News International Flags & Flagpoles

The purpose of this blog is to try and give you an objective and balanced view on which Flagpole might be suitable for your needs and expectations. I am making the assumption that the flagpole is ground installed in this instance.

The decision of course is yours but hopefully a fair & balanced argument without too much detail will help.

Essentially there are  four options of substrate which are typically used for making flagpoles.

1. Aluminium
2. Glass Fibre
3. Stainless Steel
4. Wood.

There are then variations on the theme such as sectional flagpoles.

Clearly in this day and age we live in a particularly commercially sensitive world. Labour is expensive and traditional methods of manufacturing are costly, albeit romantic. Wood unfortunately is therefore at the bottom of the popularity stakes.

Before you make the leap, just consider exactly where the poles might be sited and whether they are permanent or semi permanent fixtures.

Are they simply flying the National Flag as an unashamed statement or are they for the purpose of promotion i.e. a commercial marketing tool?

If it is the former then go for quality. You will have forgotten about the price when the Pole is still standing proud in years to come.

People will sell Flagpoles to turn a profit as opposed to acting properly and professionally.

If it is the latter then take the commercial option BUT ‘caveat emptor’ applies. It is a fact that like any other industry there are unscrupulous suppliers out there and you should consider the consequences of an inferior pole failing. Typically it will have been installed poorly or more than likely the wall thickness is not adequate for the job.

People will sell Flagpoles to turn a profit as opposed to acting properly and professionally. Please buy off a recognised and quality outfit who simply will not risk or compromise on quality.

All this said, where are you locating the Flagpole? How high above sea level, how exposed, what is the size and orientation of the flag you want to fly and what is your budget?

Let’s go back a few stages and state the obvious and then try and identify where you stand within the hierarchy. Flagpoles are a traditional way to announce your presence. Whether you are flying a National or Corporate flag you need to make the right choice:

• Prestige location?
• Heritage or Ecclesiastical?
• Corporate?
• Construction Industry?
• Motor trade?
• Temporary or Exhibition use?
• Bespoke or personal?

Aluminium
Often one piece, conical in shape and high prestige. The premier product of flagpoles from a single aluminium section.

Sectional Aluminium
The more affordable option with a thinner wall. Amongst other things it is economic to transport.

Budget Aluminium
A budget aluminium, option for high volume users but beware any compromise on basic quality. Properly made these poles will be fine but just don’t take the risk and be prepared to pay a little more; you get what you pay for!

Glass Fibre
An excellent value one piece smooth tapering pole for an architectural look on a budget.

Stainless Steel
Parallel tube with a highly polished finish, it is just rather expensive but you will get a fantastic result and Architects and RIBA members will love it.

Wooden Poles
Whilst traditionally one piece, one pole of timber and indeed a romantic notion, in actual fact the properties of a single lump of wood is frequently unreliable.

To ensure no failures one would need a single piece of wood with zero flaws or branches and even a Douglas Fir will struggle with that up to 30ft. Wooden flagpoles tend to be laminated these days but still, when varnished, cosmetically attractive. It is regrettable that the labour element makes them so expensive.

Flagpole Terminology Guide

Acquiring your first flagpole could be a confusing experience as you will be introduced to terminology that is probably new to you.

Questions you may need to address could include:

• What is the difference between a Finial and a Halyard?
• What is the purpose of a Cleat?
• Why would you use a Weighted Collar?
• Where are Yardarms & Gaffs used?
• What is the difference between a step and a smooth tapering pole?

We have tried to simplify the process by explaining some of the more commonly used terms in our Flagpole Terminology Guide.

The full guide can be downloaded HERE.

Experts Guide To Choosing A Flagpole - 10 Top Tips

Flagpoles are a traditional way to announce your presence and make a statement whether you are flying a national or corporate flag. By reading our 10 Top Tips, we aim to guide you through all of the areas you should consider to help you to make the right choice when selecting your flagpole.

Areas covered are:

1. How Tall Should My Flagpole Be?
2. Is The Pole To Be Fitted Into The Ground or To A Building?
3. How Will You Be Using Your Flagpole?
4. Do I Need Planning Permission For My Flagpole?
5. What Size Flag Do I Need?
6. What Style of Pole Do I Want?
7. What Material Should I Choose For My Flagpole?
8. Can I Get My Flagpole Installed?
9. What Are The Rules For Flying National Flags?
10. How Long Can I Expect My Flagpole To Last?

To download your guide please click HERE

Flag-Pole Flags Flying at Downing Street

The Union Jack often referred to as the Union Flag should be Flying on our Public Buildings. Councils, whatever their political colour, have a responsibility to represent us and fly the flag throughout the year.

Our Flag is full of historical significance and it represents the growth of a family of nations whose influence our Armed Forces are protecting. It is an unashamed appeal intended to arouse patriotic emotions and enhance the people, colours and creeds of our nation as well as the family of countries beyond England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The influence of our Flag extends to Australia, New Zealand and many more countries, which have been incorporated within the symbol of unity and this has to continue to maintain harmony in the world.

It is not within the remit of Council officials to determine the identity of a country and it most certainly is their responsibility to embrace the National Flag Flying days at the very least.

This responsibility applies north of the border as well as south and west and recent devolution that has given Scotland and Wales its own Parliament in the former and Assembly in the latter does not preclude flying the Union Jack alongside their own specific flags. This is the whole point of the Union Jack, which represents and symbolises individuality combined with a Union of Identity.

Congratulations to High Peak Borough council for stating that they will Fly the Union Flag every day at full mast barring a number of exceptions when it will be flown at half mast (which in fact means the flag should be flown 2/3rds of the way up the flagpole).

It is hoped that more councils follow the High Peak’s example.