Guest Blogger: How to Choose the Right Flagpole for your Outdoor Home

Guest Blogger #901, Entry #2111, March 15, 2013

Buying the Right Flagpole and Essential Flagpole Accessories

At first glance, installing a flagpole seems like the easiest thing in the world. After all, how much could you possibly need to know before placing a pole in the ground and letting your colors fly? Surprisingly, there are many variables to consider when choosing a flagpole, from its material of composition to height to its method of raising and lowering the flag–even your selection of flagpole accessories. We’ve outlined some of the most important choices you’ll have to make when installing a flagpole, and hopefully, the information will make your decisions easier.

Do you know how to install a flagpole in your outdoor home?

Image via: Polhemus Savery DaSilva

Telescoping poles vs. one-piece poles

Telescoping poles offer greater convenience to their owner, as they are easier to ship, easier to install, and do not require a halyard–with a telescoping pole, the pole itself serves this function. Generally, telescoping poles are not available in heights greater than 20 feet. One-piece poles are more sturdy and available in greater heights, but they are also more difficult to ship and install. A third choice is the sectional flagpole, which is shipped in pieces and assembled on-site. It offers most of the benefits of a telescoping pole; however, the flag is raised and lowered using a halyard.

Height

When deciding how tall you’d like your flagpole to be, consider its location on your property, the wind speed in your area, the size of the flag you wish to fly, and any city ordinances that may prohibit flagpoles above a certain height. Shorter flagpoles better withstand severe weather, but taller ones lend a greater sense of majesty.

Halyard style If you’ve opted for a pole that uses a halyard, your next decision is whether you prefer that halyard to be internal or external. External halyards can be decorative flagpole accessories, but also vulnerable to the elements. Internal halyards are operated by a crank, and are more resilient.

Find what flagpole mounting accessories you will need

Image via: KellyBaron

Fiberglass vs. Aluminum

Fiberglass flagpoles are more resilient to the elements because they aren’t susceptible to corrosion, but Aluminum is more traditional in appearance and often slightly cheaper. Fiberglass flagpoles also withstand strong winds and severe weather better than their aluminum counterparts.

Flagpole accessories

All flagpoles will require a ground sleeve assembly suited to its height and width. This is necessary to support the flagpole, but you might also want to purchase a flash collar, which is affixed where the flagpole enters the ground and makes for a more aesthetically pleasing transition. Traditionally, flagpoles are topped by either a metallic sphere or a cast metal eagle. The eagle lends a greater sense of grandeur to shorter flagpoles, but with tall poles, the detail will likely be lost. Flagpoles with external halyards will also need trucks to facilitate the raising and lowering of the flag. If you plan to fly your flag around the clock, federal law dictates that it must be well-lit during the night. This is best accomplished using spotlights installed within a few yards of the pole.

Dee is an office manager and is also responsible for maintaining financial records at her company. She does freelance writing/blogging on the side and enjoys ghost writing as well.

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