Seeking a standout signage option that will showcase your brand, attract visitors to your business, and perhaps even become a widely recognized local landmark? A high-quality pylon sign could be the perfect solution.

Below, we’ve put together a complete guide to pylon signs for businesses considering an investment in this high-return, high-visibility signage option. Contact us at SpeedPro Canada to tell us more about your exterior signage vision and explore industry-leading pylon signage solutions tailored precisely to your needs.

Understanding Pylon Signage: Definition, Purpose, And Evolution

Also known as highway signs, business signs, structural pole signs, or road signs, pylon signs are freestanding signs that are elevated off the ground (sometimes high off the ground) on one or two poles. Their primary purpose? To attract attention and increase visibility for businesses.

The word pylon is derived from the ancient Greek word pyle, signifying an entrance-gate to a city or fortress. In ancient Egypt, pylons were massive towers that flanked the entrances to sacred temples. While modern pylon signs have evolved significantly from these historic origins and nowadays mark entrances to businesses rather than those of cities or temples, their towering presence still attracts the eye just as the vertical lines of their gate-bearing relatives did thousands of years ago.

Key Features And Components Of Effective Pylon Signs

To be effective, a pylon sign must be visible, eye-catching, and durable. Of course, it should also attract the attention of your target audience and accurately reflect your brand’s identity and values (more on this in “Designing An Impactful Pylon Sign” below).

Let’s take a closer look:

Height And Visibility Advantages

Pylon signs provide unparalleled visibility and can be particularly advantageous in situations where a business:

• Wishes to attract attention from traffic on a highway or major road
• Is set far back from the road, or has a large parking lot in front
• Is obstructed from view by other buildings or structures
• Has a hard-to-find entrance
• Is aiming to become known as a local landmark
• Wishes to quickly increase its brand awareness and visibility

Structural Elements And Materials

Pylon signs are meant to withstand harsh weather conditions over the long term and are fabricated from durable, long-lasting materials. The base and pole(s) are commonly made of aluminum or steel, as is the metal frame that holds the display area. The sign itself is usually constructed from high-durability plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and may also incorporate UV-resistant technology. A well-made pylon sign should require minimal maintenance and represent a high-value, long-term investment that will endure and continue to attract customers for many years.

Pylon Signage Vs. Other Business Sign Options

Pylon signs have many advantages, but they’re far from being the only option available to businesses. Below, we’ve considered how they differ from two other popular exterior signage solutions: Monument signs and pole signs.

Unsure which exterior sign type is the right fit for your business’s needs? Our knowledgeable team at SpeedPro Canada can help you make an informed decision.

Pylon Signs Compared To Monument Signs

Like pylon signs, monument signs are freestanding signs that mark the entrance to a facility or business, but several characteristics distinguish these two popular signage types from one another:

• Height – While pylon signs are known as tall signs, monument signs are often about the height of a person.
• Base – Monument signs rest on a solid base on the ground rather than being elevated on one or two poles like pylon signs.
• Aesthetics – Monument signs are usually designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape/architecture and often contribute to a sense of permanence and prestige. The intent of a pylon sign, on the other hand, is generally to improve brand visibility by standing out. In some cases, pylon signs are intentionally designed to contrast with their surroundings.
• Location – Monument signs are frequently found at the entrances to campuses, parks, subdivisions, places of worship, and apartment complexes. Pylon signs are more often associated with service-based businesses such as restaurants, hotels, movie theatres, and car washes.

Differences Between Pole Signs And Pylon Structures

Pole signs and pylon signs are actually quite similar in many regards, but subtle differences do exist between them, including:

• Poles – A pole sign is always mounted on a single pole, while a pylon sign can be mounted on one or two poles.
• Decorative Features – While both types of structures elevate signage and increase brand visibility at a distance, pole signs are usually simpler and incorporate fewer architectural features and/or decorative elements.
• Presence – Pole signs are usually less substantial in their overall presence than pylon signs.
• Location – Both sign types can be found at business entrances, but pylon signs are more common at malls, business parks, and multi-tenant complexes because their substantial structural design can inherently accommodate a greater amount of information.

Strategic Benefits Of Pylon Signage For Businesses

Some of the major benefits of pylon signs have already been covered above, but below we’ve taken a deeper dive into the top four reasons why businesses choose to invest in them:

• Visibility – Brand visibility is pivotal in expanding your customer base, and there’s nothing quite so visible as a prominent pylon sign that can’t be missed for blocks around. Stand out from the crowd wherever your business is located and make an impression that won’t fade or diminish over time.

• Durability – Pylon signs are meant to withstand harsh weather and endure for many years with little maintenance required. SpeedPro Canada’s state-of-the-art pylon signage solutions are specifically designed to prevail against the extremes of the Canadian climate.

• Customization – When it comes to pylon signage, there’s no such thing as standard. Choose the material, size, colour, style, and design that best capture your business’s identity.

• Branding – Pylon signage strongly reinforces brand image and recognition and can easily be replicated/scaled across multiple locations.

Highway And High-Traffic Visibility Solutions

The height and prominence of pylon signs make them an ideal solution for businesses hoping to attract the attention of passing traffic on highways or busy roads. A tall pylon sign can be seen from quite a distance, giving drivers time to notice and digest the information on it before safely taking the next turn or exit.

Multi-Tenant And Shopping Centre Applications

Pylon signs often incorporate the names and logos of multiple tenants or businesses in settings such as malls, shopping centres, or multi-tenant complexes. These types of signs stand out from a distance, allowing customers and clients to conveniently locate the business(es) they are seeking, while also gaining awareness of other nearby brands and services in the immediate vicinity.

Designing An Impactful Pylon Sign

Here are some core pylon sign design considerations that will help you to maximize the visual impact of your final product:

Branding Considerations And Visual Impact

• Size – Remember to carefully gauge the distance you expect your sign to be viewed from as you make decisions about its final size and height.

• Visibility and Contrast – How will you ensure that your sign stands out from its background and is visible from every angle?
• Design Elements – Consider how the shape of your pylon sign, as well as its colours, fonts, and graphic elements, reflect your brand’s values and identity.
• Consistency – Maintain consistency with other marketing materials and remember that simple, concise messaging often has the greatest impact on consumers.

Illumination Options And Technology Integration

From LED lighting to digital display boards, there is a wide variety of options available when it comes to illuminating your pylon sign and ensuring that it receives the attention it deserves 24 hours a day. We invite you to speak directly with a SpeedPro Canada representative who can help you determine the most suitable illumination style for your business’s needs.

Implementation Process: From Concept To Installation

At SpeedPro Canada, our experienced team specializes in bringing clients’ exterior signage visions to life with expertise and professionalism. From state-of-the-art technology to exceptional customer care, we offer a full-service experience that begins with conceptualization and ends with professional installation services. We’re not satisfied until you are, and just like you, we’re 100% dedicated to a final outcome that will help your business increase its visibility and customer base on an ongoing basis. Contact us today to learn more!

Permitting And Regulatory Compliance

Every jurisdiction has its own regional laws that govern the installation of tall signs and illuminated structures. Not sure what the rules are for your area? The teams at SpeedPro Canada can help you ensure that your pylon sign design is compliant with local guidelines and regulations. Depending on the circumstances, a professional site survey may be required prior to installation. If your sign will be illuminated, involving a professional electrician to ensure proper connections, grounding, and insulation is highly recommended.

Maintenance Requirements And Longevity Factors

A high-quality pylon sign shouldn’t require much maintenance, but over the years, it’s recommended to:

• Clean the sign regularly with a mild soap or detergent
• Remove debris or vegetation from around the sign
• Inspect the sign for signs of wear and tear or damage
• Repair minor issues promptly
• Keep lighting elements in good working order
• Invest in professional inspections for illumination and digital displays

Maximizing Your Business Visibility With Strategic Pylon Signage

While the material, size, and design of each pylon sign are unique, all pylon signs share something fundamental in common: They command attention. At SpeedPro Canada, our experienced teams possess the knowledge, cutting-edge tools and technology, skill, and expertise to help you ensure that your pylon sign stands out in all the right ways, commands the right kind of attention, and will endure for many years.

Ready to get started? So are we. Contact us at SpeedPro Canada today to take the first step in your pylon signage journey!