What a billboard face change includes
A face change is more than swapping a printed skin. It usually includes site access planning, making the structure safe to work on, removing the existing face or panels, fitting the new face, checking fixings, and leaving the structure tidy for the next inspection. We work on static outdoor advertising structures, roadside towers, wall-mounted frames and high-level signage where access needs to be managed properly.
Our crews are rigging only, so we do not compete with sign makers. We support the shop that won the job, then step in for the high work, lifting gear and safe access. That keeps responsibility clear and the client does not have two parties trying to control one site.
- Removal of old flex face, panels or boards
- Installation of the new face or advertising skin
- Access using scaffold, platform work or lifting equipment
- Basic hardware checks before and after the change
- Site cleanup and handover to the sign maker or property contact
How we plan the work before we arrive
Good planning saves time, especially when a billboard is on a busy road or in a windy coastal area. We start with a site survey or review the details sent by the sign maker. We look at height, fixing method, access from ground level, traffic exposure, and whether the face change can be done from a platform, scaffold or rope access type setup. On larger jobs we also factor in lift planning and municipal restrictions where needed.
In Cape Town, wind and salt air can affect timing and hardware condition. In Gauteng, we often plan around tight access, mall rules, security procedures and peak traffic windows. If the structure shows corrosion, damaged bolts or water ingress, we flag it before work starts so there are no surprises halfway through the job.
- Height and reach assessment
- Wind, rain and load-shedding timing checks
- Access route and safe working area review
- Traffic and pedestrian control planning
- Confirmation of any permits or property approvals required
Our face change process on site
On the day, the crew arrives with the right access gear, tools and PPE. The supervisor checks the site, briefs the team and confirms the safe sequence for the job. Old material is removed carefully so there is no damage to the frame, lighting or substrate. We then install the new face, tension it correctly and inspect all visible fixings and edges before we sign off the work. If the billboard has lighting, we allow for access around the fittings without disturbing the electrical side more than necessary.
Because we work at height and around roads, our focus is steady and controlled work rather than rushing. A clean face change should leave the board looking right and the structure still sound. We do not cut corners, even on jobs where the turnaround is tight.
- Site induction and safety setup
- Remove existing billboard face
- Inspect frame, brackets and edge lines
- Fit and secure new face or panels
- Final check, cleanup and handover notes
Turnaround times and emergency callouts
Turnaround depends on access height, weather and whether the face change is part of a planned campaign handover or an urgent replacement. A straightforward face swap on an easy-access structure may be completed in a short visit, while taller boards or sites with traffic control can take longer. We always rather give a realistic time than promise something that will not hold on the day.
For urgent removals, damaged faces or weather-related failures, we can arrange emergency callouts in Cape Town and Johannesburg. That often happens after strong wind, a loose panel report, or when a campaign needs to be changed over quickly. In those cases we focus on making the site safe first, then completing the replacement as soon as conditions allow.
- Planned face changes: booked by site and access needs
- Urgent removals: prioritised for safety or campaign deadlines
- Weather delays: common on exposed coastal sites
- After-hours work: possible where property rules allow
Pricing approach for sign makers
We price face changes based on the real work involved, not on a one-size-fits-all rate. The main factors are height, access method, size of the billboard face, location, whether lifting equipment is needed, and how much time the crew will spend on site. A roadside structure in Sandton with traffic control and after-hours access will not cost the same as a ground-access board in Paarden Eiland.
For sign makers, the value is in having a crew that understands the job, communicates clearly and does not create costly delays. We can quote from drawings, site photos or a measured survey, and we are happy to separate access, removal and installation so the paperwork stays clean. That makes it easier for the sign shop to price its own client correctly.
- Quoted per site, based on access and height
- Separate pricing for removal, installation and access where needed
- Allowance for lift hire, scaffold or platform work if required
- Extra time charged only where the site changes from the brief
Maintenance intervals that protect the structure
Billboards should not only be seen when a campaign changes. Regular maintenance visits help pick up loose fixings, damaged faces, rust, water ingress and lighting access issues before they become a bigger cost. On coastal sites like Bellville closer to salt exposure or around Somerset West and Paarden Eiland, we recommend closer checks because corrosion can start faster than people expect.
For exposed roadside structures or heavily used advertising towers, a scheduled inspection every 3 to 6 months is sensible. After severe wind or heavy rain, an extra check is worth the call. If the sign has recurring access problems, we can also help plan a safer method for future changes so the next face swap is quicker and less disruptive.
- Routine inspections every 3 to 6 months
- Extra checks after storms or strong wind
- Fixing reviews on older steel frames
- Lighting access and cabling checks where relevant
Key facts
| Service area | Cape Town, Johannesburg, Western Cape and Gauteng |
|---|---|
| Typical work | Billboard face changes, removals, re-facing and access tasks |
| Access methods | Scaffold access, platform work, lift planning and controlled rigging |
| Crew focus | Safety trained, scaffold trained and first-aid trained |
| Common board types | Outdoor advertising structures, roadside towers and wall-mounted frames |
| Base locations | Paarden Eiland, Cape Town and Johannesburg |
