Have you ever driven past traffic control signs and wondered how they stay in tip-top shape? If these signs don’t remain in good working order, our roads could become significantly more dangerous than they already are.
The visibility of traffic signs can be compromised over time, especially in climates that face harsh weather conditions. That’s why regular sign maintenance and repair is so important. Heavy rainfall, extreme temperatures, and snow can take a toll on traffic signs. This can lead to the signage fading, rusting, and becoming illegible, wreaking havoc for drivers trying to navigate roads.
In the world of road safety, traffic signs need to be resilient enough to withstand the harsh elements of nature. At Transline Industries, we specialize in durable and weather-resistant traffic signs. We create our signs to stand the test of time and to remain legible for many years.
In this article, you’re going to learn how weather can impact signage. We’ll also talk about custom signage solutions that are particularly suitable for harsh weather environments.
Understanding the Weather’s Impact on Signage
There are a couple of different weather conditions that affect the lifespan of traffic control signs.
Rain: When a sign is exposed to rain over a prolonged period, it’ll inevitably lead to water damage. This can cause signs to warp, corrode, or fade. Moisture speeds up how quickly materials deteriorate, and this can cause premature aging of road signs.
Snow: Snow and ice are also elements that create challenges for signs. When snow and ice accumulate on signs, it adds excess weight to them and causes structural damage. These elements cause visibility issues with the reflective material on signs. It makes it harder for drivers to see the signage in low-light conditions.
UV exposure: There’s no doubt that traffic control signs face relentless exposure to the UV rays from the sun. The UV rays break down the structure of the signage materials and cause fading that affects their aesthetic appeal and effectiveness.
Why Are Weather-Resistant Materials and Traffic Sign Maintenance Important?
High-quality, weather-resistant materials are important in helping to reduce the negative impacts of adverse weather conditions. When signs are manufactured from materials that are resistant to the harmful effects of moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV radiation, they’ll last longer.
In addition, regular traffic sign maintenance and repair is required to make sure signs stay in good repair for the foreseeable future. Signs should be inspected routinely for signs of wear, damage, and fading. If any of these issues are noticed, the signs should be replaced or refurbished with an application of protective coatings. Protective coatings add an extra layer of defense against the elements.
Keep reading to learn more about choosing the right materials for traffic sign maintenance and repair.
Selecting the Right Materials for Durable Signs
All traffic signage should be manufactured from weather-resistant materials that help them withstand the rigors of harsh weather conditions. Weather-resistant materials have a couple of characteristics that contribute to the durability and longevity of signs.
Durability: Materials need to be strong and robust enough to endure wind, impact from pedestrians or cars, and temperature changes.
Corrosion resistance: Signs should be manufactured from materials that are resistant to corrosion so they don’t end up degrading from ongoing exposure to moisture, salt, and other environmental factors.
Transline’s traffic signs are assembled and installed with high quality traffic sign hardware, like plastic sign posts, rugged recycled rubber bases, cast aluminum brackets, brass shims, and other components made of rust resistant metals.
The Importance of Reflectivity and Visibility in Signage
The importance of reflectivity and visibility in road signage cannot be overstated. Imagine driving down a dark road in the middle of the night in the pouring rain. You’re coming up to an area where there’s a road closure but can’t see the sign because it’s not as reflective as it should be. A scenario like this can quickly become dangerous.
At Transline Industries, our commitment lies in creating high-visibility traffic signs that excel in challenging weather conditions. We prioritize:
Reflective materials: We use cutting-edge reflective materials to enhance visibility for all drivers on the road. Because of the superior reflectivity of our signs, they remain conspicuous to drivers in all types of lighting conditions.
Strategic placement: We also like to emphasize the strategic placement of our signs. Factors that need to be taken into account include driver sightlines, angles of approach, and any potential obstructions around the areas where they’re placed. These factors make sure signs are positioned for maximum visibility.
Elements like rain, snow, and low light conditions all reduce sign visibility. Ongoing signage maintenance can help ensure traffic signs remain visible in any conditions.
Routine Maintenance of Traffic Control Signs
Regular traffic sign maintenance and repair can greatly improve the longevity and effectiveness of traffic control signs. These maintenance tips will keep traffic signs in good condition.
Cleaning and inspection: Signs should be cleaned regularly to get rid of dirt, debris, and pollutants that can impact their visibility. Try to do routine inspections for signs of damage, wear, and fading.
Replacement of reflective materials: Reflective materials are prone to degradation over time. If you notice signage starting to fade, replace the materials.
Secure Mounting: Signs should be properly mounted to withstand wind, vibration, and impact. Fastening hardware should be routinely checked to ensure it is tight enough to withstand such hazards. Signs that aren’t mounted properly can hinder their effectiveness and even lead to accidents.
Durable Pavement Markings
At Transline Industries, we also like to emphasize the importance and effectiveness of durable pavement markings to complement traffic control signs. Pavement markings are useful in providing clear guidance to drivers. They indicate lanes, turning points, and other important traffic regulations that help to maintain traffic flow while reducing the likelihood of accidents.
The reflective materials used in pavement markings also improve visibility in similar ways that signs do. This promotes more awareness among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Pavement markings are especially important in parking lots. They make sure people make efficient use of available parking areas and help drivers park in an orderly manner.
Pavement marking equipment: We offer a variety of different tools that cater to different marking needs. From hand-held heat and epoxy guns to riding stripers, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help finding any type of equipment for pavement marking.
Surface preparation: We also have grinders and scarifiers to make sure the surface is prepared for the best adhesion possible.
Training: Lastly, your purchase doesn’t end when you receive the equipment. We provide hands-on training by request and extend technical support for all our pavement marking equipment.
Custom Signage Solutions by Transline Industries
Our team at Transline Industries distinguishes itself by offering custom signage solutions that are developed to meet specific needs and adapt to different environmental challenges. For example, in areas with frequent strong winds, we have custom signs that are designed to maintain stability and visibility. If you can envision the sign, chances are that we can make it.
For locations that experience a lot of sunlight, the signs can be equipped with advanced UV-resistant coating to make sure they don’t fade or get damaged from long-term sun exposure.
We also have several different signs created for unique purposes:
Transline Industries: A Partner in Traffic Safety
Let Transline Industries be your partner in safety with durable traffic signs that are built to meet many different traffic management requirements. Durability, visibility, and compliance with state and federal regulations are at the backbone of everything we do.
Explore our large collection of signs that you can use for various applications. From standard street signs to more specialized signage like school zone signs and highway overhead signs, our products are built with long-lasting performance in mind.
Along with many different types of signs, we also carry reliable traffic sign hardware. Some examples include:
- 12″ Adjustable Cross Piece
- 12″ Adjustable Square Post Cap
- 12″ Adjustable U-Channel Post Cap
If you need adjustable components for precise sign positioning or durable caps for increased longevity, trust us to provide top-quality traffic sign hardware.
From durable pavement markings to reliable signage solutions, take the next step in optimizing your traffic management system with Transline Industries today.
