Life of a Flag
When selecting a flag for your needs, it's essential to consider various factors that affect its longevity.
- Flag Material. Flags come in different materials, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial in picking the right flag for your environment. For a detailed description of flag materials and their best uses, we recommend reading our comprehensive guide on "What You Should Know About Flag Materials." Some flags, such as souvenir flags, are not intended to last.
- UV Exposure. The sun will reduce a flag's original colour brilliance over time.
- Wind Exposure. Wind is the true enemy of a flag, more than rain or sun. The wind is a telling factor in length of life of a flag, and this can usually be judged by how much the flag "lifts” most of the time. Is it consistently streaming out in the wind, gently swaying, or mostly hanging down? These varied levels of wind can significantly impact a flag's lifespan. To extend your flag's life, consider bringing it indoors at night or flying it on special occasions.
- Flagpole Height. Taller flagpoles subject the flag to more wind, potentially shortening its lifespan. The most popular flagpole height in Australia is 6 metres, which commonly holds a 2-yard flag. However, for taller poles and larger flags, such as those discussed in our "Flag Size Guide," increased wind exposure can result in faster wear and tear. It is our experience that flags up to 4-yards have a similar lifespan to 2-yard flags on 6m poles. Larger flags than this begin to differ in lifespan. For example, the flag on Parliament House Canberra is brought down every three weeks for maintenance repair. If you need specific advice regarding flag life and pole height, don't hesitate to reach out to us, and can provide our expertise from similar situations.
- Timely Repairs. Much like a brand new car being driven out of the dealer, a flag will start to wear as soon as it is raised. Prompt repair when you notice wear is critical. Early detection allows for effective repairs, such as cutting off the worn portion and re-hemming, prolonging the flag's life. Neglected wear can lead to more extensive damage, potentially rendering the flag irreparable. Keeping an eye on your flag's condition can help us maintain it for an extended period.
- Details on wear: Fibers in the flag's material rub against themselves as it flies, and the lint blows away. Wear is greatest along the outside or “fly” edge, and extends all the way back to the flagpole edge in reducing amounts. When the flag is significantly worn you can notice that the material is thinner at the fly edge. In a woven flag, the two fly corners will thin, leading to holes within the hem. This is the critical moment for most effective repair, as the worn end can be cut off and the flag re-hemmed for extra life. However, if allowed to wear, the hems will soon break through and wear will rapidly extend further into the flag. During this process, the worn area may still be removed and replaced by new material. However, if the body of the flag is too worn it becomes too weak to support new material, making it irreparable.
- Time Spent Flying. Exposure to all other factors depends on the amount of time a flag spends flying. The more it's exposed to the elements, the shorter its lifespan. Remember, while flags are resilient, they are not indestructible. At Flags of All Nations, we offer high-quality, economically priced flags designed for longevity. When you consider the price-to-longevity ratio, our flags consistently offer excellent value.
When choosing a flag, consider these factors to determine how long your flag may last. By making informed decisions, you can ensure that your flag remains a symbol of pride for years to come. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
