Your business sign is one of the first things customers see. When that sign is dim, partially illuminated, or completely dark, it can make your business look closed, outdated, or poorly maintained—even when you’re open for business.
Fortunately, a lighting problem doesn’t always mean you need an entirely new sign. In many cases, the issue can be diagnosed and repaired, allowing you to get your existing signage back to looking its best.
At Action Signs, our Lighting Out service helps businesses diagnose and repair illuminated signs, replace outdated components, and address other problems that affect the appearance and performance of their signage.
Why Properly Working Sign Lighting Matters
Illuminated signage is designed to help your business remain visible in the evening and during low-light conditions. When part of your sign stops working, that visibility can be significantly reduced.
A malfunctioning sign can also affect your business’s professional appearance. A sign with burned-out sections, inconsistent illumination, cracked faces, or faded graphics may make the entire storefront look neglected.
Getting the problem addressed promptly can help restore your sign’s appearance and keep your business visible.
Common Signs You Have a Lighting Problem
Not every sign lighting issue looks the same. You may notice:
- Your entire sign has stopped illuminating
- Only part of the sign is lit
- The sign looks unusually dim
- Some letters are brighter than others
- The sign turns on or off inconsistently
- The sign isn’t turning on at the expected time
- The sign’s lighting system uses outdated technology
- The sign looks damaged or weathered even though the lighting still works
These issues can have different causes, which is why having the sign professionally assessed can help determine the appropriate solution.
1. A Completely Dark Sign
One of the most obvious problems is a sign that doesn’t illuminate at all.
A completely dark sign could have an issue with its lighting components, controls, power supply, or another part of the system. Rather than immediately replacing the entire sign, a professional technician can diagnose the problem and determine whether a repair or component replacement is appropriate.
Action Signs’ Lighting Out service begins with an assessment of the problem, followed by recommendations for the necessary repairs or upgrades.
2. Partial Illumination
What happens when only some of your sign lights are working?
A sign that is partially illuminated can be just as noticeable as one that is completely dark. Individual letters, sections, or portions of a sign may appear brighter or darker than others.
Partial illumination can make your branding difficult to read and create an uneven appearance.
A professional inspection can help determine which components are causing the problem and whether they can be repaired or replaced.
3. A Sign That Looks Dim
Sometimes a sign technically works, but it doesn’t have the visual impact it once did.
If your sign has become noticeably dimmer over time, the lighting technology or components may be contributing to the problem. Upgrading to newer LED technology may be one possible solution, depending on the sign and its existing system.
An upgrade can potentially improve the appearance and efficiency of an older illuminated sign without requiring the business to start over with an entirely new sign.
4. Outdated Lighting Technology
Older signs may use lighting technology or components that are no longer the most efficient or practical option.
Depending on the sign, upgrading to LED technology can be an option for improving illumination and modernizing an existing sign.
Action Signs can evaluate an existing sign and recommend whether an upgrade makes sense for the particular application.
5. Problems With Sign Controls
Your sign may be functioning properly but turning on or off at the wrong time.
Lighting controls such as photo-eyes and electronic timers can help automate when a sign operates. Action Signs can replace outdated controls with newer options that automatically adjust for sunrise, sunset, and daylight-saving changes.
This can eliminate the need to manually adjust a sign’s operating schedule throughout the year.
6. Cracked or Damaged Sign Faces
Sometimes the problem isn’t the lighting itself.
A sign face may become cracked, damaged by weather, faded, or simply outdated. Even if the internal lighting is functioning correctly, damage to the exterior can affect the overall appearance of the sign.
Depending on the sign, replacing the face may be a better solution than replacing the entire sign.
For example, if an existing sign uses an acrylic face that has become prone to cracking, upgrading to a more durable polycarbonate material may be an option.
7. Faded or Outdated Graphics
Your sign doesn’t have to be physically broken to need attention.
Graphics can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and weather. Your company’s branding may also have changed since the sign was originally installed.
Updating the graphics or sign face can give an existing sign a refreshed appearance without necessarily replacing the entire structure.
This can be a practical option for businesses that want to modernize their storefront while keeping an existing sign system.
Don’t Ignore a Sign That Isn’t Working Properly
It’s easy to put off a sign repair when the business is still operating normally.
But an illuminated sign is part of your company’s visual presence. A sign that has been partially dark or damaged for months can make a business appear less maintained than it actually is.
Addressing lighting problems when they first appear may also help prevent a small issue from becoming a larger repair.
Repair or Replace: Which Is Right for Your Sign?
One of the biggest questions businesses have is whether they should repair their existing sign or replace it.
The answer depends on the condition of the sign, the type of problem, the age of the components, and your long-term goals.
A professional sign service company can assess the existing sign and help you determine whether it makes more sense to:
- Repair the existing lighting
- Replace individual components
- Upgrade to LED technology
- Replace outdated lighting controls
- Replace a damaged sign face
- Update faded graphics
- Make additional improvements
- Replace the sign entirely
The goal isn’t necessarily to sell you a new sign. It’s to find the solution that makes sense for your existing signage and your business.
Why Choose Action Signs for Sign Repair?
Action Signs provides sign service and repair for businesses throughout Northern Colorado and the surrounding region.
The Lighting Out team can come to your location to assess your sign, diagnose the issue, recommend repairs or upgrades, and complete repairs on-site when appropriate.
Action Signs has equipment including a crane capable of reaching signs up to 50 feet, scissor lifts, and a dedicated service truck. The company’s technicians have more than 50 years of combined experience.
Action Signs is also a UL Listed shop and can help businesses address sign-related code and energy-compliance needs when applicable.
Keep Your Business Sign Working for You
Your sign works around the clock to help customers identify your business. When the lighting stops working, your visibility can suffer.
Whether your sign is completely dark, partially illuminated, looking dim, or showing signs of age, a professional assessment can help determine the best way forward.
Learn more about Action Signs’ Lighting Out service
If your sign needs service or repair, contact Action Signs at 970-223-2124 to request a quote and schedule a diagnostic consultation.
