Maintenance Requirements for Decorative Street Signs

Decorative traffics signs are more than just functional—they’re an essential part of a community’s identity, enhancing wayfinding while contributing to the overall aesthetic of a residential development or master-planned neighborhood. But even the most beautiful sign system can quickly become a liability if not properly maintained. That’s why the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) outlines clear maintenance expectations, even for decorative traffic signs.

"Decorative traffic signs" refer to any regulatory, warning, or guide signs customized with aesthetic upgrades—such as fluted posts, ornamental finials, or stylized frames—that still must comply with MUTCD visibility and placement standards.

Clean When Dirty—But Do It Right

As explained by the FHWA, traffic signs should be cleaned when dirty. The good news is that most traffic signs won't accumulate dirt or debris. Assuming a traffic sign is installed in an open, uncovered area, rainwater should naturally clean it. For traffic signs installed around trees or with areas with heavy brush, though, manual cleaning may be needed.

Over time, decorative sign faces can collect dust, grime, pollen, or even bird droppings, especially when installed near vegetation or high-traffic areas. While rainwater often provides a natural rinse, many signs—particularly those under trees or near landscaping—will need occasional manual cleaning.

Q: Can I pressure wash decorative traffic signs?
A: Yes, but only with caution. Use a low-pressure setting and test on a discreet section first to avoid damaging reflective surfaces or powder-coated finishes.

The FHWA recommends solvent-free, non-abrasive cleaners. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers can dull the retroreflective coating or degrade painted elements over time. A soft cloth and mild detergent usually do the trick.

For stubborn dirt and debris, a pressure washer can be used as long as it doesn't damage the sign's face. Whether you're using a cleaning solution or a pressure washer, though, you should test your cleaning method on a discreet area of the traffic sign first. If it doesn't damage the sign, you can continue with your preferred cleaning method.

Maintain Visibility: Control Vegetation

Vegetation should also be cleared around decorative traffic signs. During the spring and summer months, vegetation can quickly consume traffic signs, restricting their visibility and, therefore, increasing the risk of collision. If you're responsible for maintaining one or more traffic signs, inspect them regularly during these times of year to ensure they aren't buried in grass or other vegetation.

Your community signage won’t do much good if it’s hidden by overgrown hedges or tree limbs. As part of a seasonal maintenance routine, ensure that all signage remains clearly visible from the road, especially at night.

Landscaping crews should be trained to treat signposts with care. Lawn equipment can chip paint or dent posts, especially around decorative flanges or cast bases.

"Retroreflectivity" is the property of sign materials that reflects light from vehicle headlights back toward the driver, increasing nighttime visibility.

Q: How often should vegetation be trimmed around street signs?
A: Ideally, signs should be inspected monthly during growing seasons and cleared of any obstructing branches or brush.

Replace When Damaged or Faded

If a traffic sign is damaged or otherwise no longer able to serve its intended function, it should be replaced. Keep in mind that the FHWA has different requirements regarding when exactly traffic signs should be replaced. Regulatory signs like stop and yield, for example, should be replaced or repaired within hours, whereas warning signs like traffic light ahead or turn ahead should be replaced or repaired within three days. Wayfinding signs, on the other hand, should be replaced or repaired within seven business days. 

Signs that are bent, illegible, or faded beyond readability need to be replaced—not just for appearance, but for liability. The FHWA has replacement timeframes based on the type of sign:

• Regulatory signs (e.g. Stop, Yield): Replace within hours

• Warning signs (e.g. Curve Ahead): Replace within 3 days

• Wayfinding signs (e.g. Community Center ➝): Replace within 7 business days

It’s not just about safety. Faded or damaged signage undermines the polished appearance your HOA or developer has worked hard to establish.

"Wayfinding signage" helps residents and visitors navigate spaces like neighborhoods, parks, or commercial districts using directional or informational signs designed for clarity and cohesion.

Document Every Maintenance Action

The FHWA encourages keeping a detailed maintenance log. In these maintenance records, you should include information such as the time and date when the maintenance was performed, the location of the traffic sign, the height of the traffic sign, the color of the traffic sign and other pertinent information. This can protect your HOA or management company from liability in the event of an accident or signage-related complaint.

Q: What should a traffic sign maintenance record include?
A: At a minimum: date/time of inspection or repair, sign location, type of maintenance performed, condition notes, and technician name.

Digital logs or simple spreadsheets can be used to track the condition and service history of each decorative traffic sign. Forsite recommends including high-resolution photos during inspections to monitor fading or physical damage over time.

Let Forsite Help Maintain the Look—and Safety—of Your Community

Forsite manufactures and installs decorative traffic signs, wayfinding systems, and custom signage built for both style and durability. But even the best materials require care. Whether you're retrofitting an older neighborhood or designing signage for a new development, we offer solutions that meet FHWA standards and community expectations.

Let’s talk about signage systems that last—and look great doing it.

About Forsite: 

Welcome to Forsite! You’ve found your best source custom street signs and community wayfinding signs. We manufacture and install upscale site amenities throughout the United States.

Forsite can provide all of your signage needs for your Master Planned Community or  Residential Development. We help our customers to create a uniform, upscale appearance and increase property values by "bundling" themed packages of decorative street signage, mailboxes, post and wall mounted lighting, and wayfinding signage

You can count on the experts at Forsite to help improve the quality of your community today. Contact us today to get started by talking to one of our experienced team members at 855-537-0200.