- Occasional washing in warm mild detergent.
- Let your flag dry thoroughly before storing it.
- Have your flag repaired at the first sign of fraying.
- Take your flag down at night and during bad weather.
- Lay the flag on a flat surface. Grab the edge of the flag with the white heading and fold the flag along the edge of the star field and the stripes. ...
- Cut away or cover up the torn area. ...
- Hem the flag and check it again to make sure the stripes extend beyond the star field.
How do you fix a faded American flag?
If your flag is faded, it is not a good candidate for repair and you should purchase a new flag. The best way to maintain your flag is to take it down and repair at the first sign of fraying or tears. Begin by trimming the frayed ends, and then sew a new hem that resembles the original hem.
Can a frayed flag be repaired?
Inspect the fraying area to decide whether the flag can be repaired. Any fraying that lessens the original dimensions of the flag may not be fixed. But if only the hem has been damaged and the fraying is minimal, repair is an option.
What should I do if my American flag is on the pole?
eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Remove your flag from the pole in bad weather to avoid later repair. The American flag is a symbol of freedom for the United States and displays 13 stripes correlating to the original 13 colonies and 50 white stars resembling the 50 states.
Should you retire an American flag that has been damaged?
Nonetheless, all flags will eventually sustain damage, and while it is appropriate to retire American flags that are damaged beyond repair, there are some loose guidelines that can be followed if flag owners want to have less-dramatic damages repaired.
Can you repair a torn flag?
The Flag Code gives you various repair options: You may do the repairs yourself, you may take the flag to a seamstress, or you may take it to an organization or company that offer US flag repair services.
Can you sew a torn flag?
In the event that a flag must be salvaged, it is okay to trim off frayed ends or tattered sections and carefully sew a hem resembling the original hem. This process can be repeated as often as necessary until the flag becomes square.
How do you repair a torn American flag?
The best way to maintain your flag is to take it down and repair at the first sign of fraying or tears. Begin by trimming the frayed ends, and then sew a new hem that resembles the original hem. Make sure that you use a heavy duty thread that matches the colors in the flag.
How do you fix a flag that is fraying?
Remove the flag from its pole outside and lay it flat on your work surface. ... Lay a piece of waxed paper underneath the fraying area and squirt a thin layer of fabric adhesive over the fraying area.More items...
Can a flag be mended?
As long as the flag is serviceable, it is acceptable to repair minor damages. While it is permitted to do repairs yourself, taking your flag to a seamstress may be a safer option. It's important that the repairs are not noticeable, and that the dimensions of the flag aren't altered.
What do you do with a damaged American flag?
According to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”.
How do I stop my outdoor flag from ripping?
Keeping your flag free of dirt, soil, and salt can go a long way to maintaining the fabric. All of these can dull the color and help tear the fabric. This can be overcome in most outdoor flags by washing and rinsing occasionally using a light detergent and gentle cycle in the washing machine.
How do you keep the edges of a flag from fraying?
Nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics. Therefore, they are naturally stronger and better protected from fraying than synthetic fabrics like cotton and linen. You should consider choosing an American flag with lock stitching. Lock stitching is a sewing technique in which the threading is looped together.
How do you fix the grommets on a flag?
0:231:01Grommet Repair for tents, canopies, tarps, leather, and more. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the top tooth washer over the hole insert. The grommet set tool into the hole grasping firmlyMorePlace the top tooth washer over the hole insert. The grommet set tool into the hole grasping firmly in one hand while driving the grommet set tool with the rubber mallet.
Should I take my flag down in high winds?
All-weather flags can be flown during rain, though they should be taken down in high winds. Never dip the flag for a person, another flag or a vessel. Don't let the flag touch the ground. However, the schoolyard myth that any American flag that touches the ground must be burned is false.
How do you make a flag last longer?
Use the six flag maintenance tips below to increase its longevity:Fly it away from other objects. ... Dust indoor flags regularly. ... Wipe flags with warm water. ... Bring outdoor flags inside during inclement weather. ... Hand-wash soiled areas or stains. ... Take old flags to professionals.
When should a flag be replaced?
A good general rule of thumb is replacing your flag every 6 months to once a year will keep it colorful, brilliant, and a statement piece while flying atop your flagpole.
How do you keep the edges of a flag from fraying?
Nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics. Therefore, they are naturally stronger and better protected from fraying than synthetic fabrics like cotton and linen. You should consider choosing an American flag with lock stitching. Lock stitching is a sewing technique in which the threading is looped together.
How do you make fabric flags?
2:283:24EASY! How To Make A Cloth Flag For Kids - Craft Kids | DIYCraftiviYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou are making an American flag for example you would need to cut a small rectangle from a piece ofMoreYou are making an American flag for example you would need to cut a small rectangle from a piece of blue fabric 7 long stripes of equal width from some red fabric.
How do you fix a worn plug?
Repair superficial damage by wrapping it with electrical tape.If the cord is so damaged that you see frayed metal, then you will most likely have to cut it to repair it. ... Another option is to fit a PVC shrink tube over the damaged portion. ... Other types of tape, including duct tape, can work.
How to maintain a flag?
The best way to maintain your flag is to take it down and repair at the first sign of fraying or tears. Begin by trimming the frayed ends, and then sew a new hem that resembles the original hem. Make sure that you use a heavy duty thread that matches the colors in the flag.
What are the signs that the US flag is no longer fit for service?
Signs that the flag is no longer fit for service include fading, tears and irreparable fraying on the fly end.
Why are flags used in 2016?
Aug 13th, 2016. Flags are used to show your support for your nation, your state, or your favorite organization. It is inevitable that weather conditions will, over time, cause damage to the flag itself. For example, strong winds may cause fraying and hail can cause rips.
When to use the third flag?
The third flag is generally stored for use on special occasions when the flag needs to look clean, fresh, and spotless. You may repair your flag until the point that the flag no longer resembles its original shape. At that point, the flag needs to be retired.
When is the American Legion flag burning?
Generally, on or around Flag Day, June 14th of each year , that organization conducts a dignified flag burning ceremony for the benefit of the community member that have flags that need to be retired.
When is Flag Day?
Check with your local American Legion, VFW, or flag company for the proper method of folding, flying, and handling your flag. Remember: Flag Day is the 14th of June.
Can you replace a flag that is tattered?
You should replace a flag that is tattered, worn, faded, or has water damage. Your local flag company can assess any damage for you and, if appropriate, make a repair quickly and inexpensively. Today most flags are made of nylon. But a flag designed to withstand high winds is available in an open-weave polyester fabric.
How to repair a flag that is fraying?
Step 1. Remove the flag from its pole outside and lay it flat on your work surface. Inspect the fraying area to decide whether the flag can be repaired. Any fraying that lessens the original dimensions of the flag may not be fixed. But if only the hem has been damaged and the fraying is minimal, repair is an option.
Why do you remove the flag from the pole?
Remove your flag from the pole in bad weather to avoid later repair. The American flag is a symbol of freedom for the United States and displays 13 stripes correlating to the original 13 colonies and 50 white stars resembling the 50 states. There are specific rules and regulations that should be followed when hanging an American flag ...
Can a flag be repaired?
Flags may be repaired if the repair does not alter the dimensions of the flag. If your flag is frayed at one end and is the damage is not serviceable, consider surrendering your flag to the local chapter of the American Legion, the Girl Scouts or a Boy Scout troop for disposal. Advertisement. Video of the Day.
How to keep flags from running?
Immediately dry your flag after washing because the fringe of your flag may run and stain your cherished flag. Hang your flag or lay it flat to dry instead of putting it in the dry er. This will help prevent the colors from running. Prevention is better than cure.
What does the leader say about the retiring flag?
The leader will say, “This flag has served its nation long and well. It has worn to the condition to which it should no longer be used to represent the nation.
What is the American flag?
The American flag is a symbol of freedom, unity, and strength for over 200 years. It is just right that every individual owning one treat it with due respect. If you want to prolong the life of your flag, then proper care and maintenance should be given to it.
Can you wash a flag with mild detergent?
If your flag comes with special washing instructions, follow it to a T. Use only mild detergent when washing your flag. If for some reason your flag needs special care due to its material, you can take it to the cleaners who offer flag-cleaning services. Dry-cleaning is preferred for indoor flags because they are usually made from less durable ...
Can you repair a flag without a mended portion?
Regularly inspect your flag to spot early rips or loosening stitches before they become more difficult to deal with. Mending or repairing your flag should only be done if you can fly your flag without the mended portion showing. The shape and design should be intact after the repair.
Why do flags fray?
Just as different weather conditions will create varying degrees of damage, they will also create different types of damage. Ice and hail might cause holes or rips, whereas heavy winds may cause the ends of a flag to fray.
Do all American flags take damage?
Repairing Old Glory. If there is one fact that all American flag flyers know first-hand, it is that all flags sustain damage from being exposed to the elements. Of course, some flags take more damage than others.
Can you retire a flag that is damaged?
Conversely, flags made of more rugged materials such as polyester or nylon might last longer than those made from weaker fabrics. Nonetheless, all flags will eventually sustain damage, and while it is appropriate to retire American flags that are damaged beyond repair, there are some loose guidelines that can be followed if flag owners want ...
REINFORCE AND REPAIR
Large flags are expensive and at the heights they are flown, the wind can be brutal, causing them to wear quickly (sometimes less than 30 days). Circumstances which cause flags to wear quickly are high winds, rain, snow, pollution, rough surfaces or sharp objects.
REINFORCE AND REPAIR PROGRAM
Purchase our reinforced flags. The fly end seam is reinforced, a corner patch is added and additional rows of zig zag stitching are added to the last few feet of the flag.
Why is the American flag not longer than the blue field?
Keep in mind, flag repair will not last as long as the flag did when it was new because the flag fabric has already started to deteriorate.
Can you repair a flag?
To extend flag life, flag repair is okay. Liberty Flags recommends either repairing a damaged flag or purchasing a new one. Repair requires trimming off the tattered or frayed end and sewing a new hem resembling the original hem with nylon or polyester thread. It is proper to repeat this repair sequence until the flag is nearly square.
