3 Tips For Avoiding Common Mistakes When Installing a Flagpole

Installing a Flagpole is not something to be taken lightly. Whether at your home or place of business you'll want the right equipment, tools, and know-how in order to do the job correctly and safely. A large flagpole can do major damage if not handled carefully. Below is a list of tips to help you avoid common flagpole installation mistakes.

1) Choose the Right Type of Flagpole

There are multiple factors to consider when purchasing the flagpole that you plan to install. The 3 major things to consider are material, height, and style preference.

• Material: While wood was once a popular choice, today aluminum or fiberglass is the standard. Modern aluminum flagpoles come in large sizes, are offered in an array of colors and finishes, and are extremely durable. Fiberglass poles are also available in various colors and finishes, and are made of strong materials designed to flex slightly in the wind.

• Height: If the desired pole site is near a building, the building’s height may help determine flagpole size. For a single story structure, you’ll want a flagpole 15-25’ high. A two-story structure may require a 25-30’ pole, and at three stories, a larger 30-40’ pole may be appropriate. If you are planning on flying your flag after sundown, you should consider adding lighting, which “technically” is required by U.S. law for displaying the American flag at night.

• Preference as to style: While there are several factors to consider, the most important is personal preference. At the end of the day, it’s your flagpole and no one else’s. Internal halyard flagpoles, for example, are generally more expensive than external halyard poles, however they add an extra layer of security as the cable is concealed inside of the pole. With external halyard poles, on the other hand, the ropes are exposed on the outside of the pole. Discuss your needs with a flagpole specialist, like Accent Banner, to better understand the full range of options available.

2) Choosing the Right Location     

Choosing the right location for your flagpole is just as important as choosing the flagpole itself. However there are a number of aspects to flagpole location that you should be aware of before making your final choice, including local wind conditions, surrounding landscaping, and the location of nearby utilities.

Your geographic location determines the big picture relative to wind factors but the installation location also has a major effect. High wind locations include open countryside, farms, industrial areas, building rooftops, along side highways, and proximity to bodies of water. Areas you can expect low winds include residential areas and areas with wind blocks, from large or tall features like trees, walls, and bridges. If strong wind gusts occur at your location, we suggest purchasing a one-piece pole. Sectional or even telescoping poles are acceptable in less windy environments. 

We also recommend you avoid installing a flagpole near any utilities such as power lines, or landscaping near your home. The pole can shift and uproot or damage things around it. You can never be too careful when choosing a location.

3) Call DigSafe 

Call a service like DigSafe once you’ve chosen your flagpole and location, it’s time to dig the hole. In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the law requires that you call DigSafe before you break ground. DigSafe is a free service that lets you know if it’s a safe spot to excavate. Visit http://www.digsafe.com to learn more about their service. Other states have similar organizations and services. This simply ensure that when you're installing your pole you're not digging into anything important; such as underground power lines, piping, or environmentally unsafe areas. 

There's many things to consider when installing a flagpole. If you choose not to have professionals do it, like the flag experts at Accent Banner, we strongly suggest your download our FREE guide to installing flagpoles. We walk you through each step in installing your own flagpole at your home or place of business. Download it to educate yourself before you get started.