Wave Your Flag Loud and Proud: Expert Advice on How to Choose the Best Flagpole
What’s one thing patriotic homeowners, astute business owners, proud social clubs, and government buildings have in common?
They all need flag poles!
That’s right. Whether they’re hoisting the Star Spangled Banner or a flag with their organization’s emblem on it, having a high-quality pole outside’s all-important.
With countless different types and styles to choose from, though, the tricky part’s picking the best flagpole for the task. Know the struggle? Want some expert input and advice for help making up your mind?
You’re in the right place! Check out these pro considerations and tips for buying flagpoles.
Choose the Perfect Material
Flagpoles of old were almost always made from tall, thin stretches of wood. A natural and plentiful resource, these wooden poles were cost-effective and readily available. The only downside?
Even with a weatherproof coating on the surface, they’d start to rot and deteriorate over time! That’s why most flagpoles are now constructed using either aluminum or fiberglass. Strong and durable, metal flagpoles last longer and are less likely to suffer from exposure to the elements.
For a lightweight, sturdy, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly pole, we recommend opting for aluminum. If you’re willing to pay a premium for extra strength and versatility, though, then fiberglass is the better choice.
Select the Flagpole Type
There are two main types of flagpoles to choose between these days: telescoping or single-piece. As you’d expect, both versions have their pros and cons! Here are the key ones to know about:
- Single-Piece
The single-piece model is the classic flagpole we all know and love. Using what’s known as a “halyard system”, the flag itself attaches to a rope, which is fed through a pulley at the top of the pole.
Traditional and attractive, these single-piece poles always go down a treat!
That said, expect some clanging and banging as the swivel snaps (that connect the flag to the rope) collide with the pole. Oh, and because you’re dealing with one long piece of metal, any repair work that’s required can cost a significant sum of money.
For instance, imagine if the flag gets stuck at the top! Getting up there to fix it is no mean feat and may involve hiring bucket trucks for help.
- Telescoping
Those issues fade into non-existence if you purchase a telescoping flagpole though. These clever designs resemble the antenna on FM radios and were even planted on the moon (6 times!). You can extend and retract them at will, with each section sliding into (or out of) the one below it.
Operating a telescoping flagpole is simple. With no halyard system in view, you hoist or lower the flag by telescoping the pole up or down, respectively.
Problems at the top? You don’t need a bucket truck this time. You can simply lower the flagpole and resolve the issues yourself!
Be sure to consider the width/diameter of the flagpole’s base and the thickness of its “walls”. A wide base, thick walls, and a solid locking mechanism (cam-lock systems are best!) are all important attributes to have in high winds.
Remember the Wind Rating
Pay attention to the wind rating of flagpoles for sale as well. It might sound trivial, but, trust us, this is downright crucial to selecting the best flagpole possible! Why?
Because forgetting to check the rating is a recipe for purchasing a pole that’s unsuitable and unsafe. It could fall down as soon as the wind starts howling outside! In worst-case scenarios, this could then cause injuries to people in the area and/or damage to vehicles or buildings.
Start by checking reputable climate/weather websites to find out the average wind speeds in your area of the country. From there, it’s a matter of selecting a flagpole with a rating that’ll accommodate it.
Think About the Flagpole’s Height
Next up, ask yourself how large you want the flagpole to be. As a rough guide, most residential versions fall somewhere in the 15’ to 25’ range (with 20’ being most common). Yet there’s nothing stopping you from sizing up or down in line with your personal desires and requirements!
For reference, think about the building outside which you plan to place the flag. How tall is that? We suggest installing a flagpole that’s at least 5’ taller in a bid to deliver the best aesthetic results.
Here are a few further considerations to help you decide the ideal height:
- The amount of land you possess (taller flagpoles are ideal in large areas),
- Any homeowners association restrictions (these will limit the maximum permissible height), and
- The height of your neighbors’ flagpole (you might want the tallest one in the area!).
Assess the Sightlines
Is there any point in having a flagpole if nobody can even see the flag flying? Not if you’re a business owner or sports club manager! People in these positions (and others like it) need their flags to fly as high as possible so that passers-by and/or prospective customers can actually spot them.
Think about the trees, bushes, and other visual obstructions that could get in the way. Purchase a flagpole that’s both tall enough and in a reasonable position to ensure it remains visible.
Top tip: Never situate your flagpole too close to a property, tree, or anything else it (or the flag) could feasibly touch. Fail in this regard and you can expect both elements to suffer unnecessary wear and tear.
Time to Find the Best Flagpole Possible
Installing a flagpole outside your property comes with all kinds of advantages.
First and foremost, it enables you to hoist the American flag and demonstrate your patriotism! It also boosts your home’s curb appeal and allows you to commemorate national events. And, for business owners, it’s a great way to attract customers and help them pinpoint your premises.
As we’ve seen, though, not all flagpoles are made equal! Have you been struggling with the task of choosing one and wondering how to choose the best flagpole possible? Well, with any luck, the tips in this article will help you do it.
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