Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a flag last?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions and it’s the most difficult to answer as each flag is flown in its own unique setting including unique environmental situations. A flag’s lifespan is heavily influenced by UV, wind, and typically the most detrimental condition is ice storms or freezing rain. Water can saturate a flag and flash freezing can occur before the material has dried. Wind added to this situation can cause the now frozen flag to flex and result in damaged fibers leading to decreased lifespan and rippage. Storms that include high winds can cause damage to fibers and allow fraying. Exposure to high wind - such as using a full sized flag on a car or truck will also cause shortened lifespans.
We recommend flying your flag under most conditions but exposure to storms and use on vehicles should be avoided unless speed is moderate (boats). We do stock a car window flag which is suitable for non highway use. These small flags have a hugely decreased surface area and are suited for their intended application. Extreme sun can also decrease lifespan and cause inks to fade over time. Every flag has a lifespan no matter which material it is made of. Some will ask, can you not make a flag out of a material like Kevlar so it will last forever? The truth is that super materials like Kevlar are not ideal for flags or items exposed to UV and can have even shorter lifespans than traditional flag materials, if they are used in a flag application. Super materials like this are also not easy to print on and do not hold dyes the same way that nylons or polyester do.
Because we can’t determine the flag’s exposure to extreme conditions - it makes it difficult to determine an exact timeframe on its life. We use a rule of thumb 3-6 months is the average lifespan when a flag is left outdoors under average Canadian conditions. The majority of flags will last up to a year if they are cared for and taken down in inclement weather.
How are flags attached to a flagpole?
We use flag clips (grommet clips) which clip into the grommet on the flag itself and are then attached to a halyard or the rope on the pole itself.
An older method of attachment is to tie the halyard directly to the grommets and avoiding the use of flag clips. We suggest clips as it is much easier to change flags.
Flag sizing
|
Flag Size |
Pole Height |
|
18”x36” |
4’ |
|
27”x54” |
6’ (spin poles are a common application) |
|
27”x54” |
12’-17’ |
|
26”x72” |
18’-30’ |
|
45”x90” |
35’ |
|
54”x108” |
40’ |
|
72”x144” |
45’ |
Flags for boats
We get asked a lot of questions about flag sizing for boats, we always suggest one inch per foot of boat. An example of this would be if you have a 36’ long sailboat an 18”x36” flag would be just perfect. Following this formula keeps the flag well proportioned when viewing your boat from a distance. Ultimately it is up to the boater, as some prefer larger flags on their vessels, one thing that should be considered is the size of the pole you have on your boat and how strong it is.
We do not recommend tying flags to rigging ie: backstays, forestays or lines that are also being occupied by sails, the flag can flap around and hit the sail damaging the flag and potentially adding wear to your sails over time as well.
Flying a Canada flag with another national flag
A Canada flag should always be flown on its own pole. It is improper to fly a secondary flag below the Canadian flag on the same pole.
We always recommend that customers check out the following link.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-etiquette/flying-rules.html
What do I do with my old ripped or worn out flag?
Flags made of cotton or natural materials should be burned in a dignified manner. Most people are surprised to learn this, however it is what is suggested by the federal government.
Synthetic flags require a different method of disposal and more information can be found below.
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/flag-canada-etiquette/disposal.html