Requirements for Commercial Flagpole Installation
Flagpoles that are anchored into the ground typically have 10% of their height added for the ground installation. As an example, a 30 feet flagpole would have an anchor section of 3 feet underground and come in an overall length of 33 feet.
This measurement only applies for regular soil. If the location for your flagpole installation is in a low strength soil area, like close to the seaside or an earthquake fault, more than 10% might be needed for the foundation sleeve.
This is being determined in a soils report.
A commercial flagpole installation typically requires this “geological soils report” to determine the density of the soil and the depth of the flagpole foundation.
Soils Reports – How to Obtain it
Soils reports are obtained before construction begins. The engineer who designs the foundation uses the soils report in determining what kind of foundation design to use. In this way, problems such as differential settling can be avoided, and the right depth for flagpole embedded foundation and ground sleeve can be determined.
Flagpole Installation: Avoid Planning Errors
If soils report is not available, before construction begins, our team of engineers who designs the foundation uses a standard geo report for the location of a flagpole installation in order to determine what kind of foundation design to use.
Soils reports are required for commercial installation. To avoid planning errors, they should be acquired prior to ordering.
Size of Flags
Generally speaking, the length of your flag should be 25% to 33% of the height of the flagpole. Consideration must be given to the wind resistance factors to ensure that the flagpole can safely support the desired flag at the wind speed rated for your locale. IPI offers foundation design and flagpole engineering services to assist with this design consideration.
Maintenance
As with any other equipment, flagpoles must be properly cared for if they are to last for a period of years. Little or no maintenance is necessary for aluminum or fiberglass poles. However, should a build-up of dirt and soil occur, washing the surface with a mild detergent is recommended.
Steel poles will usually require resurfacing in 2 to 6 years depending on the type of finish used and the area in which the pole is located. Stainless steel requires little or no maintenance to maintain its appearance.
Bronze poles may require some resurfacing depending on the overall effect desired. With time, bronze poles will darken.
Halyards and external fittings should be checked every three months for sign of wear and tear. If looked after when wear becomes apparent, the cost of replacements can be minimized.
Parts, Accessories, Flags
IPI offers a complete array of flagpole parts and optional accessories. Our sister company, The Flag Factory, offers a complete line of US, State, International, and custom flags for all occasions.
Interstate Pole Industries provides detailed shop drawings required for installation.