How tall should your flagpole be?
Begin by asking what is the height of the house or building? You want to find out the right proportions between the house and your flagpole. For example, for a one-story house you should choose a 15, 18, or 20-foot pole. For a two-story house, the poles get slightly larger, and you should choose an 18, 20, or 25-foot pole.
Do you have a color preference?
Fiberglass flagpoles typically come in white but are available in Bronze and Black as well. Aluminum flagpoles are available in a natural satin finish, clear anodized, bronze anodized and black anodized. Some manufacturers also offer custom finishes.
Will the flag remain up permanently, day and night, or taken down daily?
For permanent day and night use: internal halyard poles are suited for this and provide best security. Also consider the labor cost associated with raising and lowering flag daily, unless you enjoy this. For daily removal: an external halyard pole makes this quite simple. Also, keep in mind a flag flown at night should be lighted per flag etiquette.
Do you wish to fly multiple flags?
If you wish to fly a National flag, State flag and corporate flag and use three flagpoles, the national flag should be in the middle on a pole 5ft taller. If you wish to fly multiple nations all poles should be the same height and no country flag should fly above another on same pole. The US flag should be flown to the right of the other flags. From the perspective of the viewer The US flag is on the left hand side. If you wish to fly two flags on the same pole, the nation flag should be one size larger than the state flag/territory flag below. Total height of both flags combined should not exceed maximum recommended flag size.
What are the factors that affect the price of a flagpole?
There are basically seven features that distinguish any given flagpole:
- Material (aluminum, steel, or fiberglass)
- Height
- Butt diameter
- Wall thickness
- Finish – aluminum poles (brushed aluminum, anodized)
- Halyard system (internal or external)
- Installation type (ground set, shoe base or wall mount)
Is all hardware included with a flagpole to complete an installation?
All hardware is included (i.e. ground sleeve, rope, pulley, etc.). However, there are installation materials (concrete, wood wedges, and sand) that are not included. Flags are purchased separately.
Why is a flagpole actually longer than its designation?
A flagpole is designated by the above ground height. The actual length includes the portion of the pole that goes in the ground. (Ground set only.)
How much of a flagpole is underground?
The rule of thumb is that 10% of the above ground height of a pole is underground. For example, a 20' pole is actually 22' long because 2' (10%) is underground.
Is a flash collar needed for an installation?
Flash collars are only needed when there will be a concrete pad around the base of the pole. The purpose of the flash collar is to hide the top of the ground sleeve, or the anchor bolts and nuts to give a pleasing look to the installation. Some installations will be in flowerbeds or in lawn areas. It is okay to not use a collar in these situations. Dirt, rocks, bark mulch, or grass can be pulled up to the pole making a collar unnecessary.
How close should a pole be installed to other poles of objects?
The size flag that will be flown will determine the distance. Allow at least one foot more than the length of the flag. If possible allow extra distance so that you will have the option to fly a larger flag in the future if you choose (a distance of 1 ½ times the flag's length will allow one size larger flag to be flown). NOTE: Be very cautious when working around power lines.
If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur to anyone standing nearby.How can a level be used to plumb a tapered pole?
The tapered flagpoles have a portion of the pole at the base that is not tapered. Usually you will be safe using the bottom five exposed feet for the level.
How long should the concrete set before putting the flagpole in the sleeve?
The rule of thumb is that concrete should be allowed to set at a rate of 24 hours for each yard of concrete.
How should the flagpole be grounded?
If the foundations are set in soil, the concrete foundation, anchor bolts or lightning spike, and soil will provide adequate protection for the pole itself. Fiberglass poles are non-conductive and do not require grounding.
Should I place lights on my flagpole?
It is customary to light the flag when being flown 24 hours. We suggest mounted away from the flagpole, spot lighting the flag, for proper, patriotic illumination. Canister/cylinder lights are available on external halyard flagpoles, but illuminate only the bottom of the flag. Internal halyard flagpoles do not use canister/cylinder lights due to the difficulty lowering the flag and damage which could result from the counter weight and the halyard that is inside the pole may get tangled with electrical wiring.
