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Flagpole FAQs

Have Questions About Flagpoles? We are here to help! Below are frequent FAQs regarding flagpoles

OFF THE HOUSE FLAGPOLES:

Q: What size flagpole should I be using?

  • A: Flagpole sizing and flag sizing are done in relation to one another to make the most proportional and pleasing look to the eye when viewing them. This is also done to help prevent over-stressing a flagpole so that nothing ends up bending in the future. If you have a 3x5' sized flag, a 6' flagpole is the correct size. If you have anything smaller than a 3x5' sized flag, for example a decorative banner flag (28"x40"), 2.5x4', or 2'x3' sized flag, that is recommended for a 5' flagpole.

 

Q: Can I put a flag larger than 3x5' off my house?

  • A: This is generally not recommended for any off the house use in traditional pole and bracket set ups. 3x5' is the largest size that you would put off the house using one of our set ups.

 

Q: Can I put a pole longer than 6' in my bracket off my house?

  • A: This is not recommended. Anything longer than a 6' flagpole will be unstable in any traditional off house bracket. We do however sell lawn sockets (also called ground spikes) that can hold a larger sized flagpole but must go into the ground in order for it to be stable.

 

Q: Does my flagpole have to be at a certain height on my house?

  • A: Nope! You can put your flagpole at any height/angle that works best for you. As long as you're ensuring that your flag isn't touching the ground or hitting any obstacles in its path, where you put your flagpole is up to you.

 

Q: What do I do about half-staff notifications?

  • A: Half staff notifications are notifications from the local or federal government to fly your flag at half of its staff as a signal of mourning and respect. Half staff also applies to various holidays throughout the year where the country is in mourning and the flag should always be flown at half staff. Since an off the house pole cannot be lowered or have the flag lowered, a mourning ribbon can be attached to the top clip of your flagpole. This ribbon has the same significance for off the house poles as doing the procedure for half staff on residential poles does. We do sell these mourning ribbons on our website and can be found here: https://aceflag.com/products/black-mourning-ribbon-for-off-the-house-flag 

 

IN-GROUND FLAGPOLES:

What factors affect the price of a Flagpole?

There are six features that distinguish the flagpole price:

  • Height
  • Butt Diameter
  • Wall Thickness
  • Finish (Satin Aluminum, Powder Painted, Anodized)
  • Halyard System (Internal or External)
  • Installation Type (Ground Set, Shoe Base or Wall Mount)

How many Flags can I fly on my flagpole?

  • Flagpoles typically can fly one (1) to three (3) flags depending on the design factors. Pole length and diameter will help determine how many can be flown at one time. 

How do I select a Flagpole size?

  • Most flagpoles are chosen based solely on the visual aesthetics desired by project owners. An industry accepted, inexpensive way to get a visual feel for the height of the flagpole is to take a kite string and attach it to a helium filled balloon. Simply allow the balloon to rise to the area you were considering flying the flag, and measure how much string is out to give the desired flagpole mounting height.

Should I place a light on my Flagpole?

  • Flag etiquette makes it customary to light the flag when being flown 24 hours a day. Options include the American Beacon Down Lighting system and ground mounted lights installed away from the flagpole to Up Light the flag.
How you do you determine the size of the concrete base needed to support a flagpole?
  • We offer basic suggestions for foundation measurements in firm, dry soil. Soil conditions sites vary by site. Exact foundation requirements should be verified by a Structural Engineer with knowledge of soil conditions in your area.
How close should a flagpole be installed to other flagpoles or objects?
  • The size flag that will be flown will determine the distance. A minimum distance of 1-1/2 times the flag length is recommended.
  • NOTE: Be cautious when working around power lines. If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur.
 
How much of the Flagpole should be embedded in a Ground Set Installation?
  • Industry standard recommendations state that 10% of the Mounting Height (above ground height) of a flagpole should be buried in Ground Set installations. For example, a 20′ flagpole is manufactured 22′ long to account for 2′ (10%) being embedded.
  • If your foundation design shows a flagpole embedment deeper than the 10% length, we recommend contacting us for options in extending the grounding spike in place of extending the flagpole and ground sleeve length.
When a second flag is flown on the same flagpole as a U.S. flag, how big should it be? 
  • While there is no rule in the US Flag Code as long as the U.S. flag is on top and secondary flags are no larger. The industry accepted standard is that two flags of a similar or exact size is the most pleasing design.
Feel free to reach out to our team for any questions
on your Flagpole inquiries. 
Email us: flagpole@aceflag.com
Call us: 716-681-2345 ext. 103