An important element of every home's front entrance is a well-marked address plaque. Having your house number clearly and prominently displayed on your home's exterior not only helps friends and visitors locate you, but it also helps service providers, delivery people, and emergency responders reach your home, as well. For this reason, an address plaque is more than just a matter of curb appeal; it's a safety feature of your home, too. In this article, we will explore some of the various types of address plaques available today and help you determine which type is right for your home.

When considering an address plaque for your home, there are several questions you should ask yourself. Where will the address plaque be located? Do I have space on the front of my home or garage to hang it? If it is to be hung, how will I affix to it my home's siding? Will the plaque be fully exposed to the weather and outdoor elements, or will it be somewhat protected under an eave or overhang of my home's roof?

Address plaques are available in an almost endless number of material choices. If you are looking at a framed plaque, aluminum is usually a good frame material choice, because it will resist rusting and corroding when exposed to the elements. Avoid steel, because it will rust quickly, and also copper, unless you desire the look of the tarnished patina that will develop over time. A vinyl house number plaque may also be a good material choice, and very long lasting, too. When purchasing a vinyl sign, though, make sure that the plastic has been UV treated so it won't fade or discolor in the sun.

For the most weatherproof address sign, consider a natural material like wood, stone, granite, or slate. In the case of wood, something unpainted will require the least maintenance. Usually the numbers on an unpainted wood address sign will be burned or carved into the wood. With a stone, granite, or slate plaque, numbers may also be carved or etched into the surface. Again, the result is a very durable and long lasting sign that will require little maintenance over the years.

Another important consideration is whether you want your sign to be lighted. An illuminated address plaque can be very helpful for anyone who might be trying to locate your home during dark hours. While you may not have many nighttime visitors, keep in mind that emergencies can occur at night, and a lighted address plaque will usually help emergency responders find your house more quickly. There are several choices when it comes to lighted address signs.

First, you can choose a sign that is illuminated from the inside. That means that the surface of the sign may glow, lighting up the numbers themselves. Another option is a sign that is externally lighted, meaning there is a light shining on the sign from above or below. Any standard address plaque can be illuminated by simply adding a spotlight to shine on it. Regardless of the type of lighted sign you chose, it will have to be powered in some way. The most common options are low voltage lighting or solar powered lights. Solar is certainly more convenient, because you won't have to run any wiring; however, solar lights do contain battery cells that will eventually need to be replaced. This is something to consider when purchasing any solar powered light. Low voltage will require you to run some wiring, but this can be as simple as just plugging the sign into a standard electrical outlet.

Regardless of the type of address plaque you choose, the most important thing is to have one displayed. So choose a spot on your house where the sign can be clearly seen from the street, and then get yourself an address plaque. Not only will your home look better, but your family will be safer, too.