According to the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, approximately 150 million American flags are sold every year, and you can find the Old Glory waving tall and proud in many American homes.
However, many homeowners are still hesitant about installing residential flagpoles as they believe the process to be complicated. Fortunately, this flagpole kit guide will take you through it step by step.
Finding The Right Flagpole For Your Home?
Flagpoles come in different sizes, styles, and materials. Before selecting a residential flagpole, take into account local laws in addition to the following:
Material
Most flagpoles available today are made from aluminum or fiberglass. They are lightweight but sturdy and built to withstand heavy winds.
Color & Finish
Flagpoles come in many colors, with the most popular options being black, white, silver, or bronze. Common finishes are anodized, painted, or powder-coated. Anodized finishes are smooth, long-lasting, and resistant to chipping or scratching.
Height
Most residential flagpoles have a height of 20,” however, if you have a single-story home, consider a lower flagpole of 15” or less. For two to three-story homes, or homes built on large properties, taller flagpoles are a good choice and this 25ft Telescoping Flagpole Kit from Flagpole Department is your best bet.
When considering the height of the flagpole, take sightlines into consideration too if you want your flag to fly tall and proud and be easily visible.
Utilities
Go for a flagpole that does not touch overhead electrical wires. Always ensure your flag is away from power lines. If you are unaware of the lay of the land, it is best to call 811 before you start digging.
Single Piece or Telescoping
You can decide whether to go with the traditional single-piece flagpole or the more modern telescoping flagpole. In-ground or telescoping flagpoles are the best options for homeowners living near the ocean or high wind locations. Usually constructed of aluminum or fiberglass, they are low maintenance and pulley-free too. They’re also easy to install, and maintenance and repairs are less expensive than single-piece flagpoles.
Let’s move on to the next question.
What Do I Need to Install a Flagpole?
Although the required materials will vary depending on the size and number of flagpoles you plan to install, all you need to get started are:
- A Flagpole Hardware Kit
- Concrete and Gravel
- Clean, dry sand
- Wooden shims
- Outdoor caulk
- Concrete Mixing Tray
- Posthole digger or an auger
- A shovel
- Plumb line
- Leveler
Installing a Flagpole
Installing a flagpole is fairly simple. Most installations take a few hours, not considering the time taken for the concrete to dry out completely.
1. Pick a Location for Your Flagpole
Start by deciding where you’d like to install the heavy-duty flag pole. Position it in a prominent place, one that does not take away from the focus of your home or yard. Make sure it doesn’t interfere with power cables, utility lines, etc.
2. Lay the Groundwork
Get down and dirty and begin digging a hole in the ground.
- Use a post hole digger or an auger to work your way down. Ensure the hole is at least 2 feet deep and about 5 times the diameter of the pole.
- Place your ground sleeve into the hole and start filling the gaps with gravel. Stop when the sleeve is two inches from the surface.
- Plumb the ground sleeve with a level and make sure it is secured and in place.
- Once secured, pour the concrete around the gravel and fill the hole. Make sure it doesn’t spill into the sleeve.
- Leave the concrete to cure for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours before moving to the next step.
3. Mount the Flagpole
Once the concrete has set, it’s time to assemble the pole with the attachments. Most flagpole kits come equipped with everything you need to get the ball rolling. You can piece your unit together with the help of the manufacturer-specific instruction manual. Once assembled, it’s time to mount it on the ground sleeve.
Flagpole Maintenance Tips to Follow
Successfully installed your flagpole?
Well, the next order of business is to maintain it. Most aluminum flagpoles can be sponged down with soap and warm water, but avoid doing this on anodized flagpoles as that may damage the coating.
When it comes to flags, they don’t need to be dry cleaned. Regular cleaning with water and soap will suffice! Nylon and Polyester flags are best suited for outdoor use; save the cotton flags for parades and special occasions.
Raise Your Flag
The 25ft telescoping flag pole kit made in the USA by Flagpole Department is ideal for most American homes. You receive a free 3x5 American flag too! Installable within minutes, all you need is this flagpole kit’s easy-to-follow manual to guide you through the process.
Now that your porch flag pole kit is installed and ready to go, sit back and watch the Star-Spangled Banner fly high with pride.
As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “One Flag, One Land, One Heart, One Hand, One Nation, Evermore!”
