage wiring. Keep vegetation trimmed at least two feet back from any sign structure. This is one of the simplest maintenance steps and one of the most commonly neglected.
If your sign needs service — whether it is a burnt-out LED, a faded face, or structural damage — contact GOM Signs. We service signs we built and signs we did not, and in most cases a maintenance call costs a fraction of a full replacement.
