FAQ
Q: What factors affect the price of a flagpole?
A: There are six features that distinguish the flagpole price.
1. Height
2. Butt Diameter
3. Wall Thickness
4. Finish (Satin Aluminum, Powder Painted, Anodized)
5. Halyard System (Internal or External)
6. Installation Type (Ground Set, Shoe Base or Wall Mount)
Q: Is all the hardware we need to install our flagpole included with the flagpole?
A: All hardware, including the Ground Sleeve, is included in Concord American Flagpole packages. Installation materials such as concrete, wood wedges, and sand must be provided by the installer. Flags and additional accessories such as hardware for flying additional flags, cleat cover boxes, etc. can also be purchased separately.
Q: Why is it important to keep flagpoles dry while they are in the packaging?
A: While we take great care in preparing our flagpoles for damage-free shipment, the packaging materials can cause stains when wet. If a flagpole needs to be stored outside in the weather, the flagpole must be unwrapped and kept off of the ground until installation.
Q: What do we do if we un-wrap the flagpole and find that the wrapping paper has stained it?
A: Shipments must be stored in a dry, moisture-free environment or packaging must be removed immediately upon receipt. On occasion there will be stains on a satin finish flagpole from wrapping paper that has become wet. The best way to remove the stains is warm soapy water, aluminum alloy cleaners, Ox-Out (available from Concord American Flagpole), or a medium grit sand paper (Satin finish flagpoles only). If sand paper is used, always rub in the same direction as the original grain. For painted or anodized flagpoles only use liquid soap and water as NO caustic cleaners should be used.
Q: How many sections are in each flagpole?
A: Standard flagpoles typically contain 1-4 sections. Flagpoles up to 25′ typically are 1-piece, flagpoles 30′-40′ are either 1-piece or 2-piece, flagpoles 45′ 2-piece, and flagpoles 50′ and greater are produced in 3 to 4 pieces. Special configurations can be accommodated.
Q: Why is a Ground Set flagpole actually longer than its designated Mounting Height?
A: A flagpole is designated by the above ground mounting height. The actual length includes the portion of the flagpole that is installed below ground level.
Q: How close should a flagpole be installed to other flagpole or objects?
A: The size flag that will be flown will determine the distance. A minimum distance of 1-1/2 times the flag length is recommended. NOTE: Be cautious when working around power lines. If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur.
Q: Should I place lights on my flagpole?
A: Flag etiquette makes it customary to light the flag when being flown 24 hours a day. Options include the StarGazer and ground mounted lights installed away from the flagpole to Up Light the flag.
Q: How should the flagpole be grounded?
A: If the foundation is set in soil, our manufactured Ground Sleeve with provided lightning rod should offer adequate protection for the flagpole. Our typical lightning rod is 18″ long in order to extend 12″ into the soil beneath the concrete foundation, however, our Lightning Rod Kit (LRK-9019) can be purchased and installed for additional security in high-risk locations.
Q: How much of the flagpole should be embedded in a Ground Set Installation?
A: Industry standard recommendations state that 10% of the Mounting Height (above ground height) of a flagpole should be buried in Ground Set installations. All Concord American Flagpole Ground Set flagpoles are designed to accommodate this recommendation. For example, a 20′ flagpole is manufactured 22′ long to account for 2′ (10%) being embedded. If your foundation design shows a flagpole embedment deeper than the 10% length, Concord American Flagpole recommends contacting us for options in extending the grounding spike in place of extending the flagpole and ground sleeve length. This should result in a savings for an equivalent installation.
Q: How do you determine the size of a concrete base needed to support a flagpole?
A: NAAMM offers basic suggestions for foundation measurements in firm, dry soil. Soil conditions sites vary by site. Exact foundation requirements should be verified by a Structural Engineer with knowledge of soil conditions in your area.
Q: My project is in a high wind area. How do I determine which flagpole to specify?
A: The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM) publishes a wind chart to assist in choosing the correct flagpole for your area. Special Wind Zone areas are indicated on the map, along with a notation for high wind areas including but not limited to mountainous terrain, gorges, and ocean promontories. These areas should be examined by a qualified Engineer familiar with local wind conditions. The desired height of the flagpole will then be the major factor in determining the correct flagpole.
Q: How many flags can I fly on my flagpole?
A: First, we will need the diameter, height, wall thickness, and geographic location of the flagpole this information to assist in answering this question properly, but flagpoles typically can fly one (1) to three (3) flags depending on the design factors.