Flagpole maintenance in the United States: pole care and flag care

A well-kept flagpole and a well-kept flag both last longer than neglected ones. Maintenance covers two things: the pole with its moving parts, and the flag itself. The Flag Code touches on both, stating that the flag is never fastened, displayed or stored in a way that lets it be easily torn, soiled or damaged (4 U.S.C. § 8(e)).

Checks of the pole

According to the Senate document Our Flag, pole care is part of flag care: rust and scale on the pole cause permanent stains, and some metallic oxides eat holes in the fabric. Annin Flagmakers describes keeping pole surfaces free of rust and corrosion that could damage the flag, and placing the flag where the wind cannot whip it against rough surfaces, branches, wires or cables.

Aluminum and finishes

According to Concord American Flagpole, aluminum forms a resistant layer of aluminum oxide on contact with air, which is why an aluminum pole can be left unfinished. Its satin finish is described as low-maintenance, and anodized and powder-coated finishes give color. Scratches in a coating expose the metal beneath; how damage is handled is covered in the guide to flagpole repair.

Flag care

Annin Flagmakers and Our Flag describe the care of a flag:

• Washing: by hand or by machine on a gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, then hung or laid flat to dry, without letting the flag stand in the wash water, according to Annin. Most outdoor flags can be washed in mild detergent, and indoor and parade flags are dry-cleaned, according to Our Flag.
• Dry cleaning: cotton and nylon flags can be dry-cleaned; dry cleaning is not recommended for polyester flags, according to Annin. Many dry cleaners offer free cleaning of US flags in June and July, according to Our Flag.
• Drying and storage: a wet flag is spread out and dried completely before it is folded or rolled up; wet folds cause permanent creases and dampness causes mildew. Flags are stored in a well-ventilated area away from harsh chemicals.
• Repair: frayed or torn fly ends can be trimmed and re-hemmed, and damaged flags can be repaired and used as long as the overall dimensions are not noticeably altered.
• Inspection: Annin describes inspecting the flag regularly for normal wear, especially thread breaks at the fly end.

Weather

Annin notes that rain, snow and abnormally high winds can shorten a flag’s life considerably, and the Flag Code describes not displaying the flag in inclement weather except an all-weather flag (4 U.S.C. § 6(c)). Storms are covered in the guide to flagpole safety.

Local rules on condition

Some local codes and HOA rules set requirements for condition. In Durham, North Carolina, the flag and flagpole are maintained in good repair, a flagpole with broken halyards is not used and torn or frayed flags are not displayed. In Texas, a property owners’ association can require that a flag and flagpole be kept in good condition and that a deteriorated flag or a deteriorated or structurally unsafe pole be repaired, replaced or removed.

Retiring a worn flag

When a flag is no longer a fitting emblem for display, the Flag Code describes destroying it in a dignified way, preferably by burning (4 U.S.C. § 8(k)). According to Our Flag, the American Legion, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts of America, other major veterans’ organizations and some local governments conduct flag retirement ceremonies. How long flags and poles last is covered in the guide to flagpole lifespan.