6 Flag Care Tips When Buying An American US State Confederate Rebel Religious & Other World Flags

www.sycflags.com

The U.S. government has found that the average life expectancy of a nylon or cotton bunting American flag is approximately 90 days based on daily usage. Prolong the life of your U.S., state or other flags by following these simple steps…

• Always fly your flags in an open area. Avoid installing flagpoles near buildings, overhead power lines or trees. Many people install a flagpole with fresh landscaping and don´t take into account the fact that trees will grow over time and eventually the flag gets caught in the branches.

• Provide enough space. When installing more than one flagpole, make sure that there is enough distance between the two flagpoles for the flags to fly freely. When faced with a limited amount of space, people sometimes install flagpoles only a few feet apart which doesn´t allow for the flags to fly freely. Flags will wear out prematurely if they are constantly hitting another pole. In order to avoid this problem, always make sure to space the flagpoles far enough apart that the longest flag will not touch an adjacent flagpole. (Example: If a flag is 3´x 5´, make sure the poles are at least 6 or 7 feet apart).

• Flying flags ay half-staff. When there is a tragic national or local event, the President of the United States or the Governor may issue a proclamation for flags to be flown at half-staff. Many people fail to consider how the flags wear when flown at half-staff. American flags that are too close to a building, usually end up on the roof or in a gutter. Flags that are flying above the trees often end up getting torn in the branches when flying at half-staff or half-mast.

• 3 R´s –Repair, Rotate & Rest. Wind causes the most damage to flags. While the purpose of a flag is to flap in the wind, extremely high winds will rip the best-made flags in a short period of time. It is recommended that during periods of inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, high winds in excess of 35-40 mph), that flags be removed from the elements. Research has shown that flag fibers actually benefit from periodic "rest". Therefore it is recommended that a spare flag be on hand for rotation, while the other flag is being cleaned, repaired or "resting".

• Clean flags periodically. Dirt and pollution can break down flag fibers and cause premature wear. If you live or work in a high-traffic or high-pollution area, it is recommended that you take your flags down for periodic cleaning. Most flags today can be machine-washed. Flags should be washed and rinsed in a cold-water cycle and dried on low and let it dry flat. Never fold a flag that is wet or damp as mold may appear.

• The sun and fading. Ultraviolet rays (UV) can have harmful effects to flags. The UV causes flags to fade. Unfortunately, there is no way to "put color back into a flag" once it has been faded by the sun.

Most modern-day flags are constructed well, however extra care should be given to flags that are historic or sentimental in nature. A flag is, after all only a piece of cloth and will, sooner or later, succumb to the elements. Whether your flag is a U.S., state, military, Confederate or world flag, all flags will wear differently. With reasonably good care, some flags may last several seasons or more than a year. If a U.S. flag is no longer fitting emblem for display it should be destroyed by burning.

Visit our website for more information on how to properly retire a flag.

Click here for more flag etiquette information

By Jeff Tomczak

President

Show Your Colors Flag Company

www.sycflags.com