Flagpole terminology

Are you a complete novice when it comes to Flagpoles? Here are a few keywords and definitions that you might come across.

Finial - The decorative "top" affixed to a flagpole - usually mushroom shaped, onion shaped or round, white or gold.

Halyard - The rope used to hoist the flag to the top of the pole.

Cleat - Where the halyard rope is tied off to keep the flag hoisted.

Ground Sleeve - The sleeve that the pole slots into when erecting a standard flagpole.

Hinged base plate - The base plate used with a single piece pole. It has a hinge on one edge of the base plate to allow for easy maintenance and installation.

Rotating arm - A metal arm at the top of the pole which keeps the flag taught at all times. Normally used for portrait flags.

Installing a Value Flagpole

Just a quick guide on how to install one of our value flagpoles:

Each set includes:

• White plastic finial with integrated halyard guide,
• Solid braided 10.5m polypropylene halyard,
• Two cast nylon flag clips,
• Rope cleat with two screws,
• PVC Ground sleeve,
• *Pole sections with 50mm outer diameter aluminium pole.

Assembly

Slide pole sections together, with the swagged ends extending upwards into the next section. The top section will always be the un-swagged section. The bottom section will always be a swagged section drilled for the cleat. The remaining sections complete the flagpole. Attach the cleat using the self-tapping screws supplied.
Attach the finial to the top section. Thread the rope halyard through the guide in the finial, clip each flag into place at the end of the halyard.
To fly your flag, attach each clip into the eyelet/D-ring of the flag to form a continuous loop. When not flying a flag, clip the 2 clips together.

Construction/Assembly

Prepare a hole in the ground 650mm deep and 650mm wide sq.
Fill bottom with gravel and sand to a depth of 150mm. Place PVC ground sleeve into hole, the pour concrete into the hole around the sleeve to within 25-40mm of top. Be careful to keep the inside of the sleeve clean and free of concrete. Re-plumb setting tube before concrete sets, by temporarily inserting bottom section of pole and plumbing it inside the sleeve. Allow concrete to cure for 24 hours before installing the flagpole.

Flag Flying conditions

In winds exceeding 35 mph (Beaufort force 7), flags should be taken down. Remember that if it is windy at ground level it is much worse at the top of the flagstaff. Heavy rain will increase the weight of the flag which will cause unnecessary wear, especially in high winds.

For more information information regarding flagpole installation please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk or call 01509 50 11 80.

Flag Flying Days 2009

We have compiled a list of Flag Flying days for 2009 so you don't miss that special national ocassion.

Flag Flying Days

Australia Day - January 26th

Accession of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II - February 6th

New Zealand Commonwealth Day - February 8th

Birthday of Prince Andrew - February 19th

St David's Day - March 1st

Commonwealth Day - 2nd Sunday in March

Birthday of Prince Edward - March 10th

St Patrick's Day - March 17th

Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II - April 21st

St Georges Day - April 23rd

Europa Day- May 5th

Coronation Day - June 2nd

Birthday of the duke of Edinburgh - June 10th

Official Birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II - June 12th

Birthday of Prince William - June 21st

Canadian Dominion Day - July 1st

Birthday of princess Anne - August 15th

Birthday of Prince Henry - September 15th

Trafalgar Day - October 21st

United nations day - October 24th

Rememberance day - November 11th

Birthday of Prince of Wales - November 14th

Wedding of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II - November 20th

St Andrews Day - November 30th

For more information on Flag Flying days or other Flag and Flagpole related enquiries please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk.

Flag and Flagpole terminology

Rope & Toggle - The traditional way of finishing a Flag. Consists of a wooden toggle at the top of the Flag and a length of rope at the bottom.

Applique - A Sewn woven Flag.

Anti Fray - A piece of heavy duty Nylon netting sewn onto the edge of a flag to protect it.

Badge - A coat of arms or simple heraldic symbol, such as a shield.

Canton - Any quarter of a Flag, but commonly means the upper.

Charge - A figure or symbol appearing in the field of a flag.

Emblem - A device often used as a charge (see above) on a flag.

Field - The background of a Flag

Fimbriation - A narrow edging or border, often in white or gold, on a flag to separate two other colours.

Fly - The half or edge of a flag furthest away from the flagpole. This term also refers to the horizontal length of a Flag.

Length - The span of a Flag along the side at right angles to the flagpole.

Width - The span of a Flag down the side parallel to the flagpole.

Half staff/Half mast - A style of flag display in which the flag is flown at half of the potential height of the available flag pole.

Distress - Flying the flag upside down.

Vexillological Symbol - Used to indicate certain characteristics of national flags, such as where they are used, who uses them, and what they look like.

Flag care

With the weather starting to close in, here's a guide to keeping your flag looking its best. With a few simple tips you can dramatically increase your flags life span.

Life Expectancy of Flags
The life expectancy of a flag is impossible to predict, as it is entirely dependent on the climatic conditions and hours of flying. We would advise that since most flags are either an act of courtesy (National Flags) or advertising or Corporate Flags
, it is best to keep them in top condition by changing them regularly. Flags are an inexpensive and highly visible means to advertise your company.

Wind and Rain

In winds exceeding 45mph flags should be taken down. Remember that if it is windy at ground level it is much worse at the top of the flagpole. Heavy rain will increase the weight of the flag which will cause unecessary wear, especially in high winds. The dyes used in our manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability however salt and direct sunlight can have adverse effects on colour.

Damage

Damage to flags is often caused by objects that the flag beats against in the wind or by old style flagstaffs which do not have a smooth finish. To reduce the risk of damage, ensure that the halyard is taut at all times, and that there is no risk of the flag snagging.

Washing and Repair

Air pollution will cause white flags to become grey over time. Flags can be washed in a normal household washing machine set at 40 degree wash with normal detergents. Avoid the use of soda or bleaching Alkali. If the flag starts fraying it can sometimes be trimmed back and re-hemmed.

Storage

Never store your flag when wet, always hang it up and allow it to dry fully before storage. When storing flags, keep them in a dry and ventilated place.

For a copy of this flag care sheet please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk

NEW!!! Fabric banners

Fabric Banners

Fabric banners are a brand new product, introduced to enhance our digital range. Custom printed with your logo, design or message they are an ideal solution to table cloths, backdrops, merchandising, Indoor Flags, and Fabric posters.
Printed on heavyweight (205 gsm) flame retardant fabric, makes for a stunning full colour print with deep vivid colours.
The fabric banners can be manufactured with a number finishings to suit your needs, such as sleeves, eyelets or a traditional hem.
The fabric is available in a 2 metre width, to a length of 20 metres.

For more information regarding fabric banners please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk

A Guide to choosing a Flagpole

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Choosing a flagpole may seem like a minefield, but if you break down the task into several key areas, it should prove a relatively easy exercise.

There are several factors to take into account:

Location & Height of pole

Flagpole Material

Your Budget

Location & Height of Flagpole

We have many different heights of flagpoles, ranging from 4.5 metres (approx 15’) to 10 m (approx 33’)

One of the most popular sizes we do is the 6 metre pole, approx 20’ high.

Key factors to consider is the height of surrounding buildings, trees or any wires from telegraph poles, power lines etc.

Flagpole Material

The main types of materials used in the manufacture, these days, are aluminium or fibreglass. Both of these materials are relatively maintenance free, and should last many years.

The aluminium poles tend to be sectional, whereas the fibreglass poles are usually a single piece tapered pole.

Our aluminium range of flagpoles are our most popular. As they are sectional poles, they provide excellent value and durability, and are economic to transport to site. We have 2 different specification poles to suit every requirement.

Our Fibreglass range of flagpoles offer excellent value, a single piece tapered pole for a prestigious look at a great price. A low weight, high strength pole with a smooth, dirt repellent surface.

NB All of our flagpoles are supplied complete. The only additional item you will need is a flag!

Internal / External Halyard

Halyards (the rope used to hoist a flag) can be external or internal for greater security, noise reduction & aesthetic appeal.

We would recommend an internal halyard system if the pole is close to the road or public areas – to prevent theft or damage of the flag.

Your Budget

A flagpole ¨should¨ be a one off purchase, so bare that in mind when choosing your flagpole. It may seem expensive at the time but it will last you years.

For more information on any of our range of Flags and Flagpoles please visit our website www.flagsandflagpoles.co.uk