Flag Fade

US flags flying freely throughout KPVillas give the neighborhood a unique character unseen in most residential communities. In an effort to fill gaps in our signature outdoor display, in April 2024 I coordinated a group purchase of US flags and flag poles for interested homeowners.

The selected flag was the 3 ft x 5 ft Patriarch® Polyester American Flag from American Flags. While the workmanship has held up well, several of those ordered flags have faded, especially the side with a southern exposure. After a homeowner raised the issue I contacted American Flags, which noted the warranty for the flag, including for fading, is 6 months. 

Flags exposed to the sun experienced more fading.

I’m chagrined to see the flags fading significantly,  The group purchase was simply a personal effort to encourage more flag-flying.  To be clear, the group flag purchase was not an action for which the KPVA Board was responsible.  Any shortcomings, including flag selection, were mine. 

An alternative source for flags is to order one flown over the US Capitol via our US Representative at https://flagorder.house.gov/FlagOrder.aspx?ssdd=IN02.  That said, I have no personal experience with flags of that brand, either.

I welcome your recommendations for a robust, well-crafted flag that is more fade resistant.

Anyone disposing of their existing US flag should follow the protocols established by the American Legion, which collects them in drop boxes for their unserviceable flag ceremony. US Flag Code states, "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" (Title 4, US Code Ch. 1, Sec. 8 (k)).