Guide for Residential Applications |
| When selecting what flag purchase, you will base you decision on the following things. This guide is for residential customers so we will not cover features found on commercial applications in this guide. It will only apply to flags up to 4'x6' as that is the largest flag for common residential use on flagpoles up to 30' in height that we recommend. |
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The material the flag is constructed from will effect the lifespan of your flag and how well it flies in your area based upon the strength of the wind. It also will effect the actual presentation, different fabrics will present different hue and depth of color. And finally how long the before the color will fade and effect the presentation.
Construction of the flag of the flags is about durability and presentation. Also is the flag a sewn flag or printed?
Size of the flag for your pole is about presentation and durability of the flagpole itself. To large of flag on your pole could cause damage to the pole. To smaill of a flag will not present it self well. As general rule remember the larger the flag, the shorter the lifespan. The most common sizes for residential flagpoles is 3'x5' or 4'x6'.
Past Purchases Your previous purchases and your satisfaction with those flags will become a factor over time.
Purchase Price is the final consideration, is the price of the flag within your budget. As general rule the more labor involved to construct the flag, the higher the price. We list this last as all of the above factors will ultimately effect your cost. If you have to purchase a flag every 3 months vs every 12 months, what is your real annual cost to fly a flag.
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Construction Materials |
Nylon is a light weight and durable material that will fly in a slight breeze.
Polyester is a heaver fabric and 2 ply polyester is the preferred material for durability in "high wind" areas.
Cotton is also a heaver fabric but not as durable as polyester, and most commonly use for indoor applications and presentation flags.
Blended Combinations of these materials may be offered for a variety of reason which are mostly based upon durability. You will also see these materials branded or marketed in variety of ways and names, ultimately your individual experience with each will determine your next selection.
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Flag Construction |
| Sewn Flags are the most common American flag of choice for residential application. They display with vibrant colors and when properly constructed are durable. Below is the list of things to look for in sewn flags. |
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Stitching on seams and edges should be double stitch and folded under before stitching. Stitching should be color match for best presentation.
Stitching on "Fly End" should be double folded before stitching and four rows of stitch for added strength. The fly end is the top point of stress from the wind and is generally the first point of failure as your flag ages.
Stars are most commonly embroider on the sewn residential flags, but you may see applique used. Embroider stars present a rich and vibrant look to the flag and are durable.
Header and Grommets: The header is the point of attachment to your pole and the grommets are what is utilize to secure the flag to the pole. The headers should be constructed of a heavy blended fabric of polyester and cotton for strength and durability. Grommets are set in the header and made of brass.
Pole Hem flags are generally use for lighter duty house mounted poles 5 or 6 feet in length, or for indoor application. The header is eliminated and the end of the flag is folded and then stitched to create a "pocket" that you slide the pole through. There will be a "tab" sewn inside the pocket that is utilized to secure the flag to the top of the pole.
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| Printed Flags are the most common when the image displayed is to intricate to be functionally sewn from fabric. This is the common method of production for mounted flags, house flags and garden flags. Most custom flags are a printed flag and a great way to present your passion or business. You may see an applique used combination with the printed portion of a flag. An applique is a cut shape of material that is sewn on to the printed portion of the flag, such as say a star. They will give the flag an third dimension and depth but will add to the cost of those flags. Print flags display with vibrant colors and when properly constructed are durable. Below is the list of things to look for in printed flags. |
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Single or double side printing of the flag is especially important when there is textual content and you want to read properly on both sides. Double side flags are actually two printed flags sewn together with liner sewn between the two sides and therefore cost more.
Stitching on the edges should be double stitch and folded under before stitching. Stitching should be color match for best presentation.
Stitching on "Fly End" should be double folded before stitching and four rows of stitch for added strength. The fly end is the top point of stress from the wind and is generally the first point of failure as your flag ages.
Header and Grommets the header is the point of attachment to your pole and the grommets are what is utilize to secure the flag to the pole. The headers should be constructed of a heavy blended fabric of polyester and cotton for strength and durability. Grommets are set in the header and made of brass.
Pole Hem are generally use for lighter duty house mounted poles 5 or 6 feet in length, garden flags on hanger, and for indoor applications. The header is eliminated and the end of the flag is folded and then stitched to create a "pocket" that you slide the pole through. There will be a "tab" sewn inside the pocket that is utilized to secure the flag to the top of the pole.
The three most common offered printing methods for flags are Silk Screening, Digital Printing and Dye Sublimation.
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❮Double Row Color Matched Stitching ❯
❮Double Fold 4 Rows Stitching on Fly End ❯
❮Brass Grommets and Heavy Fabric Header ❯
❮Weak Header Tore Out in 30 days. ❯
❮Only Double Row Fly End. 30 days of Flying. ❯
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Size of Flag Recommendations |
| You may see others offer 5'x8' and even 6'x10' flags for poles in the 25-30 foot range, however our experience is the most common 16 gage aluminum poles sold for residential application, simply can not withstand the stress of flying those larger size flags and over time will fail. For this reason we do not list those as an option for residential customers but of course the choice is ultimately the customers and those customer who may have sturdier poles by all means go for it. Those larger flags on the taller poles will present themselves well and provide a greater visual distance. |
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| Last Update 2-16-2024 |
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