Custom Flags

State Flags

Rodeo Flags

Common Questions About Windsocks and Flags

Custom Windsock FAQ

Here we will attempt to answer common questions we receive from our customers about their flags and windsocks. We cover everything from general questions about custom fabric products we make such as flags and windsocks as well as care, use, sizing, application, installation and other related questions. If you have a question that you don't see answered here, feel free to reach out to us and ask at info@custom-windsocks.com. We respond quickly and will be happy to help you with whatever we can.

Sizing of Windsocks and Flags

A detailed image on how to measure a windsock diameter with pictures is available here

Below is written instructions:

First lay your windsock flat on the ground. Measure the inlet mouth size while it is laying flat. Take this number and multiply it by 0.67 and this will give you your inlet diameter.

EX: 28" inlet mouth size lying flat x 0.637= 17.84" ≈ 18" diameter windsock

The length of the windsock can be deteremined simply by measuring it end to end

Selecting a windsock size largely depends on your intended use case, and the height in which you plan to install it.

Note: If you have an existing windsock frame, you will be bound by the diameter of that frame. If you do not have an existing frame, you can choose your size more freely.

For commercial purposes:

  • See our quick guide on windsock sizing and viewing distance here. It is the best resource to help visualise the size of a windsock from a distance.

For sport and lightweight windsocks

  • Sport and Lightweight windsocks are either 24", 36" or 48" in length. They also hang form a 12" rope
  • Clients should ensure that their poles extend a minimum of the windsock length +18" above any obstruction so that the windsock can fly unencumbered. EX: You are installing a 10' pole on your 6' fence and you will have 4' extending above your fence. This is enough room to fly a 10"x36" windsock + 12" for rope clearance.


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Rodeo flags are generally 3'x5'. Though, at times, clients choose to get bigger flags, we often recommend against it, especially with double sided flags. The reason being that we need to consider the weight of the flag and how much airflow is needed for it to fly. It's no use having a large flag if the rider cannot ride fast enough or is not strong enough to have that flag flying on their ride around the ring. In short, 3'x5' is the tried and tested size that seems to work for the vast majority of rodeos.

Production time and shipping

It takes about the same length of time to produce a custom flag as it does a custom windsock.

Generally, it takes about 5 business days to print and package a flag or windsock. We also estimate shipping to take about 5 business days within the Continental US. We start counting "production time" starting when the client approved their artwork proofs. Clients can expect their custom windsocks or flags to arrive in about 2 weeks from the approval of their artwork.

Yes, we definitely do! Our website is set up to provide disocunted shipping rates to 20+ countires. For shipping rates outside of those countries, send us an email and we can provide a quote for your product and shipping.

Product Quality

Each flag is subjected to different environmental conditions like wind, rain, snow and UV exposure. It is hard to predict a general lifespan for flags. We have seen some last multiple years and others that last a lot less than that. If you are in a generally windy area, we recommend taking your flag down at night and not flying it in inclement weather as this will extend the lifespan of your flag.

Each windsock is subjected to different environmental conditions like wind, rain, snow and UV exposure. It is hard to predict a general lifespan for flags. We have seen some last multiple years and others that last a lot less than that. If you are in a generally windy area, we recommend taking your windsock down at night and not flying it in inclement weather as this will extend the lifespan of your windsock.

Our commitment to quality is what make our windsocks the best on the market

Industrial Custom Windsocks

  • We are one of the only companies that are capable of manufacturing a full-color custom windsock. Others will limit your custom print to one color and require you to buy in bulk or they will only be able to print on orange windsocks. Our custom windsocks start off white and we print 100% of the color onto them, that means you have absolutely no limitations in terms of color of logo, background or customization.
  • Our industrial custom windsocks are made of 600D PU polyester fabric. This is the highest strength fabric on the market that provides UV resistance, high tear and break strength, water resistance and is flame retardant.
  • Our industrial custom windsock provides excellent wear resistance through unparalleled construction techniques. 4-line stitching on the inlet and outlet mouth of the windsock, sewn-in gust protection band along the inlet mouth and brass grommets are just a few features that make our windsocks the toughest on the market

Sport and Lightweight Custom Windsocks

  • We are one of the only companies that are capable of manufacturing a full-color custom windsock. Others will limit your custom print to one color and require you to buy in bulk or they will only be able to print on orange windsocks. Our custom windsocks start off white and we print 100% of the color onto them, that means you have absolutely no limitations in terms of color of logo, background or customization.
  • Our windsocks have been designed to fit the application. Whether you're using it for tennis, pickleball, golf or to hang on your front porch, our windsocks have been made with the specific use-case in mind.

Stock Orange and Orange/White Airport Windsocks

Product Care

Rodeo flags can be cleaned by hand in a basin using a small amount of mild dish soap. Flags must be hand-dried as they are made of coated polyester

Widnsocks can be cleaned by hand in a basin using a small amount of mild dish soap. Windsocks must be hand-dried as they are made of coated polyester

For most cases, flying the flag works very well. Within a day or two you will see the fold likes disappear.

If the flag is being used for a rodeo or needs to be looking pristine out of the bag, the flag can be ironed at an extremely low heat. Flags are made of coated polyester and may burn or discolor if subjected to high enough direct heat.

Customization

The short answer: anything and everything*. All of our flags start off white and we print 100% of the colors onto them. This means we can accommodate gradients, photographs, logos with multiple colors and have any type of flag backgrounds.

What we cannot accommodate is fluorescent, neon, glitter or metallic printing.

Flags can be made to any size. The flag fabric width is 120" and can be seamed together to make larger flags.

The short answer: anything and everything*. All of our custom windsocks start off white and we print 100% of the colors onto them. This means we can accommodate gradients, photographs, logos with multiple colors and have any type of windsock backgrounds.

What we cannot accommodate is fluorescent, neon, glitter or metallic printing.

Windsocks can be made to any size. The windsock fabric width is 60" and can be seamed together to make larger windsocks.

What we cannot do is make custom-made sized of windsock frames (unless the order quantity allows for it)

Product Installation

Industrial windsocks install onto frames through the simple use of zip ties, steel wire or rope. Thread the zip tie/wire/rope through the grommet and attach onto the frame.

Note: A geotechnical and structural engineer should be consulted to ensure all installations are safe.

Pole size may vary from use case to use case, and thus the below will focus on the general procedure as well as the requirements for windsock frame attachment.

  1. Purchase a pole that will meet your needs in terms of height, diameter and wall thickness.
  2. Ensure that the pole is threaded to accept a 1/2” collar or female thread looking up. It's best to take your frame into the hardware store with you and test it there to ensure it threads well.
  3. Purchase a PVC sleeve for the pole that will place int eh ground to the desired depth
  4. Auger a hole to desired hole depth and diameter (spec'd by engineer)
  5. Insert the PVC sleeve into the hold and fill the hole with concrete
  6. Once set, install the frame onto your pole and install the windsock onto the frame
  7. Lift the entire assembly and drop into the sleeve

Pole size may vary from use case to use case, and thus the below will focus on the general procedure as well as the requirements for windsock frame attachment.

Ensure that the pole is threaded to accept a 1/2” collar or female thread looking up. It's best to take your frame into the hardware store with you and test it there to ensure it threads well.

FAA Compliant Windsocks

The Federal Aviation Administration, a department of the US Department of Transportation, has laid out guidelines for windsocks in their 2021 Advisory Circular: AC 150/5345-27F FAA Specifications for Wind Cone Assemblies which can be found here

A quick rundown of what makes a windsock conform to FAA specifications is listed below. The windock must be:

  • Either 18"x96" or 36"x144"
  • Made to the shape of a truncated cone
  • Reinforced at all points of abrasion
  • Designed to allow drainage out of the basked of extended frames
  • Able to be installed onto frames without special tools
  • Made of a water repellant fabric
  • White, orange or yellow
  • Plain with no printing on the windsock
  • Strong enough to achieve a minimum breaking strength: warp - 150 pounds (667 N); filling - 150 pounds (667
    N). Method 5102, “Strength and Elongation, Breaking of Woven Cloth; Cut Strip
    Method” of FED-STD-191A can be used to determine the minimum breaking
    strength.
  • Rated “Good” or “Excellent” rating for colorfastness as determined by Method 5671,
    “Colorfastness of Textile Materials to Weather; Accelerated Weathering Method” of
    FED-STD-191A.

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Our staff is ready to answer all of your questions.

Our staff is ready to answer all of your questions.

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