Flagpole Wind Load Chart

Shopping for an outdoor flagpole? One of the most important things to consider as you select an appropriate flagpole is wind load.

What is Wind Load?

Within the context of flagpoles, wind load is the force, in pounds per square foot, that wind places on the exterior of a flag and flagpole when installed.

Safe flagpole design requires extensive knowledge of the loads to which they will be subjected. As such, a number of factors are taken into account when wind load is calculated for a flagpole.

Calculating Flagpole Wind Load Capacity

The principal load acting on flagpoles is wind load and that load must be carefully determined. Maximum wind speeds to which flagpoles are exposed are dependent upon many factors, including geographic location, whether or not it is in the center of a large city, a small town’s outskirts, seashore, at ground level or on the roof of a high building.

Generally, wind speeds are higher along coastal areas than they are inland. They are also higher in open country rather than in the center of cities.

Wind speed also increases as height above ground increases. Wind exerts a force on the pole as well as the flag, thus both loads must be added to determine total load.

It’s also important to note that flagpoles and their associated wind speeds listed assume that ten percent of the overall length of the flagpole is buried at or near ground level per industry recommendations. Special engineering may be required for other applications such as wall or roof mounted flagpoles, as loads on flagpoles are resisted by the mounting foundation, roof, or wall to which they are secured.

If you intend to install a flagpole in a scenario that may require special engineering, please contact us. We’d be happy to help you figure out a solution.

How Much Wind Can My Flagpole Take?

The flagpole wind load map above will help you understand the typical wind patterns throughout the United States. Based on where you are located, you should select a flagpole that can withstand the anticipated wind load.

As mentioned previously, you should also consider the height of the flagpole you’re installing, the location where you plan to install it, and the geographic nature of your location.

It is incredibly important that you select a flagpole that is capable of supporting the largest flag intended to be flown in the highest wind speed to which it will be subjected. It's also important to note that recommended flag sizes do not represent a warranty that the flag size can be safely flown in all wind speeds. Personal injury, flagpole damage or property damage can occur when flying oversized flags and banners or flying flags in higher winds than recommended.

Have questions? Need assistance understanding the flagpole wind load chart or finding the flagpole that’s right for you? We can help with that! Our team of flag experts have extensive knowledge related to outdoor flagpoles. We can point you in the right direction and advise you on which flagpole will be best and safest for your specific scenario. Just contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 and we’d be happy to assist you!

Shop Our Selection of Sturdy, High Quality Outdoor Flagpoles

We carry a wide variety of flagpoles that can handle a variety of wind loads. Whether you’re looking for a residential flagpole or a commercial flagpole, we likely have an option that will work for you and the flag you’re intending to fly!

You can browse our complete selection of inground flagpoles here.

Need help figuring out which flagpole is right for you? Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or send us a message online and we can help you find and order the right flagpole.