Fluorescents Banned in Colorado
Due to the passage of HB23-1161 in June 2023, Colorado has officially banned the sale and distribution of fluorescent lighting technologies—including CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and linear fluorescent tubes—starting January 1, 2025. If you’re a sign owner, you may be wondering how this will impact your business.
Let’s break down why this ban is happening and what it means for your signage.
What’s the Impact of the Ban?
The goal of this new law is to create a safer, more energy-efficient lighting environment. By phasing out fluorescent lights, Colorado is aiming to:
- Reduce mercury pollution, which can harm both the environment and human health.
- Lower energy usage, as newer technologies like LEDs consume much less electricity.
- Support sustainability efforts, helping the state meet its carbon reduction and environmental goals.
This change encourages businesses—especially those relying on illuminated signs—to make the switch to LED lights, which are not only safer but also more cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Why Fluorescents?
Mercury Matters
Fluorescent lights, including CFLs (the spiral-shaped bulbs) and long tubes commonly used in signs, contain mercury, a hazardous substance. While mercury helps the bulbs produce light, it’s dangerous if the bulbs break. A shattered fluorescent bulb can release mercury into the environment, which is harmful to both people and wildlife.
Energy Efficiency
Fluorescent lights consume more energy compared to modern alternatives like LED lights (Light Emitting Diodes). LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer than fluorescents. For sign owners, this means lower electricity bills and less frequent replacements—a win for your wallet and the environment.
How Will the Ban Be Enforced?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will be overseeing compliance. Businesses caught selling or distributing fluorescent lights could face penalties of up to $500 per violation, with fines reaching as high as $500,000 for repeated offenses. Since each sale counts as a separate violation, it’s crucial for sign owners to plan accordingly.
Freeman Signs Has Solutions
Freeman Signs offers retrofitting services to replace outdated fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LEDs for your signs. Our LED retrofits comply with the new law and should reduce energy costs. For any questions or to schedule a retrofit, contact our Service Manager at adelp@freemansigns.net.
Easy Guide to Common Sign Types
Welcome to our FAQ “Easy Guide to Common Sign Types”! Whether you’re a business owner looking to enhance your storefront or an event organizer in need of effective advertising, understanding the various types of signs available can help you make informed decisions for your signage needs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most common types of signs, from digital displays to classic neon, providing insights into their uses, benefits, and customization options.
What Are Digital Displays?
Digital displays are electronic signs that use LED or LCD technology to display text, images, videos, or animations.
Where are they used?
They’re often used for advertising, information display, menus in restaurants, and for providing real-time updates like stock prices or news headlines.
Benefits:
Digital displays offer versatility, allowing for dynamic content changes and eye-catching visuals.
What Are Channel Letters?
Channel letters are individual 3D letters or shapes often made of metal and plastic, illuminated from within.
Where are they used?
They’re commonly seen on storefronts, office buildings, and malls, often used for brand identification and signage.
Benefits:
Channel letters provide a sleek, professional look, are highly customizable, and offer excellent visibility both day and night.
What Are Neon Signs?
Neon signs use glass tubes filled with neon gas that produce a vibrant glow when an electrical current passes through them.
Where are they used?
They’re popular for businesses wanting a retro or vintage aesthetic, such as bars, diners, and theaters.
Benefits:
Neon signs have a unique, nostalgic appeal, are highly visible, and can be customized with various colors and shapes.
What Are Vinyl Banners?
Vinyl banners are large, flexible signs made of vinyl material, often printed with graphics, text, or images.
Where are they used?
They’re frequently used for temporary promotions, events, trade shows, and outdoor advertising.
Benefits:
Vinyl banners are cost-effective, easy to install and remove, weather-resistant, and offer great flexibility in design.
What Are Monument Signs?
Monument signs are freestanding signs typically made of durable materials like stone, brick, or metal, often placed near entrances or roads.
Where are they used?
They’re commonly used for businesses, schools, and residential communities to provide identification and direction.
Benefits:
Monument signs offer a stately and permanent presence, enhance curb appeal, and can be customized to match architectural styles.
What Are Pylon Signs?
Pylon signs are tall, freestanding structures often supported by one or more poles, featuring large panels for advertising or branding.
Where are they used?
They’re frequently found along highways, at shopping centers, or near entrances to businesses, guiding customers to locations.
Benefits:
Pylon signs provide excellent visibility from a distance, can accommodate multiple businesses or messages, and are effective for attracting passing traffic.
What Are Wayfinding Signs?
Wayfinding signs are designed to provide directional guidance within a space, such as buildings, campuses, or public areas.
Where are they used?
They’re essential for helping people navigate complex environments like airports, hospitals, or large events.
Benefits:
Wayfinding signs improve user experience, reduce confusion, enhance safety, and can incorporate symbols and graphics for universal understanding.
What Are Vinyl Graphics?
Vinyl graphics are adhesive decals or lettering made from vinyl material, used to display logos, text, or images on surfaces like doors, windows, and vehicles.
Where are they used?
They’re commonly applied to storefront windows, vehicle surfaces, office doors, and interior walls for branding, advertising, or decorative purposes.
Benefits:
Vinyl graphics offer a versatile solution for displaying your brand or message on various surfaces. They are durable, customizable, and can be easily removed without damaging the underlying surface.
What Are Flat Cut Outs (FCOs)?
Flat Cut Outs, often referred to as FCOs, are custom-made signage elements cut from flat sheets of material such as metal, acrylic, or PVC. These signs can feature intricate shapes, letters, or logos.
Where are they used?
FCOs are commonly used for interior and exterior signage in businesses, offices, retail spaces, and events. They can be mounted directly onto walls, doors, or other surfaces for branding or directional purposes.
Benefits:
Flat Cut Outs offer a sleek and professional appearance, adding dimension and visual interest to your signage. They are highly customizable in terms of shape, size, and finish, allowing you to create unique and impactful signage solutions that align with your brand identity.
What Are Faux Neon Signs?
Faux neon signs, also known as LED neon signs, replicate the vibrant glow of traditional neon signs using LED lights encased in flexible silicone tubing. These signs mimic the look of neon without the fragility or high voltage of traditional neon signs.
Where are they used?
Faux neon signs are popular for businesses, events, and home decor, offering a modern and customizable alternative to traditional neon. They can be used indoors or outdoors for branding, decoration, or signage purposes.
Benefits:
Faux neon signs provide the classic aesthetic of neon with added durability and energy efficiency. They are lightweight, easy to install, and offer flexibility in design, including various colors, shapes, and animations. Additionally, LED neon signs require minimal maintenance and are safer to operate than traditional neon signs.
We hope this guide has shed some light on the diverse world of signage and helped you better understand the options available for your business. Whether you’re aiming to attract customers with eye-catching digital displays, create a timeless ambiance with neon, or provide clear direction with wayfinding signs, there’s a sign solution to suit your needs. If you have any further questions or would like assistance in choosing the right signage for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you make a lasting impression.
Our Sign Design Process: Everything you need to Know
Crafting a custom sign that reflects your brand identity and captures your vision requires a thoughtful and collaborative design process. At Freeman Signs, we’re dedicated to bringing your signage ideas to life through a seamless and tailored approach to design. In this FAQ, we’ll walk you through our design process, from initial consultation to concept approval, providing insights into the information we need from you and the file formats we accept. Whether you’re envisioning a striking storefront display or a captivating event banner, we want to make your idea a reality.
How does the design process work?
Our design process begins with quick consultation to understand your specific needs, branding, and vision for the sign. Our team then creates initial design concepts based on this information. We work closely with you to refine the design until it meets your expectations and requirements.
What information do you need from customers to create a custom sign?
To craft a custom sign tailored to your needs, we begin by gathering essential information. This includes your brand or location guidelines, desired sign dimensions, preferred color palette, specific messaging or imagery you wish to incorporate, and the intended placement or environment for the sign. Additionally, having a clear understanding of your budget allows us to align our design concepts accordingly, ensuring we deliver a solution that not only meets your aesthetic preferences but also remains within your financial parameters.
Can I see a concept of my sign before production?
Absolutely, we provide concept artwork of the sign for your review and approval before proceeding to production. This allows you to visualize how the sign would look and make any necessary adjustments before deciding on the final design.
What file formats do you accept for artwork and logos?
We prefer vector artwork files such as .ai (Adobe Illustrator) or .eps (Encapsulated PostScript), as they allow for scalable and high-resolution printing without loss of quality. Additionally, high-quality PDF formats are also suitable for most applications. However, we understand that not everyone has access to vector graphics software, so we accept various file formats to accommodate our clients’ needs. Please provide the best quality artwork you can, and our design team will work with the files provided to ensure the best possible result for your sign.
How long does it typically take to finalize a design?
The timeline for finalizing a design can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the number of revisions needed, and our current workload. On average, the design process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. We strive to work efficiently while ensuring the quality of the final design.
Our design process is driven by your unique needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of your sign is meticulously crafted to perfection. From gathering essential information to providing concept artwork for your review, we’re committed to delivering a design that exceeds your expectations. Trust our experienced team to guide you through the design journey with creativity, expertise, and dedication, and let us help you make a lasting impression with your signage.
Sign Maintenance & Service: Everything you need to Know
Maintaining the functionality and appearance of your signage is paramount for upholding your business’s image and attracting customers. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch service and maintenance solutions to ensure your signage remains in optimal condition year-round. In this FAQ, we’ll address common inquiries regarding sign repairs, ongoing maintenance agreements, and how our team can assist you in preserving the integrity of your signage investment.
What should I do if my sign requires repairs or maintenance?
If your sign requires repairs or maintenance, please contact us promptly. Our team can assess the issue and provide the necessary repairs or maintenance services to restore your sign to working condition.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance agreements or services?
Yes, we offer ongoing maintenance plans and services to ensure your sign remains in top condition year-round. Our maintenance plans may include an inspection, cleaning, repairs, and proactive measures to address potential issues before they escalate. Please inquire about our maintenance agreement options for more details.
How often should my sign be inspected for maintenance purposes?
Regular inspections are essential to catch any issues early on. Depending on the type and location of your sign, we recommend scheduling inspections at least once every year.
What types of repairs are typically covered under your maintenance agreements?
Our maintenance agreements cover a wide range of repairs, including electrical issues, damage, and cosmetic repairs. We aim to address any issues promptly to ensure your sign remains in optimal condition.
Can you provide emergency repair services outside of regular business hours?
Yes, we understand that signage issues can arise unexpectedly. Our team is available to provide emergency repair services outside of regular business hours to minimize disruptions to your business operations.
What proactive measures do you take to prevent sign issues from escalating?
In addition to reactive repairs, our maintenance agreements include proactive measures such as routine inspections, cleaning, and preventive maintenance tasks to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.
Do you offer cleaning services as part of your maintenance agreements?
Yes, our maintenance agreements typically include cleaning services to keep your sign looking its best. We use industry-approved methods and solutions to ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage to your signage.
We understand the importance of keeping your signage in pristine condition. From addressing repairs promptly to offering comprehensive maintenance agreements, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and uninterrupted visibility for your business. Trust our experienced team to deliver reliable service and maintenance solutions tailored to your needs, and let us help you maintain a lasting impression with your signage.
Sign Installation with Freeman: Everything you need to Know
Ensuring your signage is expertly installed is crucial for its effectiveness and longevity. At Freeman Signs, we take pride in offering comprehensive installation services to keep your signage looking its best. In this FAQ, we’ll address common questions about the installation process, from site survey to mounting and electrical connections. Whether you’re curious about permits or cleaning methods, we’re here to provide clarity and guidance on signage installation.
Do you offer installation services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive professional installation services for all types of signs. With the largest fleet in the state of Colorado, our capabilities extend from routine maintenance on building signs to the seamless installation of towering high-rise signage. Our dedicated team, equipped with state-of-the-art trucks and expertise, ensures every project is executed with precision and efficiency. Whatever your signage needs may be, we have the resources and expertise to deliver exceptional results.
What is involved in the installation process?
The installation process typically involves site survey, preparation, mounting or affixing the sign to its designated location, and ensuring proper electrical connections if applicable. Our experienced installers handle each step with precision and attention to detail.
Are there any special requirements or permits needed for installation?
The specific requirements and permits for sign installation vary depending on local regulations and zoning regulations. Our team can assist you in determining and obtaining any necessary permits to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
How do I clean and maintain my new sign?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan and appearance of your sign. We recommend using mild soap and water to clean the sign surface periodically, avoiding abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that may damage the materials or finishes. Our experienced service team would gladly clean your signs during a service call. We also offer maintenance agreements so you never have to worry about your sign.
Can you assist with sign relocation or removal if needed in the future?
Certainly! We offer comprehensive sign relocation and removal services to accommodate your evolving business needs. Our experienced team ensures a seamless transition by meticulously handling, disassembling, transporting, and reinstalling your signage at its new location. From obtaining permits to coordinating logistics, we handle every aspect with professionalism and efficiency.
We’re committed to ensuring the success of your signage investment through expert installation services. From site preparation to meticulous mounting, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Trust Freeman Signs for all your signage installation needs, and let us help you make a lasting impression.