Neon signs are iconic, and you can find them scattered all around California and the rest of the country. In fact, the state is home to the oldest constantly running neon light in the world,  a neon light that was found at Clifton’s Cafeteria in Los Angeles.

They’re a popular choice for bars and restaurants because they look classy and give off a fun vibe that fits with food, drinks, and entertainment. But how do neon signs hold up in cold weather? This is a question that many business owners ask themselves when looking for ways to increase their business.

If you are wondering the same thing, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will discuss everything from how neon signs react to different temperatures to what materials are used in making them. So read on and find out more about what you need to know about neon signs and cold weather.

Neon Signs & Cold Weather

To understand how a neon sign will react in cold temperatures, you first have to understand what’s happening inside the tube of the sign when it gets too chilly outside. In short, two things that can happen: Either the gas inside of the glass tube can cool off and turn into a liquid, or it can crystallize on the inner walls. When you see your neon sign begin to flicker as if it is having trouble working properly, then this means that that gas has turned into a liquid inside its glass tube. Flickering neon doesn’t necessarily mean a broken sign; it simply means the sign needs to be re-pressurized most of the time.

Different Types of Neon Signs

Below are the types of neon signs you are most likely to see in the United States:

• • Pure neon: These are glass signs that use only neon gas as the source of their light. They emit red photons, which results in very vivid and bright red neon lights. Pure neon signs are less susceptible to cold weather.
  • Neon/argon blend: This type of sign is similar to pure neon signs, but they contain a small amount of argon with the neon to create different colors. Argon reacts strongly to cold weather, and the ratio of it to neon will determine how the brightness and performance of a neon sign are affected in the winter. They also dim and flicker more than other neon signs in cold weather.
  • Neon/helium blend: These signs have helium added to lower their operating temperature range. They emit a very bright blue color which is visible from great distances at night, especially if they are backlit. Also, both helium and argon blended neon signs in blue, green, yellow and white colors are more prone to discoloration in cold weather temperatures.

Do Southern California Winters Get Cold Enough to Affect a Neon Sign?

As mentioned, argon gas is especially susceptible to cold weather. Its atoms can become affected at temperatures 45˚F and under. This causes the gas molecules to move more slowly and may cause your neon sign to appear slightly dimmer. As such, if you live in Southern California, you may wonder if it gets cold enough here to affect a custom neon sign.

Winter weather temperatures in Southern California get down to around 60˚F in the day and with cooler lows ranging around 40-50˚F at night. This means it’s not uncommon for some neon signage to experience a slight dimming at night. Especially those filled with argon.

What Can You Do for Your Neon Signs?

Placing your neon signage on the inside of the store’s windows vs. outside will typically cut down on the negative effects cold weather can have on your glass neon sign. It will keep the tube a bit warmer and also protect it from being hit by debris. Additionally, you can place your sign in front of an air vent to help increase airflow around the tubes; this will prevent moisture buildup inside them when they are not on.

LED Neon Signs

If you are looking for neon signage that will perform better than traditional ones in cold weather, consider opting for an LED version instead. LED illuminated signs emit the same halo glow you see with glass neon, but they run on electricity instead of gas. Also, having LED signs instead of neon ones means that there is no need for warming up and the light will not experience any dimming in cold weather conditions.

Contact Dave’s Signs for Your Custom Sign Needs

If you notice that the lights from your neon sign seem dimmer than usual or if they start flickering for no reason, you should turn the sign-off and give us a call as soon as possible. We will be happy to come out and take a look at your neon sign and let you know what we would recommend that you do.

Neon signage attracts attention like no other type of signage, and Dave’s Signs is a leader in the industry for creating this popular type of handmade signage. If you need to have your custom neon sign replaced or repaired, our experts are available to assist with any questions or concerns that you may have about maintaining your signage throughout the year. Our goal is to ensure our customers have great signage at all times of the day.

Whether your business is looking for something warm or cool-colored, glass neon or LED neon, we have what you are looking for at great prices. Simply call us at (805) 641-1387 or fill out our online form to get a fast and free estimate.

California is one of the most progressive states when it comes to renewable energy. And its goal is for all electricity in the state to come from carbon-free sources over the next 2-3 decades. Illuminated signs can also be a part of California’s Clean Energy Project. This article will talk about how lighted signs can help your business meet clean energy goals.

LED-Lit Signs

Decorative and practical, LED-lit signs are a great way to meet solar goals. This type of signage makes branding and promotional messages easy, as well as provides useful information such as hours of operation or contact details.

LED-Lit signs use much less energy than traditional incandescent lights, oftentimes using as much as 75% less energy. LEDs can also save you in replacement costs because they can last 25 times longer than regular incandescent lighting.

Electronic Illuminated Signs

Electronic illuminated signs are a special type of LED or digital sign that displays things such as time & temperature and gas prices. Also, many backlit, monument, pylon, real estate and property signs use electronic illuminated signage.

Because these signs can be powered with electricity created by a nearby solar panel, they can be cost-effective, while also assisting with meeting California’s clean energy goals. In addition, bright, daylight-visible light-emitting diode bulbs provide over 100,000 hours of continuous operation, which outlasts comparable incandescent lamps significantly.

Energy Star Certified Signage

Energy Star signage meets the state’s stringent energy efficiency standards, as they are 18% more efficient than traditional illuminated options. This type of signage uses lightbulbs that are highly efficient and last longer. In addition, this special type of custom signage has cooler running panel tech that is extremely affordable.

Retrofitting/Restoration

If your business already has an illuminated sign, you don’t have to worry about having to find a new one. LED retrofitting can be done on almost all types of existing signs, allowing them to operate more efficiently and for longer periods of time. In a nutshell, they use less energy overall.

Green Fabrication Processes

Dave’s Signs provides the highest quality signage displays and we reduce our carbon footprint through our company-wide green initiatives. By using green fabrication processes and materials whenever possible, we continue to reduce the environmental impact of our work.

For example, Dave’s Signs’ acrylic lightboxes are green and made of 100% post-consumer recycled acrylic plastic. The acrylic material in them is heated to high temperatures to form a uniform sheet that is cut into shape. This process creates very little waste. Additionally, it allows us to use only the amount of material necessary for each sign, thereby reducing our environmental impact even more.

Also, for any paint products used in the restoration of lit and unlit signs, we partner with <> for our customers and minimize waste of paint and any other substances used in the sign manufacturing process.

Dave’s Signs for Eco-Conscious Illuminated Signs

If you’re looking to find new signs that meet California’s clean energy goals, the best way is to work with a sign company like Dave’s Signs. We can create something specifically for your needs! Serving Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles counties and Nationwide areas, we can help you choose from our wide variety of signage options and designs.  Give us a call today at (805) 641-1387 or fill out our online form for a free and easy quote. We’ll be happy to assist you in getting your business or organization’s green signage up and running as quickly as possible!

Highly visible and professional-looking business signage can be responsible for up to 85% of your walk-in revenue, making it one of your most important advertising tools. And if you’re looking for commercial sign services in the Camarillo area, then look no further! We are your one-stop-shop, providing beautiful, custom commercial signage for Camarillo and all of Ventura County.

Our Services in Camarillo

To bring commercial signage to our valued clients in Camarillo, we specialize in the design, fabrication, installation, service & repair, and maintenance of commercial signage. We also provide neon restoration services. What follows is a list that details these services we offer and more. Use the list to help guide your decision and allow us to meet all your commercial service sign needs.

Design

If you want something custom made, then no job is too big or too small for Dave’s Signs. We offer consultations to help you decide how best to use your signage. Also, we pride ourselves on our high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. That means we will leave you with eye-catching, attention-grabbing signage for your business or organization every time.

Fabrication

After creating the design, comes the process of manufacturing your sign, also known as the fabrication process. The fabrication process can vary, depending on the type of sign and materials utilized in its build. If you’d like to learn more about the different types of fabrication we do, you can contact one of our sign experts at (805) 641-1387. You’ll be glad you did! We work hard to ensure that you get a beautiful, professionally-made sign that closely matches your vision and brand.

Installation

Remember how we said no job is too big or too small for Dave’s Signs? Well, with commercial sign installation, this is where the rubber really hits the road. For example, check out the impressive “W” signage above that we did for Oakwood Communities’ Wagon Wheel town square landmark sign in Oxnard.

In addition, our technicians know the local ordinances that govern custom signs in Camarillo. We’ll work with you to make sure your sign is installed safely and meets all city ordinances.

Service & Repair 

As a part of Camarillo sign service & repair,  if signage is damaged in an accident, neglected, or was subjected to bad weather or vandalism, we can work to repair, maintain, or restore all aspects of the sign. This includes the sign’s structural integrity, electrical and lighting componentry, and overall visual appeal of the sign.

Dave’s Signs can also improve on the signs you already have. And there are many benefits to improving them – particularly if you are experiencing a business slow down or slump. The resulting sign will really demand attention, providing you with the kind of signage that changes your message or attracts more attention.

We can also evaluate any sign that is overdue for service and make repairs or restorations as needed. In addition, our team will work closely with you to make sure that your project is completed on time and within budget.

Maintenance 

For our maintenance services in Camarillo, we have a fleet of boom trucks to get to any hard-to-get-to areas. Common maintenance services we do include anything from replacing burnt-out bulbs to cleaning dirty signage, Here’s a little bit more about what these services entail:

• • Replacing burnt-out bulbs: Illuminated signage typically runs night and day, causing the bulbs to eventually burn out. Burnt-out bulbs in a sign can reflect on your business adversely, especially if the remaining word has nothing to do with your original message or is embarrassing. We can easily replace burnt-out lights in your illuminated signage.
  • Cleaning dirty signage: Interior and exterior signage are constantly exposed to grime and pollution. The smudging left behind can make lettering and logos hard to read. Additionally, dim bulbs may have lost their illumination. We’ll clean your signs, so they can regain their allure and get your business noticed once again.
  • Fixing dullness: Outside signs take a lot of abuse from the weather and other external elements. The result? Signs deteriorate and begin to look dull. We can repaint your signs or UV laminate them to shield them from the sun’s rays.

Neon Restoration 

Our professionals are also available for the restoration of neon and LED signs. We know how important it is for businesses such as movie theatres, restaurants, and hospitality industries to continue operating 24/7. Our team will give you a fast response, often on the same day

We understand the requirements of our national sign customers, and we have worked closely with large companies for many years. We also have an on-site neon facility staffed with an experienced, professional team of technicians.

Other Specialty Services

Other specialty services we offer (but are not limited to) include sign LED retrofit, parking lot light service, site surveys, and permit acquisition.

In addition to servicing local clients in Camarillo, Dave’s Signs also provides restoration, repair, and maintenance services to national companies that are working on projects in the greater Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County areas.

Who Needs Custom Business Signs?

Establishments that use custom business signs include retail stores, convenience marts, car dealerships, shopping centers, and hotels.  You’ll find that we have an extensive portfolio of projects that range from local business owners who needed exterior signs, to property management companies who needed interior wayfinding signage, to national customers who needed extra visibility with tall pole signs.

Attention-Grabbing Custom Sign Services in Camarillo 

A creative approach is a must, and this is exactly what we deliver.  Moreover, signs in Camarillo must attract attention to be valuable to a business. At the same time, there are several rules in place specifically to ensure that the look and feel of the city are maintained. We’ll make sure your signs do all that and more.   You can contact Dave’s Signs today at (805) 641-1387 to learn more about the sign services in Camarillo we provide! Alternatively, you can fill out our online form for a free quote.

It’s no secret that signage is an important aspect of commercial property. Whether you’re a large company or small business, it’s vital to your success that people can easily find your office suite. For this reason, we offer office suite signs as part of our services!

What are Office Suite Signs?

Office suite signs are plaques or other types of interior signage that are placed in a visible location on the office door or beside it to ensure they’re visible to everyone passing by. They bring artwork, information, branding, and more to the building’s interior. The business’s name, office suite number, department name, and other details are typically listed on the plaque.

Top Reasons You Need Office Suite Signage

Office suite signs are important for many reasons – here are just a few:

1. Professionalism – Building Confidence

A professionally-inspired indoor office sign impresses clients and also makes your staff feel like they are professionals too. This aspect will also show in the way they treat your customers.

2. Aesthetics that Enhance Your Brand

Custom office suite signs provide a uniform and professional look.  For example, a plexiglass sign with standoffs may compliment a contemporary office, whereas classic engraved signage could be a fit for a more traditional space. Also, they can complement and enhance almost any aesthetic, turning the drab interiors and bare walls of an office suite into something unique and vibrant.

3. Safety & ADA Compliance

Suite signs help promote workplace safety through better awareness of working locations by employees and visitors alike, as well as the location of exits, fire alarms, and emergency equipment.

In addition, there are benefits to keeping track of who is in which offices from a safety standpoint too. For instance, office suite signage allows you to easily identify which office someone is in if they don’t come to a meeting point during a real evacuation or drill.

4. Wayfinding Solutions

At the end of the day, every office is a place of business. Most office suites have several doors, making it easy for people to get lost – even if they are familiar with the building. For instance, if customers come in for a meeting, they can find the right conference room easily.

5. Save Money Especially When Changes Happen

Office suite signs are cost-effective and take up very little space; making them perfect for small to medium businesses. They reinforce your brand, while also presenting an inexpensive form of advertising for your company, which can increase exposure.

Lastly, when a new tenant comes in there are minimal costs for adding them since all you have to do is create a new plaque.

Dave’s Signs for Your Custom Office Suite Signage

• As you can see, interior signs are perfect to indicate the location and main features of different departments within an office suite or commercial building. The professionals at Dave Signs have been utilizing interior signs in various ways from security purposes to being cost-effective and simple wayfinding tools. You can contact us at (805) 641-1387 and let us design and install your next Interior Signage today! Alternatively, you can use our online form for a free quote or answer any questions you have.

Channel Letter signs are an impactful type of sign that has been around since the 1920s. Since then, they’ve functioned as an excellent way to advertise your business and generate more revenue. Additionally, you can see them from a long distance, which is perfect for businesses with large signage. If you are looking to increase the visibility of your business, Channel Letters might be the best option for you! Therefore, if you are shopping for Channel Letter Signage, this article will give you some insight into how to choose them for your building facade.

What are Channel Letters?

Channel letters are a type of commercial signage that adorns the exterior of many businesses. They consist of a graphic element with an individual structure and bold letters that are mounted in a way that gives them a striking, three-dimensional effect. Also, there are four main pieces to channel letters: The face, the return, the backing and the lighting element(s) if the sign has illumination.

They can be made from aluminum, steel or acrylic which typically means they’re rugged and affordable. Channel letters can either be illuminated or non-illuminated, but the bold lettering is striking either way. They can be illuminated by lights either internally (LEDs) or externally with LED lighting fixtures mounted to the back of the letters. Dave Signs also illuminates Channel Letters this way with neon lighting.

Where You Typically See Channel Letter Signs

Channel Letter signs for GANAS Auto in Oxnard, CA.Channel letters are typically installed on the front of a building, or high up on buildings that don’t have convenient space for them. For example, pole-mounted channel letter signs stand tall in retail locations where there is not much room for installation.

We created the two Channel Letter Signs for GANAS Auto above. Their storefront sign can attract people passing nearby, and the pole sign can attract motorists from far away.

Other places you can commonly see Channel Letters are on Monument Signs… 

…and on Indoor Signs.

Why Channel Letters?

Building awareness for your brand is important for your business’s success. Likewise, 59% of consumers say that they would rather buy new products from brands that are familiar to them.

In addition, Channel Letters are a popular choice among many grocery stores, retailers and restaurants wanting to enhance their brand recognition. You can see Channel Letter Signs used by chains and national brands since they are often a very effective part of promoting brand awareness.

The Four Basic Types of Channel Letters

The main difference between channel letters is the type of illumination they use. Of course, you are free to choose letters with or without lighting, as well as which kind of lighting element you want. There are four basic types of channel letters you need to familiarize yourself with as a CEO, solopreneur or decision-maker: Front-lit, Halo-lit, Front/Back-lit and Open Face.

Let’s look closely at the four basic types of channel letters:

1. Front-Lit: This type is the most common. LED bulbs or neon lights light the face of each channel letter. Because of the materials used, this option is extremely customizable.

2. Halo-Lit: For sign projects that require a unique and distinguished look or brand image, you can’t beat Halo-Lit. Illumination for halo-lit channel letters comes from behind the letter. However, they do not have a face and cast halos of light around each letter.

3. Front/Back-Lit: This type of signage combines front-lit letter channel letter with halo-lit. The result looks pretty fancy, too. For instance, if you are considering a sign with a red illuminated face and white halo effect, this option really pops.

4. Open Face: The back and sides of the pen-lit channel letters are aluminum. Neon lights versus LEDs typically illuminate these signs, too. Additionally, the sign face either has no sign face or is clear so that the exposed neon light inside can shine through.

Mounting Options for Channel Letter Signs

When purchasing a channel letter signage, you decide the type of mount you need. Channel letters have three main mounting options: the raceway mount, flush mount and backer mount.

• • Raceway Mount: Many property managers often request that channel letters be mounted atop a raceway. Raceways are containers that neatly and safely holds the electrical components (wires, power supply, etc.) for the individual letters. A raceway also alleviates the # of holes drilled, too. We typically paint raceways so they match the hue of the sign band or storefront. This technique also ensures that it blends well with brand guidelines and the surrounding architecture.
  • Direct Mount: This mount is the most common. And it gets its name because the letters mount directly to the building’s face. Housing for the power source and electrical wiring is behind the bulkhead wall with this option. For Back-Lit letters, separation from the surface comes from standoff spacers.
  • Backer Mount: This mount is more common for illuminated channel letters. This option sees the channel letters attached through a pre-made opening in the building’s frontage or mounted atop the backer board. The electrical hardware and power supply are contained within the backer cabinet or situated behind the facade or bulkhead wall.

Next Steps for Getting Your Channel Letter Signage

There you go! Now you know the basics of channel letter signage. The next step we recommend is consulting with a custom sign professional like Dave’s Signs. We have experts on staff who can create commercial signage for your business that will help you stand out from the rest of the clutter. With 20+ years of being the top choice for the design, fabrication, and installation of distinctive signs and graphics, you can trust our suggestions!

Why Choose Dave’s Signs for Your Channel Letter Signs? 

Dave Signs services clients here in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties; and Nationwide. We know the local zoning ordinances that regulate the size, illumination and projection of Channel Letter Signs. Also, we have extensive experience meeting landlord’s and property management requirements for signage. 

If you would like to know more about our Channel Letter Signs or other high-quality products and services we offer, please get in touch with us at (805) 641-1387. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form for a quick quote.