Unfortunately, Independence Day is over. All the celebrations, parties, picnics and the long weekend became history. Now it seems there is no occasion to show your patriotism. The soonest one is on Thanksgiving Day. Haven’t you got a flagpole in your yard? It would take a while to select, buy, and install it. Sometimes, it’s not easy to make a decision. How tall should a flagpole be? You are to consider multiple factors. They include locations, sturdiness, materials, and a number of sections. Height also matters. You are to meet your local regulations. Meanwhile, our honorable American flag visibility is essential. I hope, this selection guide helps you to choose a durable item that lasts for years.
Epidemic and Climatic Concerns
Do you think the celebrations in your city were not hilarious this year? Perhaps, they were not as spectacular as always. The way each American citizen uses his or her best residential flag pole remains the same. We display our most beautiful, durable, and sophisticated American flags with national pride.
In 2020, in Midland, authorities have canceled firework shows and festivals. So, our celebrations were more private than usual. We had to set off our own fireworks at our yards. Due to hot and dry conditions in Midland County, it might be dangerous. I think if you observe basic safety precautions, it’s completely safe.
I hope, you haven’t forgotten to visit a party store, make delicious barbeque and pasty. Likewise, I believe also, nothing prevents you from arranging a patriotic display in your yard. Of course, if you’ve got all the necessary stuff to do it. Do you sit on the fence, hesitating to select a suitable support structure? Let’s solve the knottiest issues.
How Do I Choose a Flag Pole?
Haven’t you got and installed it before Independence Day? It might happen if you’ve moved to a new house recently. Has a tropical storm like Edouard damaged your available flagpole? It’s a pity. Anyway, you may want to replace it due to some aesthetical or pragmatic reasons.
A new one should be sturdy, heavy-duty, and intuitive to use. Beauty, look and design are unchallenged. What is the Proper Height of a Flagpole? It depends on several factors, such as:
- Your house size.
- Distance from the road.
- Number and dimensions of flags to fly.
- Flagpole application and location.
Don’t forget about your community requirements and standards. What do the residential flagpole rules determine? Please, don’t forget to check your local zoning code.
For example, in Midland, flagpoles should not be higher than 28 feet. You have the right to locate the structure in your yard. Distance from your neighbor’s fence or the nearest lot line is to be 6 feet, at least.
What Size Flag Do I Need for a 20 Foot Pole?
There are a lot of flagpoles in the world. The tallest memorial monument is in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It’s 400-feet-high. What about the residential structures? They truly should not be taller than the statue of liberty. Standard flag size for a house is minuscule. House-mounted poles are only 5-8 feet high. So, only the smallest, 3×5’ or 2.5x 4’ flags suit them.
In-ground structures are a bit larger. They should be durable and secure enough to withstand common and extreme weather. So, consider wind speed in your region and its load on the pole.
| Wind Speed, mph | Butt Diameter, in. | Material | Wall Thickness, in./gauge | Flagpole Height, ft. | Flag Size, ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-40 | 2-3/8 | aluminum | .0625/16 | 20-25 | 5x8 |
| 40-70 | 2-3/8-3 | aluminum | .078/14 | 20-25 | 4x6 |
| 70-100 | 3-4 | wood, aluminum, fiberglass | .11/12 | 20 | 4x6 |
| 100-130 | 3-4 | wood, fiberglass | .14/10 | 15-20 | 3x5 |
| over 130 | 4 | fiberglass | .17/8 | 15-20 | 3x5 |
You should not fly the National flag in bad weather. US flag etiquette regulates it. The best material for outdoor flags is either nylon or polyester. These fabrics are lightweight and water-proof. They cause less stress on the poles.
Which is Better: Aluminum or Fiberglass Flagpoles?
You can fly one or two flags at a time on your pole. To display two flags or a large one, you would need a taller and stronger support structure.
Fiberglass flagpoles are preferable in this case. They are:
- heavy-duty;
- wind-resistant;
- lightweight;
- rust-proof;
- quiet;
- safe.
Does a flagpole need to be grounded? If you set a concrete foundation in soil, it should be pretty safe. Your flagpole should do not touch an overhead wire. During the installation, it’s dangerous especially if you deal with metal. Eliminate contacts with adjacent power lines. Seal the ground sleeve to keep rainwater out.
Why is there a ball at the top of a flagpole? Manufacturers call it a truck. This part makes the flagpole shape complete. It also keeps the flag from getting caught on the top of the pole. The ball keeps birds from perching. It houses a puller, necessary to raise and lower the flag.
How Long Should a Flagpole Halyard be?
Fiberglass structures are much safer than aluminum poles. They don’t conduct electricity. Both anodized aluminum and brilliant white fiberglass surfaces look stylish. Both options are lightweight and rust-resistant. They feature functional hollows inside. Wooden structures are hingeless. They are:
- elegant;
- beautiful;
- luxurious;
- strong and durable.
Wooden flagpoles consist of thick, solid wood. They withstand severe winds and any weather conditions. These items suit indoor applications pretty well. They come with external halyard systems. So, knowing what is the best rope for a flagpole, you can easily attach it.
Measure its length beforehand. It should be twice as tall as the pole itself. So, you would need to make holes in your beautiful flag and reinforce it by grommets. Now push the rope that goes from the truck through the eyelets and secure it to the cleat. It’s a common and intuitive system.
Final Words
Are you going to select and install a new flagpole? Consider its height, materials, and strength. It’s necessary to take your local regulations and weather conditions. Fortunately, no restrictions limit the standard flag pole diameter. It should be just steady and proportional. So, I hope, you get a stylish, durable structure of proper size till the next public holiday. It makes the celebrations even more cheerful, beamish, and enjoyable.
