Every home should have a flagpole. Whether you’d love to show your love for the United States, or you relocated to the US and still take pride in your country of origin, flying your flag is important.
Not only can it act as a daily reminder to yourself of how much you appreciate this nation, but it can encourage neighbors and passersby to remember where they live and why that’s important.
But if you are in the market for a residential flagpole, there are a number of things to consider. You can’t just head down to the local store and pick up the first pole that you see.
In order for your home flagpole to look good and be easy to maintain, you need to buy the right residential flagpole kit. Keep reading to learn the most important considerations when buying a flagpole for your home.
1. Indoors or Outdoors
You can find flagpole kits that are designed for either the indoors or the outdoors. Indoor flagpoles are much shorter, and the flags displayed on them are much smaller. These are often used in home offices, home libraries, or formal living areas.
With outdoor flagpoles, you have a lot more options. You can install a standalone pole in your yard that extends high above your home. Or you can mount a flag to the side of your home, your roof, or a porch pillar.
2. Size of Flag
Consider the size of the flag you want to hang. Larger flags will be seen from further away, but require higher winds in order for them to be displayed properly.
Smaller flags are great for smaller properties and tighter neighborhoods. It only takes a small breeze to lift the weight of the flag and display its glory for all to see.
3. Height of Your Residential Flagpole
The size of the flag you choose also depends on the height of your flagpole. On a small pole, you wouldn’t want to hang an excessively large flag, and vice versa.
If you had a 15-foot tall pole, you’d want your flag to be between 2.5′ x 4′ and 4′ x 6′ in order for it to look right.
4. Material
You can find flagpoles made of different materials. Old or handmade flagpoles are often made of wood. However, wood is prone to rotting and damage over time. Plus it needs regular maintenance to keep it strong and looking good.
Many modern flagpoles are made out of aluminum. Aluminum is quite affordable, yet is strong enough to withstand heavy winds and requires very little maintenance to keep it looking fresh.
5. Strength
The thickness of your flagpole’s walls will determine its strength. For taller poles, you want a pole that’s as strong as possible.
Stronger poles will have a higher wind rating and greater wind resistance. In strong winds, such as in storms or even hurricanes, a high-quality pole will remain standing.
6. Type of Attachment
Most flags are attached to poles via a halyard rope. Some poles mount the rope externally while others keep the rope contained internally.
Internal ropes are more expensive but offer a few benefits. For one, nobody would be able to adjust, take down, or steal your flag, as the rope is locked inside. Another reason to consider the internal rope is that they are much quieter in windy conditions, as the rope isn’t clanging against the metal pole all day.
External ropes are cheaper and have become the standard for most residential flagpoles. Considering that security issues are less of a threat than in public or commercial locations, homeowners often take the more affordable pole.
7. Color and Finish
When it comes to metal or fiberglass poles, you generally have the option to choose the color and finish of the pole. Most will come in either black, silver, or bronze.
For a scratch and damage-resistant coating, an anodized pole offers the strongest, most durable, corrosion-resistant outer layer.
8. Mounting Location
Where do you plan to hang your flag? Do you want it in the yard, near the front of your property? Or do you want it to fly just above the roof of your house?
Flagpoles are relatively easy to set up in any location. If you don’t need a tall flagpole, you can choose a much cheaper mounting option that attaches to the side of your home. Wall mounts, roof mounts, horizontal, vertical, and many other mounting types are available depending on where you’d like to hang a flag.
9. Telescoping
Do you want your flagpole to be adjustable or permanently installed? If you like the flexibility of extending your flagpole when you want and retracting it when it’s not needed or when the weather is bad, consider a telescoping, or retractable, flagpole.
Retractable flagpole kits have sections that get wider as they approach the base. Each smaller section fits inside the larger section underneath. These types of poles are the easiest to install and they tend to be extremely stable.
The Flagpole Farm Titan Flagpole Kit is a retractable flagpole that makes it super easy to set up in just a matter of minutes. So if you want a flag that you can adjust or take down whenever you want, this type of pole is for you.
10. Lighting
For those who want to create a dramatic effect at night, consider a flag that comes with a solar-powered light. These can either be installed on the ground, shining upwards. Or they can be installed on the top of the pole, shining down onto the flag.
11. Decorative Mounts
If you don’t have a light on top of your flagpole, you can opt for a decorative mount. Most people will choose either a standard gold ball or a bald eagle to create a beautiful and elegant finish.
12. Multiple Flags
Do you plan to hang multiple flags? Make sure your flagpole is tall enough, and attachment rope long enough to allow for two or even more flags to be displayed at one time.
Fly Your Flag High
Now that you’ve read through our flagpole kit advice and know what to look for, it’s time to make your purchase. The sooner you get your flagpole, the sooner you can fly your flag high, boosting your pride along with that of those nearby.
Looking for other tips when it comes to decorating and improving your home? Be sure to visit our blog today to keep reading.