Questions to ask before installing your flagpole: Safety tips
Our flagpoles are easy to install and convenient to use – but what questions do you need to ask before installing your flagpole? Keep reading to find out!
Is it safe to dig?
If you’re installing a flagpole in-ground, you need to dig a hole that’s 12″ in diameter and 36″ deep. For soft or sandy soil you may need a larger hole. This means you need to make sure where you’re digging isn’t close to an underground utility line, like power or natural gas.
Hitting a utility line can be incredibly dangerous. If you are not already aware of the locations of your utility lines, we recommend you confirm with a professional before digging. Here is a helpful resource for home owners in Ontario.
Are the skies clear?
Both power lines, and nearby trees can cause potential issues and safety risks for you during install and general use of your flagpole. First of all, you’ll want to ensure your flagpole is installed a safe distance from overhead power lines. To do this, consider both the height of the flagpole, but also the overall distance from the power lines in case high winds cause your pole to sway.
Secondly, installing some distance away from trees can be beneficial to keep branches from catching on your flag and causing wear and tear. During high winds or storms trees can also fall down, and you don’t want your flagpole in their way if they do.
Can you easily access the pole to raise and lower it?
For in-ground installs, and especially for flat or dock mount installs, you need to make sure you have space and stability to stand next to the pole and raise and lower it. Depending on the height of the flagpole you choose, this may mean having space for a step-ladder or stool next to the flagpole.
When installed on rock or a deck, the lower section of the 25’ pole will be 8’, while the 20’ and 15’ models collapse to 7’. We encourage you to consider what space you would need to easily and conveniently raise and lower your pole as desired from these heights.
We hope you found these tips helpful! For a full detailed video of a ground installation, click here. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, or would like to inquire about hiring Ontario Flag and Pole to do your install.