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Flagpole Guides
Belgium

Flagpole maintenance and flag care in Belgium

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This page is an English translation of the Dutch original. Where the two versions differ, the Dutch text is the original.

A flagpole and a flag last longer when they are checked and cared for regularly. Circular VR 2015/37 of the Flemish Government has a section on practical advice and quality for public buildings. That advice is also useful for associations, businesses and private individuals.

What the circular mentions

According to circular VR 2015/37, correct flag flying includes:

  • regularly checking the number of poles and their physical condition
  • checking where and how the poles are fixed: on the roof, on the façade, against a window or on the pavement
  • checking that the hoisting mechanism works and the ropes are in order
  • checking that the flags have the correct heraldic colours and figures
  • keeping flags clean and replacing them in good time
  • lowering and raising flags that have wrapped around the pole to shake them loose
  • taking in flags on isolated poles in the evening, as these are more exposed to vandalism and theft

Checking the pole

After winter and after heavy storms, it is customary to check the pole:

  • is the pole still upright and firmly fixed in the ground sleeve or on the base plate?
  • are there cracks, dents or loose parts?
  • are the bolts of the base plate or tilting base still tight?
  • is there rust on steel parts or rot on a wooden pole?
  • does the pulley or revolving truck still turn freely?

Aluminium and polyester poles need little maintenance. Cleaning with water and a mild cleaning agent removes dirt and deposits. Wooden poles are painted or stained regularly. More on this is in the guide on flagpole materials.

Halyard, pulley and hooks

The halyard wears mainly at the pulley and the cleat. A halyard that is fraying, has gone stiff or stretches a lot is due for replacement. Snap hooks and clips can break or bend. On a pole without a tilting base, replacing the pulley is work at height. For employees, the rules on temporary work at height from the code on well-being at work then apply. More on this is in the guide on flagpole safety.

Caring for the flag

  • Washing: a polyester flag can usually be washed at a low temperature with a mild detergent, following the label.
  • Drying: a flag stored wet can go mouldy.
  • Mending: a frayed hem on the fly end can be stitched before the damage spreads.
  • Storing: folded and dry, out of the sun.
  • Replacing: a flag with holes, fraying or faded colours is due for replacement. An earlier Flemish circular, VR-95/37, mentioned replacement every six months for flags flown permanently.

Disposing of a flag

There is no Belgian rule on disposing of a worn flag. Flags are textiles, and in many municipalities textiles can go to the recycling centre or a textile container.

More on repairs is in the guide on flagpole repair.

Frequently asked questions

How often is a flagpole checked?

There is no legal interval. Circular VR 2015/37 recommends regularly checking the number of poles and their physical condition on Flemish public buildings, including the fixings, the hoisting mechanism and the ropes. Many owners do this in spring, after the winter storms.

When is a flag replaced?

Circular VR 2015/37 mentions clean flags that are replaced in good time as part of the quality standards for public buildings. A flag with frayed edges, holes or faded colours is due for replacement. An earlier version of the Flemish rules mentioned replacement every six months for flags flown permanently.

How is a flag washed?

A polyester flag can usually be washed at a low temperature with a mild detergent, following the manufacturer's label. It is customary to dry a flag before storing it, so that no mould forms.

Sources

This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Dutch:

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