Multifamily Maintenance: Signage and Hard Water Spots

As always, the best maintenance begins with preventative measures.  

In the case of hard water spots it is quite simple, keep watch on your sprinklers.  As we often say around the office, "signs don’t grow" - so don’t water them.  Not only will it leave spots and eventually rot or rust your signs, but it is a waste of water.  So, keep an eye out for the first signs of water spotting and adjust your sprinklers.  It will conserve water as well as save you a lot of work and expense.  That being said there are instances where prevention is not an option, if the sign is in the middle of a grassy area, for instance, it is going to get wet.  When this is the case, you don’t have to succumb to water spots that make your signs look old and your property less desirable.  A quick wipe down with a soft damp cloth may just do the trick.  If that doesn’t work using a small amount of Lime-a-way almost always works (be sure to rinse thoroughly).  There are many different materials and finishes that your signs could be made of so ALWAYS work with a small test spot in an inconspicuous place on the sign to be sure that the chemicals won’t do any damage before trying larger portions of the signs. If you see any color or texture changes in the finish STOP and do not proceed with that method of cleaning.  If the water damage is extensive it may be beyond repair, but if you catch it early and keep up with it, at least a monthly, it only takes a few minutes and can make a real difference in your multifamily property.