Your brand new American flag and a pole to support it arrived and it looks glorious! You decide to step outside to see how your neighbors have their flags.
Recent studies show that about 62% of Americans display an American flag at their home. So chances are that you won’t need to look too far before you see one.
If you’re wondering how to install a flagpole the right way, you’re in luck! We put together a quick guide to flagpole installation and how to display the American flag with honor and pride. Keep reading to learn all the rules and regulations you need to know before you start putting up your flag.
Static Flagpoles
The oldest and most simple form of a flagpole is a static pole that stands upright and holds a flag at the top. You can buy poles like this or you could make one of your own with a plastic or metal pipe. Either way, these are the best kinds of flagpoles for patriots on a budget!
Telescopic Flagpoles
Another kind of flagpole that stands in the ground is a telescopic pole. This kind of flagpole collapses and extends for easy height adjustment and sits in a plastic sleeve in the ground. These poles can get pretty heavy and cost more than the simpler versions, but if you need to move the pole from time to time,
Wall-Mounted Flagpoles
No room in the lawn for a stand-alone flagpole? Live in an apartment complex or condo with no lawn? Don’t fret!
There are plenty of wall-mounted flagpole options that allow you to display your flag without digging any holes. If you don’t own the property, be sure to ask permission before mounting a flagpole bracket. Check out https://flagpolefarm.com/category/titan-products/ for some of the best flagpole accessories on the market!
Flagpole Installation Guide
Ok, you’re ready to start the installation process. Now what? How do you start?
Follow these three easy steps to get your flagpole upright and ready to support your American flag.
Dig a Hole
The first step in this process is to dig a hole in the ground where you want the flagpole to stand. Dig a round hole about 12 inches across and at least 30 inches deep (deeper if you have a taller flagpole).
Once you have a good hole, add about 6-8 inches of gravel to the bottom of the hole and tamp it down. Then place the flagpole sleeve (if you have one) into the center of the hole and position where you want it in the gravel. A flagpole sleeve should sit about an inch above the ground to keep dirt out of the sleeve where the flagpole sits.
Pouring Concrete and Sleeve Positioning
Now you have your hole and sleeve in place, it’s time to cement the whole thing in place! before you start to pour, make sure to cover the open top of the sleeve with duct tape to keep out any rogue cement.
If you want to conceal the concrete, leave an inch or two at the top of the hole without cement and the grass should hide the cement from sight. If you don’t mind a concrete circle, fill all the way to the top and use a trowel to smooth the top so it sits level with the ground.
Wait about 15 to 20 minutes until the concrete starts to get firm, then it’s time to make sure the sleeve is plumb. If you don’t make sure the sleeve sits straight up and down at this point, it will make your flagpole crooked forever!
If you’re not using a sleeve, pour the concrete then insert the flagpole after the cement starts to harden. Then, attach 2 or 3 1″ X 2″ wood pieces to the flagpole with duct tape. These braces hold the flagpole in plumb until the cement cures.
Erecting the Flag
Once the cement dries around your sleeve, remove the duct tape on top of the sleeve and prepare to erect the flagpole! Insert the bottom of the flagpole into the sleeve and make sure it settles to the bottom. Some models even have clips that snap into place when the flagpole sits in the correct position.
American Flag Care and Storage Tips
Owning and displaying the American flag comes with some general rules. Following these rules shows respect to your flag and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come!
Don’t let the flag touch the ground and take it down when it storms. Also, the flag shouldn’t stay out all night unless you have a light shining on it.
You may display the flag at half-staff (or halfway up the flagpole) to signify mourning. On Memorial Day, the flag should sit at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then moved to full-staff until sundown.
When the American Flag Flys, Let Freedom Ring!
Once your flag can wave in the breeze, you can stand back and enjoy the splendor of having a personal slice of Americana, right in your yard. There’s no better way to show how much you love your country!
Keep in mind that large flagpoles can get heavy and you might need help. If you feel like you can’t lift the pole by yourself, consider hiring a handyman or asking a friend for help.
We hope you loved reading this article and that you learned a few things about flagpole installation. If you have any questions about this article or if you’re looking for more articles about home, garden, and DIY projects, check out the rest of our blogs today!
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