Whether you are wanting to fly Ol’ Glory in front of your home or business, or simply have a flag of your favorite sports team, more and more people are choosing to have a flagpole installed to show their patriotism or support for their favorite team. However, while getting the flag may be easy, the flagpole can come with a number of aspects of which you may not be aware. From deciding where you want to place your flagpole to making sure you’ve got all the parts needed for the installation, these and many other details need to be ironed out before you get started. If you’re in the market for a flagpole, here are three things you should take into consideration before you make your purchase.
Are You Allowed to Have a Flagpole?
Before you spend your hard-earned dollars on that flagpole, it’s always a good idea to make sure you are allowed to have one on the grounds of your home or business. This is particularly important for homeowners who live in neighborhoods that have a homeowner’s association, since there are always rules governing what you can and cannot do to your property. In many cases, if you do something on your property that violates association rules you could be fined, so be sure to check the rules first. And if you’re a business owner, also make sure the local zoning rules allow you to have a flagpole. If they do, be sure to find out how tall it can be, if you are limited to certain locations where it can be placed, and other rules. By taking care of these issues first, you can save yourself from being fined as well as other problems with neighbors or fellow business owners.
Make Sure You’re Familiar with Flagpole Parts
If all is well and you have the go-ahead to buy a flagpole, it’s a good idea to make sure you become familiar with the various parts that make up a flagpole. While you might think a flagpole is simply a pole and little else, you may be surprised. For example, if you don’t know the difference between a butt diameter, cleat, and external halyard, you could have difficulty installing your flagpole. For your information, a butt diameter refers to the measurement of the width of the flagpole at its base, while the external halyard is the rope system used to raise and lower the flag. As for the cleat, it’s not a shoe worn by football or baseball players. As it pertains to flagpoles, it’s the object resembling a hook that’s located on the flagpole, and its purpose is to secure the halyard once you have the flag at a height with which you’re satisfied.
Consider Your Budget
Whether you want a flagpole for your home or business, always take some time to think about how much money you want to spend. Since there are many different types of flagpoles, costs can vary a great deal. For example, if you are wanting a flagpole that is commercial-grade and is able to withstand high wind speeds, plan on spending $500 or more on a standard flagpole. Also take into consideration the height of your flagpole, since taller ones cost more. For example, a 20-foot high fiberglass flagpole for a residential property can cost over $300. And last but not least, remember that you can get flagpoles in various finishes, such as gold, silver, bronze, white, and other colors. Generally, those that are gold, silver, and bronze cost more that other colors, so keep this in mind when making your decision.
No matter your reasons for installing a flagpole, chances are you will get noticed in a hurry. After all, hardly anybody can walk or drive by a home or business that has a beautiful flag flying in the wind without staring and feeling a sense of pride. By carefully considering the type of flagpole you want and learning a few details about flagpoles, you’ll be sure to get the perfect pole for your needs.
