Frequently Asked Questions
Flagpoles
How many sections are in each flagpole?How much of a flagpole is underground?
Is all the hardware we need to install our flagpole included with the flagpole?
What factors affect the price of a flagpole?
Why is a flagpole actually longer than its designation?
Installation Information
Does the top of the ground sleeve need to be sealed?How can a level be used to plumb a tapered pole?
How close should a pole be installed to other poles or objects?
How long should the concrete set before putting the flagpole in the sleeve?
How should the flagpole be grounded?
Is a flash collar needed for an installation?
Should I place lights on my flagpole?
Should the wooden wedges be left in or taken out when the installation is complete?
What are some suggestions to make putting the flagpole sections together easier?
What do we do if we unwrap the pole and find that the wrapping paper has stained it?
Why is it important to keep poles dry while they are in the packaging?
Ordering Information
What do we do if a shipment arrives damaged?Flagpoles
How many sections are in each flagpole?Typically, 15', 20', and 25' poles come in one section. 30' and 35' poles come in either one or two sections. 40' and 45' poles are two sections. 50' and higher are three to five sections.
How much of a flagpole is underground?
The rule of thumb is that 10% of the above ground height of a pole is underground. For example, a 20' pole is actually 22' long because 2' (10%) is underground.
Is all the hardware we need to install our flagpole included with the flagpole?
All hardware is included, as well as a ground sleeve, in the flagpole package. *Nothing extra needs to be purchased by a customer. However, there are installation materials (concrete, wood wedges, and sand) that are not included.
What factors affect the price of a flagpole?
There are basically seven features that distinguish any given flagpole.
1. Material (aluminum, steel, fiberglass, or wood)
2. Height
3. Butt diameter
4. Wall thickness
5. Finish (brushed aluminum, anodized, powder painted)
6. Halyard system (internal or external)
7. Installation type (ground set, shoe base or wall mount)
Why is a flagpole actually longer than its designation?
A flagpole is designated by the above ground height. The actual length includes the portion of the pole that goes in the ground. (Ground set only.)
Installation Information
Does the top of the ground sleeve need to be sealed?Yes, the ground sleeve must be sealed to keep out water. If the sand in the sleeve gets wet the pole will most likely shift. We suggest the top 2" of the ground sleeve be filled with a waterproof compound.
How can a level be used to plumb a tapered pole?
The tapered flagpoles have a portion of the pole at the base that is not tapered. Usually you will be safe using the bottom five exposed feet for the level.
How close should a pole be installed to other poles or objects?
The size flag that will be flown will determine the distance. Allow at least one foot more than the length of the flag. If possible allow extra distance so that your customer will have the option to fly a larger flag in the future if they choose. (a distance of 1 1/2 times the flag's length will allow one size larger flag to be flown).
NOTE: Be very cautious when working around power lines. If a pole comes in contact with a power line, serious injury or death can occur to anyone standing nearby.
How long should the concrete set before putting the flagpole in the sleeve?
The rule of thumb is that concrete should be allowed to set at a rate of 24 hours for each yard of concrete.
How should the flagpole be grounded?
If the foundations are set in soil, the concrete foundation, anchor bolts or lightning spike, and soil will provide adequate protection for the pole itself.
Is a flash collar needed for an installation?
Flash collars are only needed when there will be a concrete pad around the base of the pole. The purpose of the flash collar is to hide the top of the ground sleeve, or the anchor bolts and nuts to give a pleasing look to the installation. Some installations will be in flowerbeds or in lawn areas. It is okay to not use a collar in these situations. Dirt, rocks, bark, or grass can be pulled up to the pole making a collar unnecessary.
Should I place lights on my flagpole?
It is customary to light the flag when being flown 24 hrs. We suggest lights mounted away from the flagpole, spot lighting the flag, for proper, patriotic illumination. Canister / cylinder lights are available on external halyard flagpoles, but illuminate only the bottom of the flag. Internal halyard flagpoles do not use canister / cylinder lights due to the difficulty lowering the flag and damage which could result (from the counter weight) and the halyard that is inside the pole may get tangled with the electrical wiring.
Should the wooden wedges be left in or taken out when the installation is complete?
The wooden wedges should be removed after the pole is set in sand. This allows for the natural movement of the pole as it vibrates in the wind. Also removal of the wedges provides a more even stress point for the pole.
What are some suggestions to make putting the flagpole sections together easier?
1. Coat both joint surfaces with liquid soap, along with water to dilute the soap. This cuts friction and allows for easy clean up. Don't use any kind of oil. It is difficult to clean the oil off the pole after connecting the joints.
2. Warm temperatures cause the aluminum to expand making the joint tight. Put a bag of ice on the male section of the joint for a few minutes to cool the pole. This will cause the aluminum to contract so the joint will go together better.
What do we do if we unwrap the pole and find that the wrapping paper has stained it?
On occasion there will be stains on a satin finish pole. The best way to remove the stains is warm soapy water, aluminum alloy cleaners, ox-out (available from American Flagpole), or a medium grit sand paper. If sand paper is used, always rub in the same direction as the original grain. This is for satin finish poles only. For painted or anodized poles NO caustic cleaners should be used. Liquid soap and water can be used. First spot test on the metal for possible damage to the finish.
Why is it important to keep poles dry while they are in the packaging?
The paper that the poles are wrapped in contains a chemical that is released when wet that stains the satin finish poles. If a pole needs to be stored outside in the weather, unwrap it first and block it up off of the ground. When wrapping is left on a pole that is damp, unevaporated moisture can create a stain on the satin finish, also.
Ordering Information
What do we do if a shipment arrives damaged?1. If possible, call American Flagpole customer service while the delivery driver is at your location.
2. Make sure to note on the delivery receipt where you sign it that there is damage to the shipment.
3. You have the option to refuse the shipment and the carrier will return the shipment.
Our products are manufactured in the USA and meet the criteria for the Buy American Requirement under Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.