Pylon signs, also known as pole signs, are free-standing towering structures that sit high above the ground on one or more poles, usually made from steel or aluminum.

They are designed to grab attention with their vertical height and large dimensions for displaying a business name, logo, and messaging.

Due to their size, height, and visibility, pylon signs are a flexible and effective signage option for businesses looking to boost brand awareness and stand out. Unlike low-profile monument or building signs, pylon signs can be seen from far distances on busy roads and highways. This makes them ideal for businesses in highly competitive areas where visibility is paramount. They allow ample space for creative, branded designs and prominent business identification.

Popular Pylon Sign Design Elements

There are many options when it comes to pylon sign design and customization. Here are some of the most popular elements:

The shape and structure of pylon signs can vary. They may have a single pole or double pole design and range in width from 2-10 feet and in height from 15-35 feet. Double pole designs offer enhanced stability.

Materials commonly used include aluminum, steel, PVC, and LED screens. Aluminum offers durability and cost-efficiency. PVC is lightweight and can be molded into creative shapes. LED screens allow for digital content and imagery

Pylon signs allow ample room for custom graphics and text. Logos, imagery, text, and digital screens can all be integrated.

Lighting like LED and neon can be used for external illumination or internal backlighting. This increases visibility day and night.

Strategic landscaping around the base adds aesthetic appeal.

Key Benefits for Businesses

Pylon signs offer several key benefits that make them an appealing choice for many businesses. One of the top advantages of pylon signs is their high visibility from a distance, allowing passersby to spot and identify your business from blocks or highways away. This aids tremendously with brand awareness and drawing in more potential customers to your door.

These prominent freestanding structures also provide flexible sizing to fit your visibility needs. You can customize the height and width to your specific preferences and budget. This adaptability enables you to create an appropriately-scaled pylon sign based on factors like your property size and desired viewing radius.

When constructed using durable materials like aluminum, steel, or PVC, pylon signs can withstand outdoor elements for 10-15 years with proper maintenance. This longevity allows you to maximize your return on investment in the signage.

The aesthetics of pylon signs can also be customized to seamlessly match your branding through colors, logo placement, fonts and more. Integrated digital screens further enable you to display versatile messaging and creative graphics . This branding cohesion bolsters memorability and connections to your business in customers’ minds.

Factors Affecting Pylon Sign Costs

Several key factors impact the overall cost of designing, creating, and installing a custom pylon sign for your business. Carefully considering these elements can help you develop a reasonable budget and set expectations for your sign investment.

The main factors that influence pylon sign pricing include:

• Materials – Aluminum and steel are durable but more expensive options, while PVC and other plastics cost less. Using LED screens or other electronics adds cost.
• Size – Labor and materials increase for larger pylon structures. Typical heights range 10-50 feet.
• Design complexity – More elaborate shapes, construction, and add-ons raise overall costs.
• Permitting – Many areas require permits and inspections, especially for larger signs. Permit fees add up.
• Installation – Using professional sign installers and equipment is advised for safety and proper setup.
• Maintenance – Pylon signs require periodic inspections, cleaning, bulb replacements and repairs.

On average, most pylon sign projects range $8,000 – $200,000, but costs ultimately depend on your specific pylon sign design choices, location, and installation requirements. Consulting an experienced sign company can help you understand potential costs as you start planning your ideal pylon sign.

Integrating with Branding Strategy

Strategically integrating pylon signs into your overall branding and marketing efforts can increase their visibility and impact. Here are some tips for creating cohesion between your pylon signs and branding:

Using consistent colors, fonts, and logos on your pylon sign that match your other branding and marketing materials creates familiarity and brand recognition for customers. Your signage should feel like part of the same family as your website, business cards, etc.

The imagery and messaging on the pylon sign should align with your brand storytelling across platforms. Showcase your logo prominently and highlight your unique selling proposition or tagline that customers would recognize.

Place the pylon sign strategically on your property to maximize visibility from parking areas or the street. Consider sight lines when drivers approach and make sure the signage has visual impact. Place it near the entrance to immediately identify your location.

Lighting Options

Pylon signs offer businesses flexibility when it comes to lighting design. Two main lighting approaches are external illumination and internal illumination.

With external illumination, lighting fixtures are mounted and aimed at the sign surface from the outside. Common external lighting options include spotlights, floodlights, and LED strips mounted along the edges. The advantage of external lighting is it produces a bright, uniform illumination across the sign face.

For internal illumination, the lighting source is built inside the sign structure itself. Fluorescent tubes or LED modules are mounted behind the sign face material to illuminate it from within. This creates a glowing effect for maximum visibility at night. Internally illuminated signs stand out against dark backgrounds. Popular internal lighting options are LED or neon tubes forming the graphics, letters, and shapes on the sign.

Popular Locations

Pylon signs are ideal for businesses located in areas with high vehicle traffic and visibility. Three of the most popular locations for pylon signs include:

Along Busy Roads and Highways

Pylon signs placed along busy roads and highways maximize exposure to passing vehicles. With their tall and prominent structure, pylon signs can capture the attention of vehicles traveling at high speeds. The high visibility makes them a popular choice for businesses located near traffic arterials.

Strip Malls and Shopping Centers

Pylon signs are extremely common at strip malls, plazas, and shopping centers. They serve as high-impact signage to capture attention and communicate the range of tenants to passing shoppers. With customizable panels, pylon signs can integrate each tenant’s branding and direct customers.

Gas Stations and Car Dealerships

Gas stations and car dealerships often utilize towering pylon signs viewable from a distance. Their large scale stands out to drivers along busy roads and provides ample space for brand messaging and service offerings like gas prices or new car deals. Pylon signs help reinforce their brand identities.

Maintenance Best Practices

To maximize the lifespan and visual impact of a pylon sign, establishing regular maintenance is key. Some best practices include:

Create a cleaning schedule based on the sign’s location and exposure. For example, signs in high-traffic areas or regions with inclement weather may need cleaning every 1-2 months to remove dirt buildup. Use a soft brush and mild detergent, rinsing gently.

Inspect lighting at least twice per year and replace any burned out bulbs or malfunctioning transformers immediately. Consider converting to LED lighting, which lasts much longer than traditional bulbs. According to Advicestudios.com, “LED lighting has a functional life of up to 100,000 hours, meaning the modules typically last 10-15 years before any maintenance is required.”

Check for any damage after major weather events. Look for cracks, leaks, loose parts, or shifts in position. Perform needed repairs right away to prevent any safety hazards or further deterioration.

In general, set up an annual maintenance schedule to spot potential problems early. Look for fading, rust, cracks, or vegetation growth. A well-maintained pylon sign can retain its vibrant appearance and structural integrity for over a decade.

Permitting and Regulations

Pylon signs are subject to local zoning laws and permitting requirements that regulate their allowable size, height, placement, and materials. Before installing a pylon sign, it’s important to research and comply with applicable regulations.

Zoning laws often dictate where pylon signs can be located on a property and how far they must be set back from property lines or roads. For example, The Colony, Texas mandates that pylon signs be set back at least 5 feet from the front property line and 15 feet from any other property line.

There are frequently size restrictions on the allowable area of the sign face. Some municipalities limit pylon signs to a maximum of 100 square feet per side. The height of the sign structure may also be restricted.

Permitting requirements for pylon signs vary by jurisdiction but often require submitting detailed drawings, specifications, and site plans. There are usually permit fees based on the sign size and complexity. An electrical permit may also be needed if the sign will be illuminated.

Having a thorough understanding of local pylon sign regulations is crucial for ensuring your sign complies and gains approval. Consulting with local permitting offices early on is highly recommended.

Conclusion

In summary, pylon signs are a highly visible and effective signage option for businesses looking to maximize their curb appeal and brand exposure.

With customizable sizes, materials, lighting, and graphics, pylon signs can be designed to specifically complement a company’s visual identity and marketing goals. Though more expensive upfront than some other sign types, pylon signs represent a smart long-term investment given their longevity and ability to continuously reach passing traffic day and night. By selecting durable materials like aluminum or steel, pylon signs can retain their sleek aesthetics and legibility for 10-15 years or longer. Their elevated height also makes them ideal for placement along busy roads and highways to capture attention. For businesses wanting to make a statement and get noticed, few signage options make as powerful an impact as a well-designed pylon.