Are you considering installing residential flagpoles?
The American flag holds a special place in the hearts of many people. So much that they’ve decided to keep it up all the time. And the most convenient way to do so is with a strong flagpole.
The key to enjoying your displayed flag all comes back to the installation phase. If mistakes with installing flagpoles occur during this phase, you will have constant problems.
However, if you take your time and do a meticulous, detail-oriented task, you will be able to enjoy your flagpole for many years to come.
Avoid the following seven flagpole installation blunders for the optimal outcomes and the most visually appealing addition to your landscaping!
- Poor Location
Flagpoles are not supposed to be installed close to trees, powerlines, or other structures.
The location of your flag has a significant impact on how much you will enjoy it. A flag should be placed in a location accessible by the wind. When the pole is too close to trees or a large building, it means your flag might not get enough wind to make it fly.
Good locations for flagpoles include:
- Far from the house
- At the center of a circular drive
- At the house front door, among others
It is thus essential you consider a location where your flagpole will get wind from different directions. Also, consider a location with no buried wires or pipes; cutting through them can cause unpleasant or dangerous consequences.
- A Wrong Flagpole
The strength of a flagpole is also an important consideration when installing large flagpoles.
When a flagpole is placed in an open area, it will withstand strong winds. Thus, homeowners need to ensure that the piece they are erecting is sturdy.
Apart from the flagpole, also consider:
Material
Though woods used to be a popular choice some decades ago, common flagpoles are aluminum, steel, and fiberglass poles today. Furthermore, if you fly your flag during the night, installing solar flagpole light is advisable.
Modern aluminum flagpoles are large, come in various colors, and are extremely durable. Fiberglass poles are also available in various colors and are extremely strong.
Height
Also, you have to choose a pole height that corresponds to the height of a nearby building. A single-story structure will require a pole 15-25 ft high, a two-story 25-20 ft.
- A Shaky Base
Installing residential flagpoles requires more than just digging a hole in the ground and setting the pole in.
First, the hole must be dug 30 inches deep and 24 inches in diameter. You will also require about 2 to 3 40 lb bags of cement, a level, gravel, and a cement mixer.
Once you have achieved the correct measurement, the next step is to start filling the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of pea gravel. Gravel will ensure there is proper drainage.
After that, you will need to install a bolt into the ground. Find a ground sleeve, then tighten the bolt.
Continue by mixing concrete that will help you install the sleeve. It would be best if you poured the mixture around the sleeve. When installing large flagpoles, you need a solid foundation to support the weight.
- Misplaced Parts
Many types of flagpoles don’t always come in one piece. They have an array of additional fastening parts. Some parts even have extensions pieces that need to be assembled before setting the flagpole in the base hole.
To make your flag fly quickly, you will need to assemble all ornaments, trucks, pulley, and ropes before placing it in its new foundation. Some other components like hooks and cleats can be added later.
For the Titan flagpoles type, you will need to identify the various parts needed for maintenance or repair. Titan flagpoles require components like ball, truck, rope, snap hooks, snap covers, among others.
Any missing component will weaken the entire flagpole.
- Damaged Structure
Before installing your flagpole, you must inspect and ensure all basic parts are intact.
Any dent or crack may need to be addressed before installation. Some parts such as collars or rings can get destroyed during transportation. Such parts may need a replacement for a proper installation to be achieved.
It is also essential for the pole to arrive when all preparations have been made. That will reduce the chances of damages while the flagpole lies on the ground.
- Lack of Sufficient Spacing
Flagpoles and similar structures should have sufficient distancing from property lines for safety purposes of the adjacent property.
Flagpoles should also have enough distance to allow the flag to fly fully without touching or flying over the property.
- Not Having a Permit
According to the 2006 international building code, no tower structure 15 feet in height or greater should be constructed without obtaining the necessary permits.
This law also applies to flagpoles. Thus, you need to apply for a permit. The application for flagpoles or towers construction should also include plans and specifications.
A licensed engineer should stamp the license to ensure relevant building requirements are met to keep the pole in place.
Avoid the Above Mistakes With Installing Flagpoles
Whether installing a flagpole for your commercial or residential property, you must ensure it stand for long without damaging other structures and landscaping. However, many people assume that flagpole installation is easy but makes costly mistakes.
You should leave all your flag installation worries to professionals who know how to do the job in the right way. They are aware of all the mistakes with installing flagpoles.
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