Manufacturers and suppliers of flags, flagpoles, banners, bunting, janitorial supplies, ropes, cords and twines.

??? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ??? There are many questions about flags and their use / mis-use which are frequently asked. Here we will try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions. Q.) Which is the correct way to fly the Union Flag (Jack) ? A.) The broad white stripe should be uppermost at the hoist (flagpole) edge. Q.) Do I need planning permission to erect a flagpole and fly a flag? A.) There is no definitive answer to this question as different local authorities have different approaches. However as a "Rule of Thumb" we would always recommend a call to your local Council to ascertain their policy for your area. A flagpole which is classed as a "Temporary" fixture does not usually need planning permission so, for instance, if you had a small flagpole in a bracket on the wall and the pole could be removed then this would probably be constituted as "temporary". Nevertheless a call to check with your local council is still advisable. (This applies to the U.K. only). Q.) What is the life expectancy of a flag? A.) The answer to this perennial question is -- there is no answer!!! No flagmaker can guarantee a wearing life for a flag because they have no control over the many variables involved, from the weather to the environment. Having said that, if your flag is made from a good quality material such as woven polyester (the current M.O.D. specification in the U.K.) there is no reason why it should not give many months if not years of service. Remember though that, no matter which flag it is, it will eventually wear out like anything else which is made from a fabric, especially when you consider the abrasion to which it will be subjected. To give 2 extreme examples, a ship which sails from Europe to America may well wear out a set of flags in the space of a 4 or 5-day crossing if the weather is severe. On the other hand a sports club who use their flag on only 10 or 12 occasions a year in mainly fine weather can easily have a flag which will last 15 - 20 years. (See also the question below about when to fly your flag.) Q.) When should I fly my flag? A.) As flagmakers we are bound to say "as often as possible"! However there are some basic rules to follow :- (i) Don't fly your flag at night unless it is illuminated because nobody will see it. (ii) Never leave your flag to fly continuously as this will considerably reduce its life. (iii) If possible take it down and hoist it each day (this gives the cloth a chance to "rest" ). (iv) If the weather is severe take your flag down.(You wouldn't leave clothes on a washing line in a storm). Q.) Should I dry clean or wash my flag? A.) Never dry clean flags, as the chemicals used will damage the cloth. Refer to the manufacturer for guidance about washing, as this is often not advised. Q.) If I want a custom designed flag what designs should I use? A.) The best advice is to keep it simple. Use simple imagery with minimal text - if any. Don't clutter the flag so that its impact is lost. The most memorable flags are often the ones with the greatest visual impact and these are usually the simplest designs. This may seem like a paradox but it's true. Q.) If I need to use text should it read correctly on both sides? A.) Generally speaking the answer is No. To make a flag read correctly it will usually need to be made double sided or at the very least it will need to have an unsightly panel added to the reverse side to achieve the desired effect. Neither of these methods is entirely satisfactory because they both make the flag very heavy and therefore less likely to fly well. Remember too that this will add significantly to the cost of the flag.

[Company Details] [Flag Products] [Services] [Location] [Useful Information/FAQ's] [Complete Product Range] [Contact Us] [Homepage]