As temperatures rise across the UK and heat waves become more frequent, businesses are increasingly discovering that their signage isn’t as resilient as they thought. What seems like a minor detail — a warped panel, peeling vinyl, or faded print — can end up costing time, money, and reputation.

Recently, the signage at one of Tiles DIY’s branches started to fail after a spell of hot weather. The top layer began to buckle and peel, exposing underlying materials. This wasn’t due to neglect by the business — rather, it highlighted what can go wrong when signage isn’t designed, built, or installed to withstand environmental stress.

Here are the key ways heat waves can damage signage — and lessons every business owner and facilities manager should take to heart:

1. Material Degradation

Many sign materials — particularly low-grade plastics, vinyls, and adhesives — soften or become brittle when exposed to high temperatures. Prolonged UV exposure can cause fading, yellowing, and cracking. Even metals can expand unevenly if poorly specified, warping panels and loosening fixings.

Lesson: Don’t assume all materials are equal. Ask what grade and UV-resistance your materials have, and whether they’ve been tested for the expected temperatures.

2. Improper Installation

Even when high-quality materials are used, poor installation practices can undermine them. For example:

• Not allowing for thermal expansion gaps.
• Using adhesives that aren’t rated for exterior heat cycles.
• Over-tightening or under-tightening fixings, causing stress points.

In the case of Tiles DIY, the top panel appears to have buckled under heat stress — a possible sign of improper mounting or inadequate allowance for expansion.

Lesson: Insist on professional installation that considers how the sign will behave in heat, cold, and wind.

3. Inadequate Maintenance

Even well-built signs can suffer if not checked periodically. Dust, trapped moisture, and minor damages can exacerbate heat-related deterioration.

Lesson: Incorporate signage checks into your routine maintenance schedule — especially after extreme weather events.

4. Location Matters

Direct south-facing signs receive much more intense sunlight than shaded or north-facing ones. Reflective surfaces nearby (like windows or pavement) can amplify heat damage.

Lesson: When designing signage, take the specific location and orientation into account, not just the design on paper.

Why This Matters

For many customers, signage is the first impression of your business. A warped, faded, or damaged sign sends an unintended message: that details don’t matter, and maintenance is neglected. Given how much businesses invest in their branding, it makes sense to extend that care to their physical presentation.

Final Thought

We can’t control the weather — but we can control how we prepare for it. As heat waves become more common, businesses should treat their signage as part of their infrastructure, not as an afterthought. When specified, built, and installed correctly, a good sign should withstand the seasons — and continue representing your brand the way you intended.

Is Your Signage Ready for the Heat?” — Quick Self-Check

With summer heatwaves becoming more frequent in the UK, now’s the time to evaluate how your signage might cope under extreme conditions. Complete this 2-minute form and receive a free, tailored checklist with practical steps to assess and protect your signage.