For businesses in Galveston, hurricane season is part of doing business. Owners plan for shutters, inventory, and insurance, but outdoor signage often gets overlooked until after a storm, when a damaged or missing sign becomes one more problem to fix while trying to reopen.
A little planning before and after storm season can protect your sign, your property, and your ability to welcome customers back quickly.
Before the season: inspect and document
Early in the year, walk around your property and take a close look at every exterior sign. Check for:
Loose or corroded fasteners. Salt air speeds up corrosion, and hardware is often the first thing to fail.
Cracked or brittle sign faces. Sun-damaged faces are more likely to break in high winds.
Gaps in seals. Water entering illuminated signs can damage electrical components.
Leaning or shifting freestanding signs. Any movement may point to foundation or structural issues.
Take clear photos of each sign from several angles. Good documentation can help with insurance claims if a storm causes damage.
Understand how your sign is built
Freestanding pylon and monument signs face the greatest wind exposure, and their performance depends on proper engineering: foundation size, pole or frame sizing, and how faces and panels are attached. If you don’t know whether your sign was engineered for coastal wind conditions, it’s worth having it evaluated, especially if it’s older or was installed by a previous tenant.
Wall signs matter too. The mounting method has to suit the wall material, and signs attached to weathered or damaged surfaces may be at greater risk.
When a storm is coming
In most cases, permanent signs aren’t designed to be removed before a storm, so preparation happens in advance. Remove or secure temporary signs, banners, and A-frame signs, since they can become projectiles. If you have removable panels or seasonal signage, take them down and store them indoors.
After the storm: check before you power up
Once it’s safe, inspect every sign before turning illuminated signs back on. Water inside a sign cabinet or channel letter can create electrical hazards. Look for bent supports, cracked faces, loose panels, and any lean in freestanding structures. If anything looks damaged, have it checked by a professional rather than trying to repair it yourself.
Rebuilding stronger
If a sign needs replacing, use the opportunity to build it better: corrosion-resistant aluminum, marine-grade stainless hardware, quality coatings, sealed LED components, and engineering suited to coastal wind conditions. It’s also a good time to confirm current city permit requirements, since replacement signs may need to meet updated rules.
MSK designs and builds custom signs in Galveston, TX with coastal conditions in mind. Planning ahead each season helps make sure your sign is ready for storms and ready to welcome customers back afterward.