Frequently Asked Questions

1. If possible call Flagpoles Etc. customer service while the delivery driver is at your location.

2. Make sure to note any damage on the delivery receipt (where you sign) that there is damage to the shipment. If damage is minimal, and you still accept shipment as is, keep the shipment. However, if the damage is not minimal and is unacceptable, you must refuse the entire shipment. **Please inspect the flagpole (and accessories) fully and completely at delivery.** If you sign that it is damage free and later find damage, it will NOT be covered.

3. If Damage is unacceptable to you, please refuse the shipment and the carrier will return the shipment. Then contact us and we will have another shipped out to you.

There are basically seven features that distinguish any given flagpole.
1. Material (aluminum, steel, fiberglass)
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)

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Flagpoles Etc.), 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.

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.

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.

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.

The rule of thumb is that concrete should be allowed to set at a rate of 24 hours for each yard of concrete.

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.

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.