Wind Speed Map

Determine the Allowable Stress Design Wind Speed (VASD) for your flagpole's location.

Find the Allowable Stress Design Wind Speed (VASD) using the Wind Speed Map. For safety and durability, select a flagpole rated to meet or exceed this specific wind speed for your project location.

The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers' (NAAMM) Guide Specifications for Design of Metal Flagpoles (ANSI/NAAMM FP 1001-07) have determined the maximum wind speed for flagpoles flying a nylon flag and unflagged flagpoles using ground set installations.

What's covered

  1. Wind speed map
  2. How to use the map
  3. ASCE Hazard Tool

Wind Speed Map

The map below is a reproduction of the ASCE/SEI 7-05 wind speed map published in ANSI/NAAMM FP1001-07. Use it to identify the design wind speed at your project location.

ANSI/NAAMM FP1001-07 Wind Speed Map

Values represent nominal 3-second gust wind speeds in miles per hour at 33 feet above ground level.

How to Use the Map

ANSI/NAAMM FP1001-07 publishes a map from the ASCE/SEI 7-05 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. The reproduction above should be used to specify the proper flagpole for your application.

1. Locate Your Project

  • Find Your Region: Identify your project's location on the map and read the corresponding wind speed value.
  • Special Wind Regions: Special Wind Regions, including but not limited to mountainous terrain, gorges, and ocean promontories, should be examined for unusual wind conditions.

2. Select a Compatible Flagpole

  • Meet or Exceed: Select a flagpole with a wind speed rating that meets or exceeds the value for your location.
  • Use the Flagpole Finder: The Flagpole Finder can help you compare available models by butt diameter and wall thickness to find one rated for your conditions.

3. Safety Note

  • Wind Rating: The specification and installation of a flagpole with wind speed ratings that do not meet the maximum wind speed for the project location, or flagpoles flying flags and banners that exceed the NAAMM recommended flag size, can result in personal injury and/or property damage.
  • Severe Weather: Flags should always be removed from the flagpole during severe weather events.

When in doubt, consult a structural engineer familiar with local conditions for the most accurate wind load specification.

ASCE Hazard Tool

For a more precise lookup based on your exact address or ZIP code, the ASCE Hazard Tool provides Basic Wind Speed values pulled directly from the ASCE/SEI standards.

  • Online Lookup: You may use the ASCE Hazard Tool to look up Basic Wind Speed by address or ZIP code.
  • Verification: Use this tool to cross-check the value you read from the map above, especially in regions near map boundaries or in Special Wind Regions.

Combining the wind speed map with the ASCE Hazard Tool gives you a reliable basis for specifying a flagpole that will perform safely for the life of the installation.