Flagpole Care: Preparing for Wisconsin’s High Winds and Winters

Up here in America’s Dairyland, we know about serious weather. From snowstorms to tornadoes to persistent flooding, we’ve seen ‘em all, and we’re still here. Nothing symbolizes human resilience like the flag that still flies in the face of adversity. Flags are a great way of showing your pride, and even in a challenging environment like Wisconsin, you can keep them up, as long as you know how to care for them.

Know When to Fold ‘Em

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As true Wisconsinites know, there’s bad weather, and then there’s bad weather. The trick is knowing which is which.

A well-made flag can stand up to some wind and rain, but not perfectly and not indefinitely. That’s not even looking at Wisconsin’s most severe weather events, which will shred even the sturdiest fabrics. Lake-effect snow and derecho winds can ruin your day as well as your flag display.

The only real way to counteract this problem is to keep an eye on the weather report. While regular events like drizzling or a breeze shouldn’t pose a problem, if the day’s forecast includes wind speeds or precipitation beyond what your flag’s fabric can stand up to, you’ll need to take it in. Be sure to fold it and find a dry place for storage to help its longevity and show your respect.

The Right Stuff

Extreme weather is clearly the biggest hazard to a flag, but depending on where you live, those hazards will vary. Locally, those tricky weather situations usually split between windy days and days with precipitation. Knowing what your flag is most at risk of is key to your damage prevention strategy.

Of the three major fabrics flags usually come in, cotton is out right from the start. While a cotton flag has its place, it isn’t outside in an average Wisconsin year. In heavy winds, cotton will quickly rip. It’s also very susceptible to fading in the sun.

Polyester is much better at standing strong when the breeze picks up due to its weight. This sturdy fabric is safer to fly in moderate winds, and if you live in a relatively open area and a 24-hour display, a polyester flag might be the choice with the greatest longevity.

But in terms of wetter weather, nylon is the better bet. This is because of its superb ability to repel water and its lighter weight. While both nylon and polyester are decent with moisture, nylon will dry quicker, and the weight of water on polyester might strain the flag and hardware with the extra weight. As an added bonus, nylon is better at resisting UV fading, keeping it looking good for longer.

In areas with high wind, polyester flags will fly better. In regions with wet weather, nylon is king. In Wisconsin, unless your flag installation requires constant flying or is in a higher-wind location, nylon is usually the better choice.

Fix Early, Inspect Often

No matter how careful you are and how well-chosen your fabric is, though, your flags are not invincible. Sooner or later, you’ll need to attend to some damage.

Regular inspection and maintenance can head off a lot of problems. Important flag care tips include keeping the flag clear of obstructions that could tear it and wiping it down with warm water. Stains will take extra effort to clean properly. If things get too bad, you should keep in mind that professionals exist who can clean the flag for you.

General fabric issues to look for include tears, holes, and fraying. Polyester is especially susceptible to pilling, while nylon can melt in high heat – though this is unlikely to be a big issue in most Wisconsin locations. Learning to sew yourself can help reduce expenditures on tailors when repairing these issues, but make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew and take the flag in if it gets beyond your abilities.

Finally, when storing your flag in inclement weather, be sure to fold it properly and find an area with low-to-no moisture for storage. Folding isn’t just a sign of respect. It’s also a way to prevent wear and creasing if the bad weather event turns out to be persistent.

What’s Good for the Pole is Good for the Flag

Flags don’t fly on their own. Your flag will have its own set of hardware, whether that’s a house-mounted pole or a ground-anchored installation. Keeping your flag in good shape in extreme weather of the sort Wisconsin experiences doesn’t just mean keeping up the flag, but also means keeping the rest of your equipment in good shape as well.

Probably the most common issue with your flag hardware will be your halyard, if you have one. Halyard is flag-talk for the rope you use to hoist and lower the banner. Halyards can be internal or external, with each having its own issues. Externals are lower-cost and easier to repair, but are more exposed to the elements and are less secure against anyone else (not to mention the sound of the rope knocking on the pole). Internals give you security and keep the rope away from the wind and rain, but are pricier and have more complex mechanisms, meaning if they fail, your costs will be higher.

The pole itself can also degrade over time. If not properly secured in the ground (or against the house if not a larger installation), wear over time can pull a pole out of place. Rust and corrosion, as well as scratching and general wear, can all weaken the pole and lead to it coming down, possibly in a disastrous way. You’ll want to inspect the pole regularly, making sure it is retaining strength and showing no signs of degradation. A quick repair of a rusting screw can extend the lifespan of your display by years.

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Flag

But the most important part of caring for a flag is caring for yourself. If you get injured or incapacitated in a bad weather event, who else is going to keep your banner flying proudly? Wisconsin’s weather can change quickly and dangerously. Make sure you have a plan to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the case of a natural disaster, because no flag can replace your well-being.

The climate in Wisconsin isn’t to everyone’s taste, but we happen to be quite fond of it. While it presents some challenges to a flag display, none of those challenges are insurmountable. Buy the right materials, keep up on maintenance, and pay attention to the weather, and you’ll be flying your flags through the toughest weather the Badger State has to offer.