The Types Of Materials Used To Make Flagpoles

Aluminum, steel, fiberglass and wood can all be used to make flagpoles. Each material has its own pros and cons.

Flagpoles come in many different varieties and can be made of aluminum, steel, fiberglass or wood. Large or stationary poles may also include concrete at the base to increase stability or carbon fibers within pole. Depending on your needs, any one of these options might suit you. First, consider your budget, your intended environment and whether your plan to buy or make the flagpole.

If you are a do-it-yourself kind of person, wood will likely be your first choice of material. Additionally, if you plan to buy a house-mounted pole, the package will likely come with a bracket and a thin cylinder of wood. For those who don't expect heavy winds or harsh environmental demands, wood will do the job. Should the pole fracture, you can easily repair it with wood glue or another adhesive. However, unless you use thick or high-grade wood, the pole will not bear an excessive amount of weight.

Fiberglass poles tend to be lightweight and readily available on the commercial market. It can be a cost effective option though it should be reinforced with other materials to increase the strength of the pole. Carbon fiber is a common addition, but this does drive up the price. Repairing fiberglass poles is difficult as a DIY job. It splinters when it breaks, which makes them especially hard to splint. For a really strong but lightweight fiberglass pole, you may have to pay a little extra.

Commercially and privately, aluminum is probably the most common material for a flagpole. The metal is cheap to manufacture and shape, which yields a great deal of variety in quality and design. Dependent on the thickness of the pole, aluminum is capable of bearing a reasonable amount of weight and wind pressure. Plus, it is not susceptible to rot and can be treated for prevent rust. For high wind conditions, aluminum should be fortified so it will not bend.

Steel is best for those that need an extra sturdy flagpole. This strong metal is great for permanent fixtures or climates with rough weather. The durability gives steel poles extra long life and high strength without sacrificing design flexibility. Maintenance is typically fairly simple as the material can be resistant to rust and pole rot. In the long run, steel is very cost effective and can be relatively cheap in the initial purchase.

Aluminum, wood, fiberglass and steel flagpoles can all be perfect in the right situation. It all depends on what your budget is and what environment you'll use the pole in. To learn more about flagpole installation in Rockport, please visit this website.