Regarding size recommendations of flags and poles

You need to pick a flag based on what your pole is engineered to withstand. Only the manufacturer or supplier of the pole knows what the recommended size is for a certain model. We can only tell the recommended flag size for a pole we sell or can otherwise identify by model number and manufacturer. And even then, a recommended flag size does not mean that flags can be flown in all conditions without damage to the pole. When bad storms are expected you should remove your flags .

If a pole is not known to us we have no way of knowing what size flag it can take and can make no particular recommendation. It is not enough for us to know that you have a "really big" pole. Some companies like to tell you that a 30' pole takes a 5x8' flag or a 25' pole takes a 4x6' flag. I have never understood why anyone would rely on that kind of advice. Would that be a 30' pole with a 6" diameter, or a 30 pole with a 3" diameter? Is it a 30' modern commercial pole or is it an ancient home made 30' pole? What is it made of? What is the wall thickness? What is the condition? See what we mean? Knowing a pole's height is not enough.

The larger the flag on any pole, the more stress on that pole.

We always suggest a smaller flag rather than a larger flag. Also know that heavy polyester flags are said to stress poles more than nylon flags especially when they are wet.

Flying more than one flag on a pole increases the stress on it. For the poles we sell, we will always tell what the recommended size is for a single flag. We will suggest that only one flag be put on a pole. But knowing that many people will fly more than one flag on a pole tell them:

"If you're going to fly more than one flag, do it with your eyes wide open. Decrease the size of your flags so as not to exceed the total square footage of flag load as recommended by the manufacturer. And if you get storms, remove your flags. The greater the flag load, the greater the chance that you can break your pole

People sometimes ask us if a pole can break. We make the point that any pole can break. A common way I put it is to say:

"Any pole can break. If you get enough wind anything can break. Your house can blow down, telephone poles can break, big trees can break. If your car axle can break, your pole can break. We caution you to do whatever you can to protect your pole. The main way you can do so is to fly the recommended flag size. Unless we know the exact model number of a pole we sell, we can not recommend a size.

There is a rule of thumb commonly quoted if the flag industry saying that the length of a flag is about 1/4 the length of a pole. We do not offer this as advice on what any given pole is meant to take. If we point out that a pole we sell, which you say is similar to the specs of your pole, takes a certain size, that does not mean that your pole takes that size. We don't know your pole. You do. We will supply you with any flag size you tell us. That is in no way to be understood that we endorse that size to be proper for your pole. It means that you are telling us it is the flag you say is fit for you to fly.

Sometimes people return a flag and say we "sold them the wrong size." On the contrary, we never "sell" anyone on any particular size. We point out our sizes, the customer chooses, and we hand them a flag. They pick. We supply. It is very common for people to greatly err on their own flag pole size. We've seen someone claim they have a 40' pole and have it turn out to be 15'! Yep, it happens. Also, people are often reluctant to simply measure the flag already flying on their pole. Instead they prefer to guess. Or they tell us what is a "proper" size for whatever they guess the height of their pole to be. We never tell them any "proper" size. Instead, we tell them all the above information.

Unless we know your pole, we can not reliably tell you what the recommended flag size is.

Pick the right flag for the job. Some people fly a flag 10 times a year under the cover of a front porch. Some people fly the flag 24 hours a day on the New Jersey shore. Clearly, different people need flags of different ruggedness. Don't send a boy to do a man's job. Pick a flag whose ruggedness measures up to the task at hand. In the common 3x5' size we sell flags from five bucks to $57 bucks. We have about 12 different grades in that size. If your flag is all day in the sun and your neighbor's flag is all day in the shade, your flag will wear out much sooner. Sun eats flags like salt eats cars. Location, location, location matters.

How long will your flag last? I don't know, but I can tell you how long my flag will last in front of my shop. At 24 hours a day on an in-ground pole, a 3x5' nylon flag will last me 6-8 months. A 3x5' Iron Man flag will last a year and still look good. You may get more, or you may get less. I have a box of dated test flags flown at my location for known lengths of time. Stop in some time and I'll show them to you. There is no one answer as to how long a flag will last.

How long a flag lasts also varies widely depending on the eye of the beholder. I've had lots of people tell me their "last flag lasted three years". Then they show me their flag. Well, it only lasted 8 months. They continued to fly it for three years.

Drop your flag size: It is a sad fact of life. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Bigger flags tatter sooner than smaller flags because they catch all the more wind and snap with all the more force. Sure, they are made with more stitching and roped headings. But in the words of the great Mr. Scott, you can't "change the laws of physics." If you enjoy flying large flags, then enjoy it. If you require that you get the longest possible time out of a flag, drop your size. There is likely little difference between a 3x5' and a 4x6'. But when you get up into the much larger sizes, especially 8x12' and into the real giants, you will need to have your flags cut and re-hemmed to extend their life. And always fly only the proper size for your pole.

Don't let your flag flap against anything: I see it all the time- flags caught in and flapping against rose bushes, trees, gutters, sharp telephone poles, building flashing, overhead wires. Rough surfaces will tear up your flag.

Keep your hardware in good repair: A rusting metal pole or a wooden pole that is splintering is like sand paper. These or other sharp hardware will tear your flag up. Keep your pole surface free of heavy dirt, rust, scale and corrosion and you will protect your flag.

Keep them repaired: At the first sign of wear, don’t neglect repairs. A timely repair can prevent a small fray from becoming a big tear. Usually the fly end of your flag will be the first to fray from constant whipping. When this occurs the end should be cut off and re-hemmed. "A stitch in time saves nine."

Keep them clean: A little care applied to your flags will avoid unreasonably short life – soil dulls the color, helps tear the fabric. This can be overcome in most outdoor flags by washing and rinsing, thoroughly. It is not improper flag etiquette to put a flag in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle. Damaged flags showing signs of tears or unraveling seams should not be put in a washing machine. Delicate flags such as old silk and taffeta flags need dry-cleaning. Parade flags with gold fringe should also be professionally cleaned. Don't put flags in the dryer. Dirt, dust, smoke and other air borne contaminants will shorten the life of your flag.

Take them in: If you can, don’t fly your flag for any length of time in the rain. Strong winds and rain can affect the dye – even where best quality materials are used, weather will eventually defeat any flag. Prompt cleaning in mild detergent, may remove discoloration from crocking due to exposure to the wind and rain’s abuse. When the wind is working your flag too hard, take it in if it at all possible. The more you expose your flag to the effects of rain, snow and high winds, the sooner it will wear out.

Store them smart: Never store a wet flag – hang it up evenly and let it dry out before you fold or roll it. Dampness causes mildew. Storing or transporting a flag or banner wet can cause the color to migrate.

In the final analysis, a flag is made of fabric, not metal. Every flag will eventually succumb to the ravages of the elements. Your particular use and application is the greatest factor in determining how long your flag will last for you.