In our Spotlight series, we're going to introduce you to the myriad materials sign makers use to design, build, and install your sign. This series will help you make an informed decision about what you want in a sign or banner, and can even give you tips on installing your sign yourself to save costs.

Our first entry is bungee cords!

Bungee cords are strong and durable, and provide enough tension on your sign to keep it from whipping back and forth in the wind.  Wind damage shortens the life of your banners, and bungees allow your banner to flex in the wind but not flap around.  Bungees are also the best way to keep your banner from sagging.

Bungees are best when you want a free-standing banner installation; i.e. one not secure against a wall.

We never recommend using rope as an alternative to bungee cords.  Rope doesn’t have the tension that bungees have, so when the wind stretches them, they won’t rebound back, which will make your banner sag.  Sagging leads to tearing and severe damage to the banner.  If a seller tries convincing you to install a sign with rope, you can bet your pension fund they aren't a reputable sign maker.  Ditch 'em.

--Your Signtern