CHOOSING A FLAGPOLE
Choosing the right flagpole is an important decision. There are three types of flagpoles, “RESIDENTIAL”, “TELESCOPING” and “COMMERCIAL”. Commercial flagpoles are for both business and residential use. The commercial flagpole is much more durable than either residential or telescoping.
The "RESIDENTIAL" flagpole
The “RESIDENTIAL” flagpoles are sectional and range in height from 10’ to 25’. This lightweight, modular flagpole is a popular, inexpensive choice for the home or apartment landscape. The shaft sections are manufactured from strong 6063T5 seamless aluminum tubing to provide a long lasting, rust free beautiful appearance. The swaged top of each section fits into the bottom of the section above it to provide a strong, water repellant joint and an attractive, straight assembly. This flagpole can be proudly displayed year round or easily disassembled and stored. These flagpoles are not wind rated.
Standard fittings include:
1) Gold Anodized aluminum ball ornament
2) Stationary cast aluminum truck with pulley
3) Polypropylene halyard with 2 nylon flag snaps
4) Cast aluminum rope cleat with mounting screws
5) PVC ground sleeve
The "TELESCOPING" flagpole
The “TELESCOPING” flagpole ranges in height from 16’, 18', 20' and 25’ and offer convenience over a sectional flagpoles, perfect for homeowners, businesses, tailgaters or RV’ers. These flagpoles have the appearance of a tapered flagpole and do not have ropes, chains or pulleys so you do not have to worry about knots and tangles. Simply raise the sections and match the arrow to the hole, click in place and with a simple press “release” button down the flagpole slides. The flags rotate 360º and are virtually noise free. These flagpoles are made of sturdy aluminum with an anodized finish making this flagpole maintenance free, no need to worry about rust or painting. This flagpole come in silver, bronze and black. These flagpoles are not wind rated.
Standard fittings include:
1) Gold Anodized aluminum ball ornament
2) Double flag harness to fly two flags
3) PVC ground sleeve
The "LIGHT COMMERCIAL" flagpole
The “LIGHT COMMERCIAL” flagpole ranges in height from 15’ to 35’ , one and two sections and retain the graceful taper of the larger external halyard commercial flagpoles with scaled down proportions perfect for the home, apartments and businesses. They are manufactured to the same high standards and with the same shaft material and processes as the larger commercial flagpoles. These flagpoles are available in Satin, Natural Anodized, Duranodic Bronze or Black, Power-coat Bronze, Black or White and Custom Colors. These flagpoles are wind rated.
Standard fittings include:
1) Gold Anodized aluminum ball ornament
2) Stationary cast aluminum truck with pulley
3) Polypropylene halyard with 2 brass flag snaps
4) Cast aluminum rope cleat with mounting screws
5) PVC ground sleeve
The decisions that you would need to make on the “RESIDENTIAL” ,“TELESCOPING” and “LIGHT COMMERCIAL” flagpoles would be:
STEP 1 - Determine if your flagpole will be wind rated. The "RESIDENTIAL" and "TELESCOPING" do not have a wind rating. The "LIGHT COMMERCIAL" has a wind rating.
STEP 2 - Determine the finish you want. The “RESIDENTIAL” comes in silver, the “TELESCOPING” comes in silver, bronze or black and the “LIGHT COMMERCIAL” comes in a multitude of colors and finishes listed above.
STEP 3 - Do you want a halyard or not. The “RESIDENTIAL” and “LIGHT COMMERCIAL” have a halyard and can be set up to fly multiple flags. The “TELESCOPING” has swivel harnesses and can fly two flags. The more the number of flags and the larger the flag the lower the wind rating.
STEP 4 - Determine the height of the flagpole. Consider the location of your flagpole, the building codes in effect, the trees, power lines, roof overhangs and other structures. You will not want these around your flagpole or any other obstacles that will obstruct the visibility of your flags or the free flying of your flags. Specifically consider flying your flag at half-staff or the mature height of nearby young trees. Your flags are consumable and you do not need them wearing prematurely due to oversights that can be avoided. The recommended flags sizes are 3’ x 5’ on 15’ thru 20’ flagpoles, 4’ x 6’ on flagpoles 20’ thru 25’ flagpoles and 5’ x 8’ on 25’ thru 35’ flagpoles.
The "COMMERCIAL" flagpole
The “COMMERCIAL” flagpoles are single section or 2 or 3 multi sectional. Our flagpole shafts are manufactured in the United States. They taper from near the base to the top. They range in base diameter from 3” to 12” and top diameter from 2” to 4”. The thickness varies from .125”, .156” .188”, .250”, .312” & .375”. These flagpoles can have external rope halyards, internal rope halyards and internal cable halyards, with different methods of halyard raising, by hand or by winch. They come in a multitude of colors and finishes. There are numerous ways to purchase these flagpoles.These flagpoles are wind rated.
Standard fittings include"
1) Gold Anodized aluminum ball ornament, numerous custom finial available
2) Stationary & revolving cast aluminum truck with a single or double pulley
3) Internal or external rope halyard or internal cable halyard
4) Numerous variations of halyard cleats & winches
5) Galvanized ground sleeves or PVC
The decisions that you would need to make on the “COMMERCIAL” flagpole would be:
STEP 1 - Flagpoles can have different finishes on them to compliment your building or for protection from the elements. Determine the finish you want. Satin (least expensive), Natural Anodized, Duranodic Bronze or Black and Powder-coat Bronze, Black or White. Custom colors are available also.
STEP 2 - Determine if you want External or Internal halyard systems.
External Halyard Systems - The external halyard system utilizes the traditional method for raising and lowering flags. The rope runs up and down the outside of the flagpole. It is easier to use and cost less than an internal halyard flagpole. Standard is a 360º revolving truck at top and a cleat to tie the halyard to at the bottom. Because the halyard is tied at the bottom there is limited rotation of the truck at top.
Internal Halyard System - Rope based system has a less expensive internal rope and cleat mechanism concealed by a locking door. It is an excellent choice for flagpoles with height of 40’ or less where additional security is desired. The halyard runs up the inside of the flagpole and out at the revolving truck and is held to the flagpole by a retaining ring and down by a weight. The flag or flags install above the weight. This system is simple to use and low maintenance. Cost is less than the cable based internal halyard system.
Internal Halyard System - Stainless steel cable based system is like the rope based system but uses a winch with a removable crank handle to raise and lower the flag. It is excellent for flagpoles with height of 80’ or less where additional security is desired.
STEP 3 - Determine the height of the flagpole and the size of the flag. Consider the location of your flagpole; the building codes in effect, the trees, power lines, roof overhangs and other structures. You will not want these around your flagpole or any other obstacles that will obstruct the visibility of your flags or the free flying of your flags. Specifically consider flying your flag at half-staff or the mature height of nearby young trees. Your flags are consumable and you do not need them wearing prematurely due to oversights that can be avoided. If you will have multiple flagpoles, care must be taken that the flagpole that will fly the US flag normally must be taller or to the left looking at the flags from the road if the same height.. Read the information on U. S. FLAG LAWS AND REGULATIONS below. The flags sizes per pole height are listed in the chart to the right.
STEP 4 - Select a flagpole that will handle the loads that the combination of winds and the flag or flags will place on your flagpole. See WIND ZONE MAP and FLAGPOLE SHAFT WIND SPEED LIMITS below.
Flagpole
Height
10'
15'
20'
25'
30'
35'
40'
45'
50'
60'
70'
80'
Recommended
Flag Size
2' x 3'
3' x 5'
3' x 5'
4' x 6'
5' x 8'
5' x 8'
6' x 10'
6' x 10'
8' x 12'
10' x 15'
12' x 18'
12' x 18
Maximum
Flag Size
2.5' x 4'
4' x 6'
4' x 6'
5' x 8'
6' x 10'
6' x 10'
8' x 12'
8' x 12'
10' x 15'
12' x 18'
15' x 25'
20' x 38''
STEP 5 - Consider the particular function of your flagpole. Is it to make a statement of belief, affiliation or is it an advertisement. Will the height and location promote your goal? If you flagpole is more decorative and for personal use, consider the costs of replacing the flags and how it blends into your environment.
U. S. FLAG LAWS AND REGULATIONS
WIND ZONE MAP
FLAGPOLE SHAFT WIND SPEED LIMITS