How to Install an Inground Flagpole
Posted: Friday, August 19, 2005
by Steve Valentino
An inground flagpole is simply a flagpole that is rooted in the ground. It is a permanent pole designed to withstand winds of up to 130 mph, depending on the height and material of the flagpole. Just as trees require roots for support, inground flagpoles need foundations.
A foundation is made by digging a hole, wetting the soil, and pouring in concrete. A cylindrical “groundsleeve" is then inserted into the wet concrete. A groundsleeve is a thick steel cylinder with an open top and a wide base, designed to protect the flagpole from the corrosive effects of the concrete. On the outside of the groundsleeve are steel plates that lock it in place. On the inside of the groundsleeve are steel wedges that firmly center the base of the flagpole. Oftentimes the groundsleeve will include a ground spike to channel away lightning (but this might be of little concern if you have a fiberglass flagpole, the only flagpole material that does not conduct electricity.)
When building your foundation, it is important that the flagpole extends far enough underground so that it will not blow over. A good rule of thumb is that ten percent of the pole’s length should be underground.
Some of the larger flagpoles do require professional installation. Ask the manufacturer or distributor whether they will do it for free with purchase.
Flagpoles provides detailed information on flagpoles of all types, including telescoping, fiberglass, commercial, residential, aluminum, tailgating, wall mounted, in ground, flagpoles for sale, and more.
This Article has been viewed 1,501 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.