How well do you know the history of the American flag? For example, did you know that before 1912, there was no official mandate regarding the arrangement of the flag’s stars? How about that we didn’t have 50 stars until 1960 after Hawaii officially became a state?
Learning about the history of the flag is fun but if you’re going to invest in your own flagpole and fly the flag, learning the rules is crucial.
Because the American flag is an important and universally recognized symbol of our nation, showing the flag respect is important. You’ll need to know how to fly it and when as well as how to take care of it.
Read on to learn how much rope you’ll need to fly the American flag on a flagpole as well as several other important flag-flying facts.
What You’ll Need to Fly a Flag
First thing’s first: let’s talk about the necessary parts for flagpole installation. Depending on the manufacturer, flagpole parts may come pre-assembled or they may require DIY assembly.
Of course, the flagpole, itself, is the largest component you’ll need to purchase. Many modern flagpoles are telescoping, which means that they can contract into themselves and the height may be adjustable.
In order to install a flag pole, you will need the pole sleeve that fits into the ground. At the top of the pole, you will see the truck, a cap with holes for the pulley system that enables you to raise and lower the flag. On top of that, you will affix what is referred to as a finial, the ornamental cap that you see on just about every flag pole.
Other parts that you may run into are swivel rings, post fasteners, flash collars, and other pieces of hardware that you’ll use to put your flagpole together. If you’re not familiar with what all of these pieces are used for, we recommend purchasing a flagpole set that comes with everything you’ll need for assembly.
Finally, you’re going to encounter the term “halyard.” Halyard actually refers to the rope that you use to raise the flag, which we will discuss below.
Best Ropes to Use to Fly a Flag
When you go to purchase your rope (or halyard), you’re going to notice that you have a lot of options when it comes to materials used. How do you know which ones are the best for your flagpole?
We’ve selected the top three kinds of halyard based on weather resistance, durability, and more.
Polyester
Polyester is a great choice because it is durable, low-stretch, and extremely affordable. Polyester halyard has a high UV resistance rating as well as a high abrasion resistance rating.
Note that polyester halyard can be divided into subcategories. These include polyester with a wire core and polyester with a kevlar core.
The wire core makes halyard tamper-resistant. If your home or business is located in a well-trafficked area, you may want to consider a halyard with a wire core.
Kevlar also makes halyard tamper-resistant with an added bonus. Kevlar is lighter in weight, making polyester with a kevlar core a more portable and manageable material. That being said, it may cost a bit more than polyester with a wire core.
Nylon
Like polyester, nylon is resistant to abrasion and UV rays. It is a durable material that can withstand severe weather patterns. Plus, nylon is high-stretch, which means that it can absorb the shock of high winds better than polyester.
Because nylon is more expensive, you’re going to want to consider the wind in your location. If you don’t get heavy winds often, polyester will do just fine. However, keep in mind that because most flagpoles are at least twenty feet tall, that rope is going to take a heavier beating than you will down on the ground!
Cotton
The draw of a cotton halyard is the look. That clean, white appearance is absolutely classic and tends to match what most home and business owners have in mind.
However, cotton is not nearly as durable as polyester or nylon. If you do purchase a cotton halyard, be prepared to replace it within the year, especially if you receive a lot of inclement weather.
One alternative is to purchase a cotton blend halyard. These often maintain the look you desire but with the added strength of polyester or nylon.
Choosing the Right Length of Rope
Once you decide on the type of halyard you want to purchase, you need to determine the length. Whether you’re ordering precut or custom cut rope, it’s better to buy a rope that is too long, rather than too short.
A good rule of thumb is to measure your flagpole from the point at which it emerges from the ground to the very top. Then, double that number and add one-three feet. For example, if your flagpole is 20 feet tall, you will want your rope to be about 43 feet long.
Once you assemble your flagpole and string your halyard, you can cut off any length of rope that is too long.
How to Install a Flagpole
Because flagpoles, themselves, differ from one manufacturer to another, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. This will tell you how to put together the pole using the included hardware, how to attach the halyard, and more.
However, one thing is always the same, and that’s how you install a flagpole on your property. This will require a post hole digger, concrete, and more.
To begin, use your post hole digger to break ground. Continue to dig a hole that is at least two feet deep and about six times wider than the diameter of your flagpole.
Next, place the ground sleeve in the hole so that about two inches are visible above ground. Begin filling in the area around the ground sleeve with gravel in order to provide stability around the bottom.
Then, you will need to set the ground sleeve by pouring ready-mix concrete into the hole until it is level with the surface. Make sure that the ground sleeve remains upright and does not tilt or sag. Use a trowel to smooth the concrete and allow it to set for up to 48 hours.
Once the concrete is dry, you can stand your assembled flagpole up in the ground sleeve.
Taking Care of Your Flag
Once your flagpole is installed, you are free to fly the American flag. First, make sure that you know how to take care of an American flag, as this is of the utmost importance.
The American flag should not be dirty. If you notice that your flag has become dirty, lower it and handwash it with mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not machine wash your flag.
If the American flag becomes tattered or torn, it is no longer fit to fly. Instead, you must dispose of it in a dignified manner.
Note that one of the acceptable ways to dispose of a tattered American flag is burning, but this should be done with care. Rather than doing it yourself, contact your local Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, or American Legion chapter. They will take care of your flag for you.
When to Fly a Flag
On most days, it is perfectly acceptable to fly the American flag. However, it is important that you know when to fly it half-mast and when to take it down.
Flying a Flag Half-Mast
Flying the flag half-mast is done out of respect for deceased individuals. To fly a flag at half-mast means that you are flying it halfway between the bottom and top of the flagpole.
There are four days on which the flag should be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset. These are May 15th (Peace Officers Memorial Day), September 11th (Patriot Day), Fire Prevention Week (date varies), and December 7th (National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day).
In addition, the flag should be flown half-mast when a current or former President, Vice-President, Chief Justice, or Speaker of the House has died. You may also receive Presidential or state proclamations that the flag should be flown half-mast throughout the year.
Can You Fly a Flag at Night?
Technically, the flag should be stored away when it cannot be lit. Many flag owners put their flags up after sunrise and take them down before sunset. However, if you can install a light that illuminates the entire flag after dark, you may fly your flag at night.
Can You Fly a Flag in Inclement Weather?
If the weather is severe enough to tear or otherwise damage the American flag, it should not be flown. However, there are all-weather flags that may endure rainfall, wind, and other non-disastrous inclement weather patterns.
Fly Your American Flag With Pride
Installing a flagpole and flying the American flag is a noble thing to do at your business or home. Make sure that you know the proper protocol and installation process so that you can fly the flag with pride.
Flying the American flag is a great way to stand in solidarity with your customers and clients. Having easy-to-understand letters, forms, and contracts is a great way to ensure repeat business. Use our services to improve your business documents today.
