Do you live in a region that regularly experiences snow during the winter? You can display the American flag outside of your home or business year-round. If it’s snowing, though, you should take some basic precautions to protect it from damage.
Exposure to snow can take a toll on your American flag. Snow, of course, consists of moisture. As snow builds up on the surface of your American flag, it may saturate the material from your flag is made while causing premature wear and tear. You may even notice mildew stains on your American flag after it snows. Rather than buying a new American flag each winter, consider the following tips to protect your American flag from snow.
Choose a Nylon American Flag
While they all feature the same design consisting of 50 stars and 13 stripes, not all American flags are made of the same material. You can find them in different materials, some of which are better suited for snowy weather than others. Nylon American flags, for instance, offer a superior level of protection against snow. Nylon is a synthetic material that, unlike organic materials, is waterproof. You can display a nylon American flag outdoors in the rain or snow without fear of it sustaining damage.
Look for Lock Stitching
In addition to a nylon construction, you should choose an American flag that features lock stitching. Lock stitching is a sewing technique that’s characterized by links of threading. The threading is linked together in a similar way as a chain-link fence. With lock stitching, American flags are more durable.
Keep It Covered
Another tip to protect your American flag from snow is to keep it covered. As long as your American flag is covered, it won’t be directly exposed to the snowy weather. If you have a patio, for instance, you may want to display your American flag on the edge of your patio so that it’s covered by the roof.
Bring It Indoors
Of course, you can always bring your American flag indoors if there’s snow in the forecast. Many homeowners bring their American flags indoors during snowy or otherwise bad weather. This typically isn’t necessary if you have a waterproof American flag. Waterproof American flags, such as those made of nylon, can withstand snowy weather. For other types of American flags, though, you may want to bring it indoors just to err on the side of caution. By taking these precautions, your American flag won’t sustain snow-related damage.
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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
