Wind-Resistant Flags
Strong winds can sweep flagpoles away, potentially injuring people and damaging properties. In windy places, flags must be very durable. The amount of force generated by high-speed winds can damage the flagpole and other flag accessories.
When a flag catches wind, the kinetic energy of the wind is transferred through the fabric to the flagpole and then to the foundation. The idea behind wind-resistant flags is to minimize the amount of force received by the main flag components. This starts by using fabric that allows wind easily pass through. A loosely weaved fabric using smooth and light material like nylon is used for wind-resistant flags. The loose weaving and smooth finish allows air to pass through with less resistance.
The flagpole must be made of material that is flexible enough to absorb then dissipate the forced generated by the wind hitting the fabric. This is similar to how bamboo trees can withstand typhoons by swaying with the wind while the rigid trees are easily uprooted or have their branches broken. A fiberglass or light aluminum flagpole is usually used.
No matter how sturdy the flagpole may be, it is useless if it is not secured by a strong foundation. The foundation for wind-resistant flags is normally built by pouring cement into a dug hole. The deeper the hole, the stronger the foundation.
Other components like pulleys and ropes have to be rated to withstand the forces generated by high-speed winds while being resistant to moisture and heat from the sun.
