The Union Flag, commonly known as the Union Jack, should be flown with the broad white band of the St. Andrew’s cross above the red band of St. Patrick’s cross in the upper hoist corner.
When flown amongst other national flags the Union Flag should be flown from the largest flagpole, or if the flagpoles are the same height, from the left most pole. Ambassador Ensigns will not supply defaced Union Flags unless there is written approval from the Government. All British flags are normally only available in a proportion of 2:1, other sizes are available on request.
Flag Sizes
The size of a flag is measured by its length or fly, and this is governed in yards. The shorter breadth is known as its hoist. Approximate size is determined by the height at which the flag is flown. The simple rule to determine this is 1 yard for every 10’ of flagstaff. Therefore a 25’, free standing, flagpole would require a 2 ½ yard flag and 40’ flagpole would require a 4 yard flag.
Different considerations apply when the flag is flying from a flagstaff on the top of a building. Here size is based on the overall proportions of the flag. In order to ensure that the flag appears aesthetically correct when flying, one should generally adopt a scale of 1sq.foot of flag per 1 linear foot of height. Please remember, this is a general rule and may not apply in all situations.
Flag Care
Just how long a flag lasts is an impossible question to answer, but you can help extend your flag’s life by following a few simple rules
DO NOT fly a flag at night Apart from being improper practice, it's unnecessarily and reduces the lifespan of the flag.
ALWAYS allow a flag to dry before folding This prevents mildew.
ALWAYS bring a flag down in severe weather.
WASH your flag On a regular basis, every two weeks or, in heavily polluted areas, every week
Washing Instructions
Woven polyester flags require a warm wash of 40 degrees C and knitted polyester a hot wash of 60 degrees C. Use any proprietary brand of washing powder. This point can not be emphasised too strongly, dirt and acids that are carried in the atmosphere destroy the material. If these are not washed off degradation will rapidly take place and the lifespan of your flag will be dramatically reduced. If flags are left too long before cleaning the task becomes almost impossible
REPAIR Flags should be returned to Ambassador Ensigns for repair at the first sign if wear.
DO NOT DRY CLEAN
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