If you’re planning to display the American flag outdoors, you should take measures to prevent your flagpole from rusting. American flags are almost always displayed on a flagpole outdoors. After mounting your stand-alone flagpole to the ground – or to the side of your home or business using a wall attachment – you can raise the American flag to the top of it. Over time, however, flagpoles can rust. How do you prevent your flagpole from rusting exactly?
The Basics of Rusting and Why It Happens
Rusting is a chemical process that occurs when iron is exposed to oxygen. Oxygen is a catalyst for oxidation. When exposed to oxygen, iron will undergo a chemical change that manifests in the form of rusting.
If your flagpole is made of iron or an iron alloy, it may rust. Iron alloys encompass a wide range of materials. High-carbon steel and stainless steel are both classified as iron alloys. Like all iron alloys, they contain iron. Steel contains other elements, but the presence of iron makes it susceptible to rusting.
Install Under a Sheltered or Covered Area
You can protect your flagpole from rusting by installing it under a sheltered or covered area. As long as it’s covered, your flagpole won’t be directly exposed to the rain. It will still be exposed to the air, as well as moisture in the air, but it will be protected from the rain.
Rain, of course, facilitates rusting. There’s oxygen in rainwater. As rainwater coats your flagpole, it will encourage oxidation which causes it to rust. Installing your flagpole under a sheltered or covered area will keep it dry so that it’s better protected from this phenomenon.
Choose a Brushed Aluminum Flagpole
The material from which your flagpole is made will affect its risk of rusting. As previously mentioned, rust occurs specifically with iron and iron alloys. As long as your flagpole isn’t made of iron, nor does it contain any iron, it shouldn’t rust.
Rather than choosing a steel flagpole, consider choosing a brushed aluminum flagpole. Brushed aluminum flagpoles are made of aluminum. Aluminum is a metallic element, and unlike steel, it doesn’t contain any iron. Brushed aluminum is particularly strong and weather resistant because it features an exterior finish.
Brushed aluminum flagpoles essentially have an aluminum core that’s coated with a thin layer of satin. The satin shields and protects the underlying aluminum from damage. If you’re worried about rusting, choose a brushed aluminum flagpole such as this.
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About the author
Barry Mason is a proud third-generation American whose grandfather served in World War II. Born and raised in small-town Tennessee, Barry developed a deep appreciation for American history and traditions from an early age, learning about the sacrifices made by previous generations. Barry has spent over a decade writing about flag etiquette, patriotic traditions, military history, and the stories behind America's most cherished symbols. When he's not researching the fascinating history of Old Glory, you can find Barry volunteering at veterans' events, coaching youth baseball, or exploring America's national parks with his family. A firm believer in supporting American manufacturing and small businesses, Barry is passionate about celebrating the craftspeople who keep American traditions alive. He lives with his wife and two children in a home where the American flag flies proudly every day. Favorite quote: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
