Drive-thru menu boards are the salesperson that works even when you don’t. Day or night, sleet or snow, wind or rain, they are out there promoting and selling your products for you. They need to be bright, clear, legible and able to withstand the elements. They do not discriminate against an Arizona Summer or a Minnesota winter and withstand these changes. Because of this, investing in weather resistant signage that roll with the environmental punches can save you and your business thousands in maintenance expenses and replacement costs over the years.
So, what goes into the long-lasting build of a sustainable drive-thru menu board? Let’s start by looking at the materials. Aluminum and polycarbonate that are powder coated are popular because of their durability in outdoor environments. Where the susceptibility to corrosion and rusting may be more prevalent in other material, aluminum is much more resistant. On the polycarbonate side of things, it is often used as it is more unaffected by physical impact such as bumps from cars, tree branches or other debris and hail.
One of the more critical aspects is the weather proofing of your signage. Whether your drive-thru is LED lit or digital, there are electrical components that need to be protected from rain but also moisture in general (i.e. humidity, frost, etc.). Sealed enclosures use weatherproof gaskets, and notched drainage holds to keep the units from “taking on water.” This area is why you’d be wise to use a drive-thru company vs. a regular sign company for this purpose. Without proper weather proofing, screens or plexi will fog or frost up, or even worse, irreversible damage will be done to the electrical components.
The sun can be a killer too. From paint to graphics to screens (if digital) there are several issues that can arise if you do not take the correct path. Menu graphics should be printed with UV rated ink. Otherwise, in a short period of time, they will fade and become unrecognizable. The same can be said for the paint. Reputable drive-thrus use “automotive grade” paint to combat extreme heat and reduce rust and chipping. Finally, if you do not use ultra bright screens that are weatherproof, any sort of sunlight, direct or even partial, will render your content unreadable.
A lot of municipalities have requirements in place to prevent your signs blowing away in strong winds. While a lot of this is centered around the foundation, the fabrication of the sign is equally important. Mounting plates that are reinforced, heavy structures with durable materials combat bending, warping and other negative implications for the integrity of the sign. Again, taking preventative measures and doing your research will put you in a much better spot long term.
A lot of the information shared here today would be considered a “no brainer” to most, however we wouldn’t be writing this blog if there weren’t a lot of people who try to cut corners, and understandably so, to save money. If done correctly, yes, there is a higher investment at the outset, but you’ll reap the benefits long term. Materials that are weatherproof, durable, and can withstand the increasingly unpredictable weather conditions tips the scales in your “profitability” favor and can allow you to spend your profits on other revenue generating endeavors for the business.
Do you need help making these determinations for your business? Give us a call today at 888-235-2579, email us at info@origindisplays.com or contact us here to speak with a solutions specialist.
