Wear and Tear: Can Bad Weather Have a Negative Effect on Windsocks?

A windsock, although built to be durable and robust, is not immune to wear and tear. Some of it comes with time, but you can actually accelerate the process by exposing it to certain environmental conditions such as bad weather. But with the right knowledge and a little bit of work, you can make sure that your windsocks get the proper treatment they deserve and serve you for long years to come. Interested? Then keep reading!

Here’s what you’re going to need to protect your windsock from damage

First things first; when browsing through windsocks for sale, quality matters quite a bit and determines how durable the windsock is going to be. So you need to be careful and only buy them from a reputable provider.

You also need to get something suitable for the environment and the role it’s going to play in it. An aviation or airport windsock, for instance, has been designed to not only be of great use to pilots, but also withstand the environmental conditions of the airport and make it compliant with the local laws and regulations.

Good maintenance is instrumental in prolonging a windsock’s life

Both the windsock pole and the windsock itself must be inspected on a regular basis. Again, buying from a reputable provider helps a great deal in this regard, since you’ll also get access to professional maintenance tips absolutely free of charge. To get the most out of it, a wind sock needs to be professionally installed as well.

Sometimes, it helps to shield the windsock until the storm has passed

Certain windsock flags are more fragile than others. If you leave these out in the heart of the storm, noticeable consequences may follow. If an extremely bad storm is approaching, it’s worth considering to store your windsocks in a safe place until the sun comes out shining again. But if you haven’t had the time (or the knowledge) to secure them, here’s how you’ll be able to determine whether any further maintenance is required.

Check the fittings and the mast

Are the screws still in place? How about the fittings? Make sure the bolts are secured and tightly fit in there. While you’re at it, is the mast centered properly? Is the swivel system working (you’re looking for a clean 360 degree rotation). Answering these questions will not only show you whether maintenance is needed or not, but also what part of the windsock you should be focusing on.

The fabric must be checked as well

Last but not least, make sure to inspect the fabric. Since it’s not a metal component like some of the other parts, it’s arguably the most prone to damage. You want the fabric to be in tip top shape, so look if it has been torn anywhere. Also, look for the presence of cuts. Depending on the scope of the damage, a damaged airport windsock is a potential safety hazard, since it may no longer be functioning properly.

Conclusion

To recap, it’s best to secure your windsocks and put them somewhere safe and away from bad weather. But even if you haven’t had the time, regular inspection should be enough to reveal any damage they’ve been exposed to, thus allowing you to fix or replace them.