When to Repair vs Replace a Neon Sign
Business owners know that a neon sign can be much more than a lit advertising display. Signs serve as valuable assets for businesses because they act as recognizable branding elements, local landmarks that customers use to identify locations, and expensive investments in visibility. Neon signs are loved for their bright glow, timeless character, and durability. But like every electrical system, signs break down and require maintenance over time.
When you notice your sign flickering, dimming, or shutting off completely, you might ask yourself, ” Should I repair my sign or replace it?
Knowing when to repair vs. replace your neon sign will help you make smart financial decisions. Not only will you preserve your business’s brand image and keep your signage shining for your customers, but you’ll also ensure any repairs or replacements are cost-effective.
The condition of your sign, the extent of the damage, the age of various components, and the long-term outlook for your property will all play a part in deciding whether to repair or replace.
Why Neon Signs Require Maintenance
Traditional neon signs are customized pieces hand-built by technicians using specialized materials. Glass tubing, transformers, electrodes, wiring, and supporting structures all work together to create beautiful glowing signs.
When you combine delicate glass with electrical systems and exposure to the elements, problems are inevitable. Signs can last for decades before needing repairs, but as components age and weather outdoor exposure, repairs become necessary.
Depending on the extent of the damage, many repairs can be made without replacing the entire sign.
Common Problems That Can Be Repaired
You don’t need to replace your sign for every issue that develops. Some problems can be repaired without affecting the integrity of the overall sign.
Many issues that affect neon signs involve the electrical components. Transformers, wiring, and connections can fail while leaving the neon tubing intact. Replacing old transformers is one of the most common neon sign repairs because it can be completed at a fraction of the cost of a full sign replacement.
Other repairable issues can include:
- Faulty transformers
- Damaged wiring
- Loose connections
- Dimming or flickering lights
- Cosmetic damage to the sign cabinet
- Issues with sign mounting surfaces
When the main structure of your sign is still in good condition, it’s usually best to repair individual pieces rather than replace an entire sign.
Broken Tubing Does Not Always Mean Replacement
A common myth about neon signs is that once the glass tubing breaks, the whole sign needs to be replaced. Broken glass can be expensive to repair, depending on the extent of the damage, but many sign technicians can recreate and replace portions of tubing without remaking an entire sign.
Neon tubes are hand-built, so when repairing broken tubing, technicians will fabricate new glass to match the original tubing as closely as possible. If your sign has only suffered minor damage to the glass tubing, repairing the sign is usually the best option.
This is particularly true if your sign has unique elements that would be expensive or impossible to replicate. Custom neon signage is built with branding in mind. Companies that have since dropped their old logo or gone out of business can make it difficult to replace their sign. Signs that were handmade or contain intricate, unique details should always be repaired first, if possible.
When Repairs Make the Most Sense
The best candidates for repair are signs that still function as intended and haven’t suffered too much damage. Most components are still in working condition and can be repaired at a low cost.
Repairing your sign is a great choice when:
- Damage is localized to a small portion of the sign
- The overall structure of the sign is undamaged
- Sign graphics are up-to-date
- Repair will cost less than replacement
- The sign has historical significance
Professional repairs allow many older neon signs to keep operating year after year. Sign technicians can repair damage and replace older parts with newer, more durable components. By repairing a sign, you can preserve your business’s original look while keeping your signage looking its best for customers.
Signs That Replacement May Be the Better Option
Of course, there will be times when repairing your sign just doesn’t make financial sense. As your sign gets older, you may find multiple components failing at once. Signs with extensive damage to tubing, deteriorated support structures, outdated parts, and frequent repair bills may need to be replaced.
Consider replacing your sign if:
- Most of the tubing is damaged
- The sign structure is failing
- You’ve had to repair the sign frequently
- Branding has changed
- The sign is no longer visible enough
- Electrical transformers are obsolete
In most cases, if your sign requires frequent or expensive repairs, it may be time to replace it. New signs can offer greater reliability and last longer without needing repairs.
Consider Your Branding Goals
Your sign’s current condition isn’t the only factor to consider. Business owners should also ask themselves if their sign still serves their brand. If your company changes its logo or color scheme, now may be the time to upgrade your sign. Replacing an old sign can give your business an opportunity to realign your storefront branding with your current message.
On the flip side, some businesses work hard to keep older signs intact. It’s part of their brand image! A vintage neon sign can give your business an authentic look that many customers love. Even with new technology like LED alternatives, there’s still nothing that shines quite like neon.
Think about what image you want to portray with your sign. Balance the costs of repair or replacement with the marketing benefits of each option.
The Value of Historic and Vintage Neon
Neon signs can become more than just a way to advertise your business. Signs that are truly historic can become local landmarks in themselves. Customers and nearby businesses grow accustomed to these large, illuminated works of art hanging above business sidewalks. Many vintage signs are worth the cost of repair due to their unique history.
Preservation and restoration play a big part in the neon sign industry. If your sign is old but still in working condition, consider repairing any damage to preserve its original appearance.
Professional Evaluation Is Everything
Deciding to repair or replace can be difficult. As mentioned before, some problems can be easily fixed. Other signs that seem fine may have underlying damage not visible to the naked eye. The best way to make an informed decision is to have a professional assess your sign.
By having an experienced technician evaluate your neon sign, you’ll get a better idea of what it will cost to repair your sign versus replacing it. Factors they can assess include:
- Condition of the tubing
- Age of the transformer
- Condition of the wiring
- Soundness of the sign structure
- Type of surfaces the sign is mounted to
- Expected lifespan of the sign
Now you have all the facts you need to make an educated decision. Will you repair or replace your next neon sign?
Make the Right Long-Term Investment
Deciding whether to repair or replace your sign shouldn’t be difficult. If your sign can be repaired to a reliable state at an affordable cost, it makes sense to fix it. However, if your sign has extensive damage, uses outdated components, or you’ve recently updated your branding, then investing in a new sign may be the smart choice.
Knowing when to repair vs replace can save you money and keep your customers aware of your business. Don’t let a broken sign go dark!
Contact Hayward Neon to learn more about neon sign repair and replacement services. Our experts can handle electrical repairs, glass tubing replacement, sign restoration, new sign fabrication, and more