The American flag is a symbol of our freedom. It’s a beautiful reminder of all we have gone through as a country and where we are today.
Memorial Day kicks off a season of celebrating America and many homeowners like to display a flag all summer long through Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day.
If you are someone who likes to proudly display your patriotism, it’s important to purchase the right kind of flag and to take proper care of it so it can last for years to come.
There are several different materials a flag may be made out of. Many people like the classic look of a cotton flag, but cotton is sensitive to the sun and will fade if kept outdoors.
Nylon or tough-flex flags are made for displaying on a flagpole outside. If this is what you own, here are a few tips to help extend its life:
Protect early:
The sun is a flag’s worst enemy and it’s especially problematic in the desert. You can purchase UV fabric protector spray to apply to your flag before you put it on display. This spray acts like sunscreen for your flag and helps keep the colors bright.
Avoid bad weather:
During high winds or hard rain, it’s best to take your flag down and bring it indoors. Arizona monsoon storms can be very powerful and can easily cause damage to a flag. Any winds over 40 MPH can easily cause damage to your flag.
Be sure and take your flag down if you expect inclement weather or if you plan to be gone for a long period of time. It’s also a good idea to bring it in at night.
If your flag does become wet, let it air dry indoors. Do not try to store it while it is wet.
Watch for obstacles:
Do not place your flag pole near trees, wires or cables that your flag may come up against. Even a calm wind can cause some damage if it causes your flag to rub against a rough surface.
Inspect regularly:
Don’t wait until you notice a problem to take your flag down and look it over. Often damage to flags starts out small but can easily tear and become a much bigger problem. At least every other week take your flag down and inspect for any small tears or stains. Keep up on hemming any rough edges and regularly inspect any worn areas.
Clean regularly:
Regularly washing your flag will keep stains from setting in and will keep the colors more vibrant. You can wash most flags by hand, in a mild detergent. At Prestige we are proud to offer free cleaning of American flags. No matter the fabric, we know what it takes to keep a flagging looking new and we are happy to help any time.
