The decision on the appropriate action for damaged sign panels is a field judgment. Minor bending of a sign will prevent headlights from illuminating the sign at night. Signs with minor bends can be repaired by removing the sign from the post and straightening the sign. Signs that are badly bent cannot be properly repaired in the field. Attempts to straighten badly bent signs result in cracking and peeling of the sign face material. Many agencies consider it more economical to replace rather than repair signs that maintenance workers judge to be badly worn or damaged [46].
There are field repair kits available with pressure-sensitive reflective background sheeting and die-cut pressure-sensitive prespaced letters, borders, and symbols. It is often difficult, however, to properly apply these materials under field conditions. In addition to the difficulty of field repairs, a regulatory or warning sign should be placed on the post while repairs are being made. This sign may as well be a replacement sign and a more economical and durable repair made in the controlled environment of a shop operation. Do not take down a sign without immediately positioning a replacement. Extra signs should be placed in the service truck prior to leaving the garage. If field replacement of reflective sheeting is performed, however, the proper procedure provided by the manufacturer must be followed.
