How long do banners last for?
Banner lifespan and longevity is determined by it's use.
All banners are not created equal and have different lifespans depending on installation, location, maintenance and care. A banner that is hung inside of an establishment, will practically last a lifetime; whereas, the exact same banner hung in an outdoor environment, will have a shorter banner lifespan. So needless to say, this general banner lifespan fact, applies to all banner styles when it comes to indoor or outdoor placement.
Indoor banners don't come into contact with elements that cause eventual wear and tear on the banner material or banner print. While outdoor banners experience moderate to extreme environmental conditions, that eventually over time, will cause the banner to deteriorate or fade. Typically though, most outdoor printed banners, last for about 3 to 5 years with cut vinyl lettered banners possibility achieving a 7 to 10 year lifespan.
Two other factors that will determine how long a banner will last, especially outdoor banners, is proper installation and where the banner is hung. Banners that are not hung well can run into problems that could compromise their intended life span.
Here are some examples to clarify banner longevity issues that can occur on outdoor banners that are poorly hung and placed.
Example 1: A banner is hung outdoors between two poles by only the corner grommets and have been up for 5 days without a hitch. Then on day six, which happened to be an extraordinarily windy day, you come out to see your banner flapping in the wind lie a flag because some of the corner grommets have ripped out. Now this is not a banner lifespan issue, but yet an improper installation problem. An outdoor banner is durable enough to stand normal wind conditions...but only if installed properly. Proper installation for this example would include the customer weaving through the brass grommets of the banner (both top and bottom) and then tying all four corners off. The rope helps distribute the weight of the banner, thus taking stress off of only the corner grommets, and helping the banner live to its full life expectancy.
Example 2: A banner is purchased and positioned outdoors in a location that receives excessive direct sunlight for most of the day. Another banner is positioned in a location that is much shadier and receives less daily sunlight. Which one do you think will outlast the other? The banner receiving less sunlight of course. Even though digital banners utilize fade-resistant inks, but overtime as with all digital imaging, the print will eventually fade naturally. But placing a banner outdoors that is predominantly in the sun will predispose the banner print to fade quicker than normal. So when deciding where to place your banner to capitalize on it's intended longevity consider locations that receive a balanced or low sunlight ratio.
Example 3: Say your banner is used for yearly functions, sales, events, etc. and needs to be stored periodically. A maintenance and care issue may arise, in the form or creases or cracks on your banner, which affect it's visual attractiveness and longevity. A lot of people automatically want to fold a banner for storage....WRONG! Banners that will be stored need to be ROLLED-UP if you want them to last. When a banner is folded it creates creases in the vinyl banner material which can lead to digital print or cut vinyl lettering cracking. So essentially a banner that should have lasted 5 years, if stored improperly, might only last a year or two before it becomes an eyesore.
How you take care of your banner and care for your banner can directly affect it's lifespan. So be kind to your advertising investment and make sure you get the most out of your banner purchase!