Whilst purchasing and displaying a flag can be a fantastic way to demonstrate that your company or institution is proud of its values and achievements, a dirty and poorly maintained flag will have precisely the opposite effect. Organisations hoping to demonstrate that they strive for high standards across all of their endeavours need to remember that flag maintenance and care is a vital part of owning a flag.
Fortunately, practising effective flag care does not have to be difficult. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to flag maintenance to help you keep your flag in mint condition for as long as possible. After all, opting for a flag printing service is an investment that should be treated as such.
1. Cleaning your flag
Every flag will need to be cleaned at some point. This is because particles from the atmosphere will naturally accumulate in the fibres of your flag, causing it to become grey and to lose its lustre. It is important to note, however, that some flags will need to be cleaned more often than others depending on what it is made of and the cleanliness of the air in your town or city. If your flag is woven, for example, contaminants and pollutants will easily become trapped in its small holes. Left unaddressed, these trapped particles will start to eat away at the flag.
Fortunately, flags can generally be either washed by hand or in the washing machine. If opting for the latter option, it is important to use a mild detergent and to set the machine to 30 degrees.
If your flag does not benefit from hand or machine washing, you may wish to consider getting it professionally laundered and repaired. Depending on the service provider, however, you may want to consider a cost-benefit analysis before doing so. Every flag has a life expectancy, and sometimes purchasing a shiny new version is the only logical option.
2. Consider how long your flag should be flown for
As mentioned above, no flag lasts forever. However, the life span of your flag will very much depend on how long you fly it for. Based on average flying times, you can expect your flag to last for around 3,000 hours. This is around three months if you fly it non-stop.
There are, of course, things that can be done to prolong a flag’s life expectancy. For example, flying the flag only during the daytime should stop it from deteriorating too quickly. Similarly, bringing the flag down when the weather is gusty or stormy will dramatically increase its life span. This is because most of the damage that flags sustain occurs in adverse weather conditions.
As explored above, regular cleaning can also help maintain the structural integrity of your flag’s fabric. In this way, those hoping to fly their flag consistently for 24 hours a day may consider purchasing two identical flags so that one can fly whilst the other is cleaned.
Ultimately, flag owners need to accept that their flag will have an expiry date. With the right amount of flag maintenance, care and attention, however, it can be flown for many months or even years.
3. Consider where to fly your flag
Before erecting your flag it is important to make sure that it can fly without being obstructed by obstacles such as trees or walls. Indeed, allowing your flag to persistently come into contact with hard objects will cause it to deteriorate very fast.
4. Consider possible weather conditions
You may also need to think about the kind of climate conditions your flag is likely to be faced with. This is because harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and wind, as well as very hot sun, can affect how quickly your flag erodes.
Being aware of the ways in which the weather may affect your flag will help you decide what kind of material you would like it to be made.
The three most popular fabric types typically used to manufacture flags include:
1. Knitted polyester
This material has a thickness of around 100 to 115 gsm and is perfect for producing a large number of flags. If you’re looking purchase a number of inexpensive flags that do not need to be super durable, therefore, this material may be for you.
2. Woven or spun polyester
This fabric is thicker than knitted polyester and usually comes in at around 155 gsm. It is the most durable material used in flag making and is good for companies hoping to invest in a long-lasting flag. Having said this, however, it is not always easy to print on.
3. Decotex
This is another strong material that is durable and suitable for adverse weather conditions.
If you need any advice about keeping your company flags pristine or you need a replacement flag please do not hesitate to get in touch with Borney UK, the UK’s number one flag supplier.
