Valley Forge Flag

[IRQVET]

I'm writing this out of frustration, as living in Florida with our high UV rays, it destroys stuff. I've been forced to replace my Valley Forge American Flag every year for the past 5 plus years. Last year I even bought that Scotch Guard UV protectant and applied it prior to flying- still didn't last a year.

Primary Complaints:

• Faded
• Stitching is failing

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears- as I cannot keep buying Valley Forge Flags at Costco every season.

 

[toolmiser]

I read somewhere once that it helps the life if you take them down for a few days every once in a while and let them rest. Don't know if there is any truth to that statement.

 

[lolaetype]

When we lived in Houston we would buy the Harbor Freight embroidered star flags when they were on sale, typically for about $6 or $7 dollars. They would last well over a year. Buy 4 or 5 for what you are paying for the one's you buy today.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ft-x-5-ft-american-flag-with-embroidered-stars-64129.html

 

[WildBill]

For whatever its worth this is from their website, I looked into awhile ago because the one we had at work never lasted very long.

What is the expected life of a flag?
Our U.S. Government customers have told us that they generally expect an outdoor flag to last approximately 90 days when flown from dawn until dusk in good weather. Sensible care may result in a flag that lasts longer and looks better over time.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I get about 6 months out of mine...wind usually frays it.

 

[txvwnut]

Check out these guys https://www.showallegiance.com/ and read the FAQ section as they cover UV degradation and how to prolong it.

 

[ERG80]

We’ve had good luck flying the standard outdoor polyester flags from https://flagsusa.com/pages/nylon-vs-polyester.

Not cheap but they last.

 

[IRQVET]

When we lived in Houston we would buy the Harbor Freight embroidered star flags when they were on sale, typically for about $6 or $7 dollars. They would last well over a year. Buy 4 or 5 for what you are paying for the one's you buy today.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ft-x-5-ft-american-flag-with-embroidered-stars-64129.html

Buying an American flag from China is something I cannot do in my head . . .

 

[Notgrownup]

Just bought some 3 monthe ago and the NC one started fraying . Cheap **** apparently made in the USA. The American flag still is going strong.

 

[BillK]

I have tried several different brands here in Maryland and I rarely get a year out of them before they are looking too bad for me to keep them up I think the last one was Annin. It is up 24/7 with a light at night. I personally would not consider that bad, especially in FLA where the sun is twice as bad.

 

[mike93lx]

I had an annin last much longer than a year flying 24/7 in New england. 3 years, no rips, just getting faded when I retired it

 

[Dig Doug]

Try Annin flags
They have been making flags since 1847

Home - Annin Flagmakers

At Annin Flagmakers, the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the United States, we produce our flags with integrity, honor and pride.

annin.com

the Costco flags might be set at a certain price point and not the best quality

I have a few of those also