Sign maintenance
Regular maintenance must be part of any trail plan. Signs are highly visible, and a lack of maintenance can leave a visitor with either a positive or negative impression. Well-maintained signs convey a sense of pride and may reduce vandalism, while poorly maintained signs may contribute to a diminished visitor experience, including disorientation of trail users.
It is important to:
- maintain a record of all signage (see Auditing and Data Collection section)
- inspect signs regularly, especially after winter, to assess for weathering and visibility concerns
- repair or replace damaged and/or missing signs
- clear nearby vegetation to maintain sign visibility
- tighten any loosened bolts and fasteners
- remove any graffiti and stickers
- remove obsolete signs, recycling where possible
On average, a trail’s signage will need to be replaced at a rate of 10% per year. The average lifespan of signage is 10 years before UV rays affect printed or painted information. When ordering signage, it is important to have a UV-protecting laminate applied, preferably with graffiti resistance, to extend the life of your new signs.
Though it is tempting to order signs made of lower quality materials due to initial cost savings, it is best to invest in high-quality aluminum signage that will stand the test of time. Lower-cost materials, such as composite or plastic, have a short lifespan in the Canadian climate. Consult your local sign manufacturer for their recommendation since they know the area well and can advise on the materials that will work best for your situation.
