Frequently Asked Questions

Parvin-Clauss has been a leading sign company since 1952.

Parvin-Clauss works with all industries, but in depth experience in industries such as retail, property management, education, religious, hospitality, healthcare, municipal, banking, corporate, home builder and urban residential, senior living, car washes and petroleum.

The average experience of employees at Parvin-Clauss is over 17 years of sign industry experience, with a gross total of over 700 years of sign industry experience combined!

The goal of the Parvin-Clauss team is to improve people's lives by understanding the customer's business and goals and act as an extension of their business. Parvin-Clauss strives to exceed expectations and create a lasting partnership.

Parvin-Clauss Sign Company differentiates itself from other sign companies by being responsive, nurturing quality and craftsmanship and uniquely positioned as a knowledgeable, one stop shop tailoring signage to it's client's needs, on time and with superior value.

1. All-in-one solution: Simplified workflow as design, fabrication, installation, and servicing take place under one roof.

2. Consistent quality control: From Chicago-based facility using eco-friendly materials and modern engineering standards.

3. Experience & reliability: Over 70 years in business, serving clients nationwide with strong industry affiliations and high customer satisfaction.

We have become a leader in the sign industry with the reliability of a family‑owned business dedicated to quality, integrity, and long‑term customer relationships. With an average of 17 years of sign‑industry experience per employee, their team offers creative, custom-engineered signage that reflects your brand and complies with codes, while a single point of contact ensures a seamless experience from design through installation. 

Parvin‑Clauss’s integrated approach—handling permitting, fabrication, engineering, and maintenance in-house—means consistent quality and execution every time, making clients feel understood and well supported throughout the process.

At Parvin‑Clauss Sign Company, our clients consistently highlight the standout qualities that set us apart in the signage industry. These core strengths define the experience we deliver and the lasting partnerships we build.

• Quality: We’re dedicated to delivering top-tier quality through precise attention to detail and expert workmanship in every project.

• Responsiveness: Our team ensures you stay informed at every phase with prompt, transparent, and proactive communication.

• Knowledge: As a full-service signage provider, we manage your entire project—from design to installation—with a skilled, unified team guiding it all.

Parvin‑Clauss is a full-service commercial sign company, offering end-to-end control over every stage of your signage project—nationwide—from design through installation and beyond.

1. Sign Design & Engineering

• Professional design and creative engineering services tailored to your brand and messaging

• Collaboration on budget, materials, and aesthetic to create an impactful sign solution

2. Project Management

• Dedicated project management team oversees every phase: design review, permitting, site surveys, scheduling, logistics, and installation coordination

3. Sign Manufacturing

• In‑house fabrication facility in suburban Chicago using steel, aluminum, acrylic, vinyl, LED, and more

• Capability to produce channel letters, monuments, digital signage, architectural displays, and more

4. Sign Installation

• Skilled installation crews equipped for projects large and small—including high‑elevation and heavy structures

• Full adherence to safety standards and UL‑approved installation practices; fleet of well‑maintained service vehicles

5. Sign Maintenance

• Routine upkeep and inspection via the “Sign Armour Maintenance Program” to ensure signs remain clean, functional, and safe

• Services available as standalone or ongoing contracts

6. Sign Repair

• Damage mitigation and restoration services for signs affected by weather, vandalism, accidents, or wear

• Includes rewiring, repainting, replacing components, and other repair work to bring signage back to full form

7. Sign Retrofitting

• Upgrade outdated lighting or materials (e.g. convert to energy‑efficient LED, modern components)

• Extend the lifespan and improve performance of existing installations

  
  
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As a full service, custom sign manufacturer,  we provide design, fabrication, installation, and repair services for a variety of sign types. We specialize in channel letters, pylon & monument signs, digital signage, wayfinding signs, experiential signs, marketing signs, interior signs, and awnings. Our expertise goes far beyond our specialties, with extensive experience in most every sign type for commercial properties, including channel letters, pylon & monument signs, illuminated building signage, awnings, wayfinding/post & panel signs, LEED signs, marketing signage/banners/vinyl graphics, electronic message centers, interior/ADA signage, and non-illuminated building signage.

Parvin-Clauss works with all industries, but in depth experience in industries such as retail, property management, education, religious, hospitality, healthcare, municipal, banking, corporate, home builder and urban residential, senior living, car washes and petroleum.

The right material depends on where the sign will be placed, how long it needs to last, and your budget. Outdoor signs face constant exposure to sun, wind, rain, and snow, so durable materials like aluminum, steel, high-density urethane, or acrylic are often used. For indoor signs, lightweight options such as PVC, foam board, or even vinyl graphics can be effective and cost-efficient. Longevity also matters—while a vinyl banner may work for a short-term event, a monument sign outside your building should be built to last 15+ years.

Visibility is one of the most important aspects of signage design. Signs must be easily read at the intended viewing distance and under real-life conditions—whether that’s by pedestrians up close or by drivers traveling at 45 mph. Letter height, font choice, spacing, and color contrast all play critical roles. As a general guideline, every 1 inch of letter height provides about 10 feet of readability. For example, a 10-inch letter should be legible from 100 feet away. Poor visibility reduces effectiveness, no matter how attractive the design.

Signage is regulated by municipal zoning codes, which dictate what type of signs are allowed in certain areas. Rules may include restrictions on size, height, lighting, materials, or even content. Some municipalities also require a permit before fabrication or installation begins. Not understanding these requirements can lead to delays, fines, or the need to remake a sign. Always check local ordinances—or consult a professional, like Parvin-Clauss Sign Company, who can handle permitting—to ensure compliance before investing in design and fabrication.

Lighting significantly increases the visibility and impact of a sign, particularly at night or in dim conditions. Options range from internal illumination (like LED modules inside channel letters) to external lighting (spotlights or floodlights that shine onto the sign). LED technology has become the industry standard due to its energy efficiency and long lifespan. Beyond practicality, lighting can also enhance aesthetics—for instance, halo-lit letters create a more upscale appearance, while brightly illuminated cabinets maximize impact along highways.

Temporary signage is meant for short-term use, often tied to promotions, events, or seasonal activities. Examples include banners, yard signs, and window graphics. They are typically made from cost-effective materials like vinyl or corrugated plastic. Permanent signage, on the other hand, is designed for branding and long-term identity. These signs—such as monument signs, channel letters, or architectural signs—are built from durable materials that withstand weather and last for years. Deciding between the two comes down to how long you want the message displayed and how central the sign is to your brand presence.

Colors influence both how well a sign can be read and how people emotionally respond to it. High-contrast color combinations, like black on yellow or white on blue, improve visibility. Certain colors can evoke feelings or associations—red often conveys urgency or excitement, while blue can feel calming and trustworthy. It’s also important to consider how colors interact with lighting. A dark blue sign may look sharp in daylight but lose visibility at night if not properly illuminated. Balancing brand identity with readability ensures a sign stands out for the right reasons.

All signs require some level of maintenance, and planning for it helps preserve their effectiveness. Outdoor signs may need routine cleaning to remove dirt, bird droppings, or pollution. Painted or coated finishes may require touch-ups over time, and illuminated signs will occasionally need electrical servicing or LED replacements. Indoor signs generally require less upkeep but may still need occasional cleaning or updates to remain accurate. A well-maintained sign not only lasts longer but also reflects positively on your business image—an old, faded, or broken sign can unintentionally send the wrong message.

The correct size depends on multiple factors: viewing distance, traffic speed, surrounding environment, and purpose. A sign that’s too small risks being overlooked, while one that’s too large may violate zoning codes or overwhelm the space. A practical rule is 1 inch of letter height for every 10 feet of viewing distance, but this should be adjusted based on traffic conditions. For example, a highway sign may require letters 18 inches or taller to be read comfortably at 55 mph, while an indoor directory sign can use much smaller lettering since it’s viewed up close.

Wayfinding signage refers to signs designed to guide people through a space. Examples include directional signs in hospitals, campus maps at universities, or parking garage level indicators. These signs improve efficiency by reducing confusion and stress for visitors. In large or complex spaces, consistent and strategically placed wayfinding signage is critical for safety and convenience. Good wayfinding design often combines clear text, universal symbols, and sometimes color-coding to help people navigate intuitively without needing assistance.

Static signs—like channel letters, monument signs, or wall graphics—are fixed displays. They are typically more durable, require less ongoing maintenance, and work well for long-term branding. Digital signs, on the other hand, use LED screens or message boards to display dynamic content. They allow businesses to update messages quickly, promote time-sensitive offers, or run multiple messages from a single display. However, digital signs generally come with a higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance considerations, including software updates and potential repairs. The right choice depends on how often you plan to change messaging and the overall role of signage in your communication strategy.