A flag is a great option for supporting your country, community, or favorite team or simply decorating for the season. It’s easy to focus on choosing a flag, so you might be surprised how many choices you have for the pole! Fortunately, a few thoughtful considerations can point you in the right direction for your flagpole.
1- Determine Location
Whether you have a yard or porch or can make permanent changes to the property may impact where and how you install a flag pole. You don’t want to obstruct power lines or tangle with trees. Similarly, you might be limited by the available vertical space for erecting the pole or have to abide by regulations, so a smaller or telescoping pole might be preferable. Don’t give up just because a traditional flagpole isn’t in the cards. A horizontal or angled pole off a building or structure might be one solution, while garden poles are ideal for garden flags, which usually hang vertically.
2- Pick the Right Size Pole
If you want to display an actual flag and not just a decorative banner, flag size suggests flagpole height, which you may have noticed if you’ve ever seen a pole flying a pole that’s comically large or small for its height! A smaller 15-foot pole is ideal for flags between 2.5 feet x 4 feet and 3 feet x 5 feet, although a 20-foot pole will also work for those sizes. For a 5-foot-tall flag, you’ll want a 40-foot pole, and you can double that number to determine that an 80-foot pole is best with a 10-foot-tall flag.
3- Consider Weather
If you live in a particularly windy area, your flag pole must be sturdy enough to handle it. A smaller, dowel-type pole may not be strong enough to withstand wind in areas that see it most. Fortunately, you can consult the wind speed rating of specific poles if this is a concern, and thicker pole walls add to durability. Keep in mind that wind often impacts things higher than those close to the ground because there are fewer obstructions. The layout of structures can also lead to strong winds by creating suction or corridors that the window follows. This is why some people opt for telescopic poles, which they can remotely raise or lower with a button click.
4- Choose a Material
Other weather concerns include how much precipitation you receive, which can lead to rusting or oxidation. An anodized coating minimizes this on aluminum poles, while fiberglass isn’t as vulnerable to the elements. However, if you strongly prefer the look of aluminum to fiberglass, especially because of the available finishes, it won’t be a problem with the proper care and maintenance.
5- Look at the Halyards
The halyard raises and lowers the flag, and you can probably envision the standard external style, which is visible. Internal halyards can look neater and protect your pole and flag from vandalism, however. A lock and key protect internal halyards, although they may be difficult to repair if broken. Despite these potential difficulties, the benefits of a neater look and increased protection often make internal halyards a preferred choice for many flagpole installations.
