FAQ

FAQ

Which flag material is best for my situation (outdoor, indoor, parade, etc.)?

Each application requires different consideration for the best flag lifespan. We've made a chart comparing the different materials our flags are made of to best guide you in choosing a the right flag. You can view our flag comparison chart here

If at any time you have additional questions, please reach out to our team! Call 713-661-9222 or contact us via our website form.

Does all needed hardware come with your flagpoles to install and rig flags on the flagpole?

All of our flagpoles come complete with all hardware for installing your flagpole. You will need to provide your own concrete, sand and wood wedges (depending on the model). If you have further questions regarding flagpole installation, please contact our team at 713-661-9222 or 1-800-344-3524.

How do I know what size flag to fly on my flagpole and can I fly more than one flag on one pole?

General rule of thumb is a single flag should be approximately 20% of the height of your flagpole (i.e. 20' flagpole will carry 4' x 6' flag, 30' will carry 6' x 10', etc.). For two flags on a single flagpole we recommend 30% of the flagpole height (i.e. 30' can fly two 4' x 6' or two 5' x 8' depending on the model, etc.). Final sizes are also dependent on the diameter, wall thickness and hardware system on your specific flagpole. Feel free to contact one of our staff at 713-661-9222 or 1-800-344-3524 for more information on this question.

If I am flying multiple flags on different flagpoles, does my United States flag need to be larger than the other flags?

No. Other flags should NOT be larger than the U.S. flag or fly higher than the U.S. flag. They can be at the same height and can also be the same size as your U.S. flag. Additionally, the U.S. flag should always be at the place of honor when set with other flags and will be to the farthest left when seen by the viewing audience.

How should my flags be laid out when I am flying multiple flags from different flagpoles?

The correct layout for your MAIN viewing audience when flags are on flagpoles of the same height should be your U.S. to the left, then any International flags (International/Country flags should not be flown below the U.S.. Rather, they always fly at the same height as the U.S. flag, followed by any State flags to the right of those and lastly any City, Corporate or other specialty flags to the farthest right. If you have a taller flagpole in the grouping, the U.S. should always take precedence on that flagpole and follow the same general layout for the other flags. For military flag groupings, the generally accepted layout is again for your MAIN viewing audience and from left to right would be Army, Marine Corp, Navy, Air Force and coast Guard. 

Which flagpole hardware system (external or internal) is best for my situation?

There are a number of things to consider when deciding on which hardware system to use. Generally, residential flagpoles will use an external rope system and you can add a wire core halyard and a locking box for your cleat if you feel the need for extra security. These are fairly low maintenance and are less expensive.

Internal rope-based cam cleat and cable-based winch systems do usually require either a larger diameter or heavier wall on your flagpole. However, the advantages of these systems include: 

  • reducing the chance of your flags being stolen. On external systems, the halyard is simply tied off to the cleat on the outside of the flagpole. Internal systems are set behind a flush mount locking door on the flagpole.
  • noise from the halyard on your flagpole with be less than on the external systems as you do not have the full halyard outside against the flagpole hitting against it. 
  • with the halyards inside the flagpole, they are more likely to be protected against the weather, potentially increasing its life expectancy over the external rope halyards. 
  • the internal halyard systems are going to have a cleaner look to them as they will not have all of the additional halyard running down the exterior length of the flagpole. 

Bear in mind, initial costs and future maintenance costs will be higher on your internal systems. Please contact our team at 713-661-9222 or 1-800-344-3524 to discuss your specific flagpole needs. 

If I have several flagpoles next to each other, how far apart should they be?

This will depend on the available space at your location. General rule of thumb is based on your flag size that you are flying. Flagpoles should have an additional 2' of distance between them over your flag size (i.e. 3' x 5' flags should have a minimum of 7' between poles, 4' x 6' flags should have a minimum of 8' between poles, etc.). This will reduce the chances of flags hitting, wrapping or catching on your adjacent flagpoles. Keep this same perspective in mind around any buildings and/or trees as well as these can really tear up a flag that is hitting against them. In regards to high power lines, we generally recommend that the end of your flag should be at least 10'-15' away from any power lines to reduce chances of issues with your flags if there is a power surge with the lines. 

How do I dispose of my old U.S. flag when it is time to retire it?

Depending on your location, there may be a local VFW or Elks Lodge that might take in flags for retirement in their community. In addition, Boy Scout troops will sometimes be able to take flags in as part of their flag retirement ceremony badge. You can also bring your flag in or mail it to our office and we can provide appropriate confidential disposal of your Old Glory flag as well as provide you with a new flag to proudly fly. Contact our office at 713-661-9222 for more information. 

Do I need a light on my flag if I am flying it at night? And should I keep my flag up during inclement weather?

U.S. Flag Code notes that flags can be flown 24 hours if properly illuminated during the night hours. This can be interpreted as a specific light shining on the flag or as an ambient lighting source in the area that has a good light spread on your flag. We recommend ground lighting installed away from the base and spot lit on your flag(s). A high lumens white light is best for showing the true colors of your flag(s).

The code also notes that flags should not be flown in wet and inclement weather. However, this was written at a time before flags were made out of long lasting weather resistant materials such as nylon and polyester. With the all weather materials available now, it is perfectly OK to fly your flag 24/7. We do though, recommend removing your flag(s) from the flagpoles in times of high or heavy winds to reduce the chance of your flag failing prematurely or damaging your flagpole. 

What are the advantages of an internal halyard system over an external halyard system on flagpoles?

Internal rope-based cam cleat and cable-based winch systems do usually require either a larger diameter or heavier wall on your flagpole. However, the advantages of these systems include: 

  • reducing the chance of your flags being stolen. On external systems, the halyard is simply tied off to the cleat on the outside of the flagpole. 
  • noise from the halyard on your flagpole with be less than on the external systems as you do not have the full halyard outside against the flagpole hitting against it. 
  • with the halyards inside the flagpole, they are more likely to be protected against the weather, potentially increasing its life expectancy over the external rope halyards. 
  • the internal halyard systems are going to have a cleaner look to them as they will not have all of the additional halyard running down the exterior length of the flagpole.