Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid with House Flag Poles

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Do you think you’re doing enough to show your patriotism for America? Read on to see why installing house flag poles in your front or backyard is a great way to show pride in your country.

You can select from a variety of flagpoles to improve the appearance of your home. Aluminum, telescoping flagpoles, hinge base flagpoles, and steel flagpoles are the best flagpole options. 

There are numerous advantages to installing the best house flag poles on your property. First and foremost, house flagpoles improve your home’s curb appeal significantly. A high-quality flag pole in your yard is also sufficient proof of your patriotism.  

Improper installation of a flagpole in the yard of your house will detract from the appearance of your home and end up costing you more money and effort in the long run. Here are common installation mistakes to avoid with house flagpoles.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Flagpole

The most crucial consideration when choosing a flagpole for the yard is durability. The durability and size of a flagpole will determine its long term strength against the outside elements. To ensure durability homeowners are advised to choose a sturdy retractable pole design.

Additionally, an essential feature to consider when choosing a house flag pole is the type of metal tubing. Unlike painted or powder coated flagpoles, flagpoles made with anodized aluminum are recommended due to the metal being highly resistant to rust or scratching. 

The size of home is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a flagpole. Choosing the right flagpole height should be considered since a house flagpole should align with the story size of the building.

 For a single-story home, home owners should consider a flagpole between 15’ and 20’ feet. For two or  three level homes, consider a 20-25’ foot flagpole. Structures greater than three-stories typically require a flagpole ranging from 25-30’ feet and above. Despite the many factors to consider, your personal preference is the most important.

The size of flags you can fly also depends on the height of the flagpole and where you want it to be located. Ideally, the flag should be visible from all angles. Most residential flagpoles are 15’ to 20’ feet high.

Improper Location

Many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong location for a flagpole. Your house flagpole should not be placed close enough to any objects or structures that could be damaged by accidental contact (ie power lines, windows, automobiles etc.) 

Take time to think about what’s under the pole base before installation. Check with utility companies and municipal authorities before you start the digging segment of the installation process. Doing so will ensure that you will not damage any pipes or buried lines in the selected installation area.

In most regions, there are free services that can assist you in evaluating where to avoid placing your house flag pole.. During their evaluation, they can check to make sure that there are no utility lines under the spot where you want to install a new flagpole.

Before deciding on one spot, check out different areas. It’s also important to consider the distance from your house.

Many people prefer telescoping flagpoles due to their mobility features. Since only the ground sleeve is permanently installed in the ground, telescoping poles give you the flexibility to take the pole with should you ever move. Moreover, the mobility features of a telescoping flagpole means  you have the ability to take the pole with you for outings such as a camping trip or tailgate party with use of mounts. 

Most significantly, if you know extreme weather may be approaching, you have the ability to remove the pole from the ground sleeve and store it in a safe spot until the weather passes. You can keep it in any storage area such as your garage in case of a storm. 

It’s best to talk to a flagpole specialist. Discuss your needs to get a good understanding of the different options available. It will make it easy for you to avoid the costly mistake of choosing the wrong type of flagpole.

Not Creating a Strong Foundation

Before purchasing a flagpole, you need to decide where to install it. It can be at the front of your house, in your backyard or wherever you’d like it to be displayed on your landscape. However, when installing a house flag pole, it’s crucial to create a strong foundation to ensure the flag remains upright, 

Installation of most telescoping flagpoles should only take about an hour! Dig a hole that measures almost four times the diameter of the flagpole. Use appropriate tools like a post hole digger or an auger. Don’t start digging until you know the proper diameter and depth of the hole.

Follow instructions to avoid digging other unnecessary holes or damaging your yard. The ground sleeve should be at the center of the hole.

Make sure you level the sleeve to secure it into place. Leveling ensures that it will not move when you start adding the cement.

Using Ready Mix Cement 

Most telescoping flagpole companies suggest using regular concrete, rather than ready to mix cement as it dries naturally and ensures the best foundational support. Also, make sure to use the correct amount of cement to avoid overflowing.

 Including a small amount of pea gravel (about 4”) at the base of the hole will help regulate water drainage. To prevent the cement from getting into the ground sleeve, you can put a wadded piece of paper on the top.

Mix the cement and put it into the hole surrounding the ground sleeve. Ensure that the cement does not get inside the sleeve. Use a trowel or a shovel to fill and pack lightly.

Buy enough cement (typically around 240lbs) to create a high-quality concrete slab to support the flagpole. Leave the cement mixture for about two days, and then install the flagpole.

House flag poles that include ABS plastic ground sleeves are recommended as they are known to hold up better to weather elements much better than PVC pipes.

Ultimately, choosing a flagpole kit which includes detailed installation instructions with pictures and exact measurements will help make the process more efficient.

Poor Installation Instructions & Missing Parts

Many people don’t know how to install a house flagpole or the different parts needed to install it correctly. This is why choosing a reputable flagpole brand that includes comes with all the necessary parts as well as a detailed installation manual is so important.

All the parts need to be appropriately assembled before setting up the flagpole in the hole. So, it’s crucial to know the necessary parts that a telescoping flagpole should have. For example, the Titan Telescoping Flagpole kit is by far one of the most reputable on the market. 

Along with the pole itself and a nylon American flag, the Titan Telescoping Kit includes a detailed installation manual as well as all the necessary parts needed to set it up. Not to mention, a warranty guarantee on each of its parts! The Titan Telescoping kit includes the following parts. 

Swivel Ring Clips

The swivel ring clips enable the flag to fly free 360 degrees around the pole. This reduces flag tangling and wrapping.

A telescoping flagpole does not have any ropes to pull to raise or lower the flag. Instead, it retracts to you, making it easy to move, add or remove another flag.

The flagpole allows for half-staff flying. You have to move the plug from the top position and change it to the second clip position. Then, move the pole to full height to create perfect half-staff.

Ground Sleeve Tubes (ABS plastic)

The tubes are made of anodized aluminum. It prevents rust, scratching, or chipping which is a common characteristic of powder or painted coated poles.

20′ & 25′ base section poles are 3″ in diameter and have a 12-gauge wall thickness. The base section of 15′ and 20’LT poles have a diameter of 2.5″ and a 14-gauge wall thickness.

Lexan Plastic

Lexan plastic consists of the internal interlocking sleeve mechanism and the swivel rings. It is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. In simple terms, it can withstand extreme temperature variations.

Patented Interlocking Sleeve Mechanism

The patented internal interlocking sleeve mechanism makes the Titan telescoping flagpole kit the best of its kind. This is in comparison to other telescoping flagpoles available in the market. It is used to raise, lower, and lock the pole into place.

The interlocking sleeve mechanism provides outstanding stability at each joint. It remains firm once it’s locked into place.

Other flagpoles use a push-button or screw-in system at the joint. These systems, over time, tend to be less reliable. They are highly likely to succumb to windy conditions. They’re also susceptible to becoming faulty through normal wear and tear.

Flagpole Accessories 

Flagpole accessories help to add both increased aesthetic and function. The most common aesthetic – related accessories are silver or gold ball toppers. Each Titan kit includes a 3” gold ball topper. However, since U.S.A flag etiquette rules insist that a flagpole receives proper illumination during darker hours, investing in flagpole lighting is necessary. 

The Titan LED Solar Light, although not included in the kit, is a reputable accessory offered by the Titan brand. This American made solar light has an aluminum top with Powerfilm protected solar panels & LED lights. Plus it only takes about a minute to add it to the flagpole!

Many people in America have house flagpoles. Whatever type of flag you choose to fly, you need to ensure that it can be seen, is secure and adheres to U.S. flag code.

If you want to fly an American flag, you can choose an eagle ornament. For religious flags, there are many cross-shaped ornaments to choose from.

Windy Weather

20′ & 25′ heavy duty poles are good in winds up to 95 mph (with up to two flags not larger than 4’x6′ attached). The lighter-duty 15′ & 20’LT poles are good in winds up to 75 mph (with up to two flags not larger than 3’x5′ attached).

The swivel clip features also help avoid the tangling of ropes on other flagpoles. This is an important feature, especially during windy conditions. You don’t have to worry about getting to the top of the pole again to retract it down to you.

The flag will keep flying at 360 degrees in extreme conditions. There are no headaches associated with fixing the pulley or replacing the rope.

Consider the elements the flagpole will be exposed to when choosing the location. Flagpoles should be erected in areas where they can withstand strong wind conditions. They need to meet the set safety guidelines.

Installing flagpoles at home requires careful consideration. So, the type of flagpole you choose needs to provide some degree of durability. When making your selection consider the maximum wind speeds in your location.

Any house flagpole should include a maximum wind speed it should stand up to. Decide where you intend to place the flag and if it will be exposed to harsh weather conditions in winter.

High-Wind Locations

High-wind locations include farms, building rooftops, open countryside, and industrial areas. Low winds are expected in areas with wind blocks from tall or large features. They are bridges, walls, and trees.

If your location experiences strong wind gusts, buying a one-piece pole is best. Telescoping or sectional poles are ideal in less windy environments. You need to be very careful when selecting a location.

You can fly the flag on a level below an adjacent building for protection from strong winds. Many flagpoles have technical specifications of the maximum wind speed they can withstand.

Improper Flagpole Storage

Once the flagpole is delivered, you should avoid leaving it lying on the ground. Until you’re ready to install it, it should stay in the protective wrapping that it arrived in.

It should remain in a standing position and dry. Leaving it on a flat surface can cause wetness that can easily cause damage.

Even after installation, a quality house flagpole should remain in good condition for at least 2 years before it shows signs of normal wear and tear.

It’s essential to know the type of material used to make the flagpole. Those made of aluminum typically need far less ongoing maintenance. Other alternative materials like fiberglass or steel may need some additional upkeep due to their more fragile characteristics.

Purchasing a flagpole from a reputable manufacturer can also help ensure that the product and its materials are of high quality. American made flagpole and pole accessories are often more reliable than those from across seas. 

Improper Flagpole Upkeep

Although not absolutely required, occasional maintenance can help extend the lifetime of your flagpole. There are several things you can do to keep your flagpole clean. You can use a garden hose at medium pressure to clean debris and dirt. Use a mild bathroom cleaner or soap and water to get rid of tough stains.

Some components are vulnerable to corrosion and rusting. Regular inspection will ensure they all remain in good condition.If you notice any tears, consider replacing those parts. Always remember to check the pole after cold weather or a storm.

A flagpole that has been appropriately installed can withstand high-wind scenarios. But a strong storm can easily damage the pole. If your area frequently experiences cold weather, inspect the components for corrosion.

Keeping the flagpole clean is an essential part of maintenance. Of course, you want it to look its best but it cannot if it’s dirty or damaged.

Trim and re-hem the ends if they are fraying. It will help it last longer. If you already have a flagpole and it’s beyond repair, consider replacing it.

Don’t store a wet flag. Let it dry first before you fold and keep it. Take the flag in on extremely windy days, snow, or heavy rain.

Attaching Flags Too Close

Many people won’t settle on flying one flag. Most want to have a second flag underneath the American flag.Fortunately, many house flagpoles are designed to allow for two flags. Some of them are durable, while others are not. It means you have to be careful when making your selection. If you prefer to fly two flags, choose a system meant for that purpose.

Flying two flags that are very close together can cause a problem. The top flag will fly when the bottom one hangs limp. Or, it could happen vice versa.

The two flags need to be separated by at least six inches. The space between the flags can be more, depending on the size of the pole.

Not Following Instructions During Installation

Most homeowners install flagpoles by themselves. The installation process should be simple and easy and should not require professional help. However, most flagpole companies offer installation services for local customers at additional costs.

The Titan telescoping flagpole is easy to operate and install. They include hardware to fly two flags, a ground sleeve, a telescoping flagpole, a ball topper, and a properly sized flag.

The flag is made of nylon, a lighter fabric that enables the flag to fly well in light wind conditions. The sewn stripes and embroidered stars offer extra reinforcement.

Installing the flagpole sleeve can take roughly an hour. After almost 48 hours, the concrete will have cured around the ground sleeve.

The kit comes with installation details, including pictures, to make the process easier. Or, you can look at the instructional video provided on the website.

The ground sleep is the only part that requires permanent installation in the ground. If you decide to move, you can take your flagpole with you and buy another ground sleeve for the new location. Also, you can bring the pole with you when tailgating or camping.

Choose a Telescoping House Flagpole 

You now know the most common installation mistakes to avoid with house flag poles. Avoid such errors as they could eventually cost you a lot of time and effort to resolve.

With the American made Titan Telescoping Flagpole kit, you can avoid all the headaches associated with replacing the rope, fixing the pulley, or addinging an ornament to the top. There are also many other factors that favor the telescoping flagpole such as price, ease of use, and mobility

At Flagpole Farm, we provide residential and commercial flagpoles that can be shipped anywhere in the United States. We also have a wide selection of flags and flagpole accessories that are sure to last and you’re sure to love!

Visit our site today to learn more about Titan Telescoping Flagpoles.

*Blog Disclaimer: Flagpole Farm and Titan Telescoping Flagpoles are businesses solely focused on the production and sale of flagpoles and similar accessories. This blog is not to be used as a factual reference, rather as an opinion-based forum in which the information within is not official statements made on behalf of or by Flagpole Farm or Titan Telescoping Flagpoles. Information provided on this blog is accurate and true to the best of the writers’ knowledge, however, there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes. The writers of these blogs are not professionals in the Flagpole industry and the information included within this blog should not be viewed as written by such. At any point, Flagpole Farm reserves the right to change the focus and/or content of this blog.

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