How to Choose a Residential Flagpole

Did you know that over 50 percent of the population in the United States owns a U.S. flag? While owning a flag is great, finding a great way to display it with pride is important to get the most out of your flag. There are a lot of factors that you need to weigh before making the choice to invest in a residential flagpole.

Factors like wind speed and weather in your area are important to consider when looking at different types of residential flagpoles. Finding the best flagpole takes research and an understanding of what you’re looking for. Continue reading for tips and tricks for finding the best flagpoles for your home.

 

Factors To Consider For Your Residential Flagpole

Where you live is a big determinant of which types of residential flagpoles are best for your home. Some areas see severe winds on a regular basis while others rarely see winds at all.

It is also important to consider whether you live in an urban or suburban area versus living in a rural area. A taller flagpole obstructs the views of your neighbors if you live in a densely populated area.

Here are some of the key tips and factors to consider when picking out the perfect flagpole for your home.

Your Location

Depending on where you live, there are certain flagpoles that won’t work for your home. If you live in a mountainous area, on the plains, or on the coast you will need a sturdy flagpole that will stand up to high winds.

Tornado-prone areas also require sturdy and heavy-duty flagpoles for withstanding powerful storms.

Areas with little amounts of wind are great for options like telescoping flagpoles. A big determining factor in the strength of a flagpole is the wall thickness.

Flagpole Material

There are two primary materials used for residential in-ground flagpoles. The two options are aluminum flagpoles and fiberglass flagpoles.

Fiberglass flagpoles are a great option for people who live in areas with high wind speeds. They can handle a much higher wind load than aluminum flag poles can.

They’re also resistant to corrosion from the ocean for people who want a residential flagpole that lives in coastal areas of the country.

Aluminum flagpoles are metal poles that are substantial in size and design. They are commonly used as commercial flagpoles. They’re best in areas that don’t have a high wind load and aren’t near the coast.

Both of these in-ground flagpole options are easy to have installed at your home.

Flagpole Size

The size of your residential flagpole is another important thing to consider, especially if you have neighbors. In-ground flagpoles are sized in increments of five feet and can be as tall as 50 feet.

The typical residential flagpole that is installed at a home is somewhere between 15 feet and 25 feet tall, depending on the area and situation.

That doesn’t mean that 25 feet are the limit of what you can choose. Some homeowners decide to go with flagpoles as tall as 40 feet for their homes. Despite that, it is wise not to outdo the scale of your home with your flagpole.

Raising and Lowering The Halyard

Another thing to consider with your residential flagpole is how the halyard works. The halyard is the rope used for raising or lowering your flag on the flagpole. There are two types of halyards.

One type is the external halyard. External halyards are a great fit for most applications and homeowners. They are easy to access and uncomplicated to use because the halyard is located on the outside of the flagpole.

Internal halyards are important for areas that see a high volume of traffic because you’re able to lock the halyard and prevent anyone from accessing the flag. The halyard is locked behind a swinging door.

The internal system works by using either an internal cleat or a winch system. The winch system works by cranking the flag up or down by hand. Internal halyards are well-liked because of their neat and simple finish.

The Flagpole Finish

If you want a level of customization when it comes to residential flagpoles then you have a variety of options to choose from. The finish and ornamentation of your flagpole are largely dependent on the finish and construction that you choose.

One of the most popular general finish options is a satin aluminum finish on your residential flagpole. The common finish colors are white, dark bronze, black, and dark powder green.

There are also varying shades of anodized paint in shades of light and dark bronze. Anodized paint has the additional benefit of protecting the flagpole since it keeps the aluminum from being exposed to the elements.

Fiberglass flagpoles don’t come with the same variety of options for colors and finishes. They are usually white in color but you can pay extra to have them painted a particular color as you prefer.

A common ornament on a flagpole is the gold ball ornament at the top. This golden ball is called the final, and it is a great way to add a classy appearance or some customization to your residential flagpole.

Another great option for your flagpole’s finale is an eagle. This option is popular but comes at an additional cost.

Get a Residential Flagpole Today

A residential flagpole is a great way to display your pride in your country, state, or even your favorite sports team. It is a centerpiece of your home and provides another way to customize the appearance of your property.

It is important to consider the wind load of where you live when finding the perfect flagpole for your home. You also need to decide on the material and color so that it compliments your home’s appearance.

For more great articles about Homes and Lifestyle, be sure to explore our other blog posts.