Choosing Windsock Hardware
If you are setting up a windsock for the first time, you will need to buy a frame and pole to place it on. Choosing a frame can be a daunting process. First its important to know your sock and hoop diameter. To choose this, its important to know from how far away you would like your windsock to be visible.
For smaller sites where you need to know wind direction closer to the ground such as a firing range, farm, or beach you can use a smaller sock on a lower pole.
For larger sites or sites where there is potential for a chemical or gas leak, its important to put your windsock up high where it is visible from a greater distance. This means the size of the sock will also be bigger.
Use the below chart to help you determine the best sock and hoop diameter for the distance from which you want to see your windsock.
|
Windsock Diameter |
Distance to the Windsock |
|
6” |
375 ft – 450 ft |
|
10” |
490 ft – 655 ft |
|
13” |
660 ft – 820 ft |
|
18” |
1150 ft – 1315 ft |
|
24” |
1475 ft – 1640 ft |
|
36” |
2400 ft – 2625ft |
Another option is to use a cage type frame or an extended windsock frame. Lets talk more about the difference between extended frames and single hoop frames.
Single Hoop Frames
A single hoop frame is a frame that has just one hoop. Like the picture below:
Single hoop frames are quite easy to install and cheaper to purchase. They come in a variety of different styles. The biggest advantage to having a single hoop frame is that purchasing a replacement windsock is a very easy process. You only need to know the hoop diameter and you can rest assured that any windsock with the hoop and sock diameter that matches will be a perfect fit.
Extended or Double Hooped Frames
An extended frame, cage frame or double hooped frame is a frame that has two hoops connected by spokes. This allows your windsock throat to remain open and ready for any slight wind gust. It also is designed in a way to prevent the windsock from wrapping around the pole if your swivel becomes unresponsive to slight wind. For more information on why a windsock might wrap around a pole, check out this article!
One drawback is that they are more expensive to purchase. Another issue is that there is no standardized extended frame sizing and therefore each extended frame has a different distance between the two hoops. This means buying a replacement windsock can be a bit of a nightmare. You would need to know the distance between the two hoops as well as the diameter of each hoop in order to have a custom windsock sewn to replace your existing one. Otherwise you run the risk of your windsock not fitting over the first hoop to reach the second for installation. For more information on purchasing a windsock for your extended frame. Click here
Contact us for a quote or for customer service at 1-833-786-1035 or info@custom-windsocks.com to speak to our customer service representative and rest assured that we will be able to help you.
