| When choosing a residential flagpole, first decide | | | | simple cleat at the base of the pole. Internal |
| on the site and desired height. Make sure you can | | | | halyard systems are located on the inside of the |
| see the flag from various angles. Is it so high that | | | | pole, with a slot at the base for a special winch or |
| you have to crane your neck to see it? Is it so | | | | handle. In areas where vandalism is a concern, |
| low that it is hiding behind a shrubbery? Choose | | | | choose an internal halyard system. |
| something in between. | | | | Finally, decide what color you want your pole to |
| Next, choose your flagpole material. The most | | | | be, and whether you want to add custom |
| popular material for residential flagpoles is | | | | ornaments, such as a finial or ball, eagle, or any |
| aluminum, for its high strength, low maintenance, | | | | other type of ornament. |
| low weight, and low cost. Fiberglass is the second | | | | When it comes time to install the flag itself, dig a |
| most popular material, because it boasts a hard | | | | hole. The size of the hole depends on the size of |
| glossy gel coat finish that withstands most soiling | | | | the flagpole. Wet down the hole and then fill it |
| and scratching. | | | | with concrete. Insert a steel groundsleeve into |
| Now choose either an external or internal halyard | | | | which the flag will be placed. Be sure that ten |
| system. A halyard system is the means by which | | | | percent of the pole length is underground, and |
| the flag is raised and lowered. It consists of a | | | | that the pole doesn't touch the concrete, since |
| rope or cable threaded through a truck or pulley | | | | concrete corrodes most flag materials. If you |
| mechanism at the top. External halyard systems | | | | have any questions, consult the manufacturer |
| are rigged on the outside of the pole, locked in | | | | before proceeding. In many cases, the |
| place by wrapping the rope or cable around a | | | | manufacturer can install the flag for you. |