Unless you are experts like us, or have purchased a flagpole before, chances are you may not know what flagpole would be best for you.
For what is in essence a long pole that sits in the ground, there are as you have probably found out lots of things to consider. Hopefully I can help you navigate some of this so you can choose the best option.
First and foremost all the different poles on the market will in all likelihood work well in most circumstances, and are manufactured to last. What I want to try and help you with here is to make sure you are getting something fit for purpose and value for money from the HFC range.
Let’s get cracking then and the initial thing is to consider is where you are siting the flag and its purpose, I.E is it for commercial or domestic purpose, and is it to be sited in a sheltered spot, or somewhere that receives normal conditions, or under extreme conditions like coastal locations.
If you require a domestic flagpole that is located in your garden or similar and conditions are as expected throughout the year, then our Novelty or Aluminium flagpole range will probably suit. (There is no reason why you can’t have a fibreglass pole, as this will work perfectly well too, but it isn’t necessary)
A novelty pole is a one piece pole, 50mm diameter with 2.5mm wall thickness. Our aluminium range is 60mm diameter with 5mm wall thickness and over 5m length comes in two pieces with a bonded aluminium joint.
Builders Aluminium flagpoles are also perfect for semi-permanent installations like new build sites. I.E they only need to be up for one or two years, or for as long as the build takes, and then are taken down.
For commercial premises or windier conditions we would recommend our standard fibreglass poles. The standard fibreglass option offers excellent performance and durability. Constructed from a mixture of glassfibre matt and polyester resin these poles are highly resistant, maintenance free and mode with a thicker conical shaped wall that is tapered from bottom to top for added strength. Built to withstand wind speeds of up to 140 mph.
For someone that needs added strength in stormy conditions on the coast, or just want to have that added extra security we can also offer Heavy Duty Architectural aluminium flagpoles. These are the most expensive option and especially useful if you want to reach heights above 16m.
Now you have been through those options and decided which types might be best for you, now your thoughts will turn to, what ground fixing to have, whether to have internal or external halyard and what top or finial to choose.
Let’s take these one at a time:
- Ground Fixings – There are two basic fixings and some of our poles come with these as standard, but most poles can be purchased with either. The options being ground socket or hinged base plate. Both options need to be secured into concrete. The ground socket is a tube concreted into the ground which the pole sits in. To site or remove the pole you just need to lift in and out of place. The hinged based plate has one section concreted into the ground the other secured to the base of the pole and then they are bolted together. The hinge as you might expect allows for the pole to be lowered easily. Do double check when securing the hinge that you think about obstructions, (buildings, trees, fences etc) that could be in the way when lowering the pole.
- Internal or External Halyard – (Halyard meaning the rope that secures the flag to the pole) – An external halyard as you may guess is the rope the at attaches to the flag and runs down the external edge of the pole and is secured at a cleat which is again is on the outside of the pole. This option is fine for secure locations where it is unlikely anyone other than yourself has access to the pole and can lower the flag. If you need added security then internal halyard is for you. The halyard runs up the inside of the pole and is accessed via a locked door on the pole, to allow you to hoist or lower your flag. The flagpole also comes with a flag weight to hold the flag in place once hoisted.
- One other consideration here for internal or external halyard is noise. Some clients say that an external halyard can be noisy particularly in windy conditions and if you are a light sleeper, as the rope can knock against the pole as the wind catches the flag the halyard is secured to.
- Top or Finial – Each flagpole comes with a top or finial which is not only for decorative purposes but also essential as the halyard/rope runs up the pole and through the pole and back down again to allow for hoisting and lowering of the flag. Options here are white dome top or gold finial, “other colours are available on request”. The white dome top is as it sounds a hardened plastic white top shaped like a dome, that has a recess for the halyard to run through. Alternatively you can have a gold finial which is gold coloured and has a pointed top. It looks more decorative and has the added benefit that birds cannot sit/stand on it.
Our Nov and standard aluminium poles can come with either, and our standard fibreglass comes with a gold finial as standard.
As standard all our poles come as white. We can however powder coat your poles to most colours if a different colour is required. These are powder coated to match a specific RAL colour. (RAL is a European colour matching system which defines colours for paint, coatings and plastics)
Hopefully the above will have helped you navigate your way through what you require, but if you have any questions and need further help we are more than happy to discuss your requirements. Just email us at info@hampshireflag.co.uk or call on 02392 237130
