Flagpole Buying Guide – What I need to know before buying a flagpole

What I need to know before buying a Flagpole

Whether you are buying your first flagpole or replacing an existing one, you’re bound to find yourself with many questions. So, we have put together this guide to help with any queries that you may have.

When it comes to buying a flagpole, there are many different styles and sizes to choose from. This means the selection process can sometimes leave you a little unsure of exactly what it is you’re looking for. From garden to portable flagpoles, or even if your flagpole is for commercial use, identifying the purpose of why you are buying the flagpole and where it will be installed, will significantly help you in finding the right product for your needs.

Do I need planning permission?

If you are planning to install a flagpole permanently, it’s advised that you get planning permission from your local council. Flags mounted on flagpoles come under the definition of advertisement under ‘The Town and Country Planning Act 1990’, therefore permission must be granted. When in the workplace, it is important that you don’t install a flagpole in adverse weather conditions and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 requires ‘Maintenance of it in a condition that is safe and without risks to health’.

Wind load guarantees

On record, wind speeds in the UK have reached as high as 120 mph, so it is essential that your flagpole can withstand high speeds to avoid any potential accidents or breakages occurring. At Harrison’s we offer wind speed guarantees up to 100 mph (unflagged). We do advise that your flags are taken down at winds above 30 mph and storm flags can be put up in their place. Storm flags are ⅓ the size of a normal flag. However, in winds above 45 mph we do advise that no flags are flown. For more information check out our weather conditions blog and our flag care guide.

Thickness of flagpole

The thinner the wall thickness of the flagpole you are installing, the weaker it will be, meaning there may be a risk of the product dismantling, which can be dangerous. Our flagpoles are heavy duty as standard, with thickness varying from 3 mm to 7 mm.

Size of the flagpole

It is important to consider the size of the flag when you are selecting your flagpole height. One of the more popular flagpole sizes is six metres in height.

Location

Before you consider buying your flagpole, it is important to review your installation area to make sure it’s safe. Points to look out for are things such as, avoiding pipes, cables or overhead obstructions such as telephone cables and trees or any other items that may be dangerous.

It’s also important to consider the wider geographical location and any inclement weather conditions; are you planning to have your pole installed in a windy or coastal location? We manufacture the strongest and thickest poles available in the UK market with a standard wall thickness of 3mm on our commercial glassfibre poles and, in addition, we also produce an extra heavy duty commercial glassfibre pole option with a wall thickness of 4mm and an ultra heavy duty commercial glassfibre option with a wall thickness of 5mm. We recommend extra heavy duty or ultra heavy duty for raised or exposed areas where strong winds may be an issue and ultra heavy duty poles are our recommended pole for locations that are right on the coast.

Flagpole materials

There are many different types of materials available for flagpoles, but popular ones include aluminium or glassfibre. These materials are a great long lasting option and are relatively maintenance free. We recommend glassfibre flagpoles as they are more cost effective, more hard-wearing, have UV protectants and are easier to maintain. However, if aluminium flagpoles are preferred they are available in 3 finishes; powder coated, satin brush or anodised.

Whether you are buying a garden flagpole for your home or require a commercial glassfibre pole for your business premises, we have a variety of options and, due to our manufacturing expertise, we can even produce custom flagpoles to meet any bespoke specifications. Find out more about our custom flagpole options here and to read about some of our specialist custom projects click here.

All Harrison flagpoles have a 5 year warranty, subject to terms and conditions.

You can download our full flagpole buying guide for all the information you should consider before you purchase.

Harrison Flagpoles have over 50 years’ experience having built a global reputation as a first class flag and flagpole supplier for some of the biggest brands and events in the world. Harrison Flagpoles are the only independent manufacturer of glassfibre flagpoles in the UK and take on the projects others can’t. Give us call on 01325 390195 if you would like to chat through more details of the flagpole buying process. Alternatively, you can contact us via our online enquiry form and discuss your requirements with a member of our expert team.