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What side of the house do you hang an American flag?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 21, 2026

The American flag can hang on either side of the porch unless there is a second flag (or multiple flags). If there are two or more flags hanging on the porch, the American flag should hang on the left side of the porch when viewed from the street.

Where should a flag be placed on a house?

Ideally, an American flag on your house should hang from a staff that angles out from the front wall or a windowsill or balcony. It's a good idea to screw a bracket made for holding the flagstaff to the trim. Fasten it securely and so the flag won't become soiled or damaged.

Should the American flag be on the left or right?

When flown with flags of states, communities or societies on separate flag poles which are of the same height and in a straight line, the Flag of the United States is always placed in the position of honor—to its own right (observer's left). Note: the other flags may be smaller, but none may be larger.

How do you display the American flag on your house?

1. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the American flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

Where do you hang a flag pole on a house?

House mounted flagpoles have traditionally been installed beside the front door. Either side of the door is appropriate and should be placed on the side that will give it a prominent position.

41 related questions found

How do you display an American flag outside?

Hang flag vertically with the canton farthest from the building. The union, or star field, should always be at the top and should be on the flag's own right (the viewer's left). When being hung over a street, the union should ideally point north or east.

Which way should the flag face?

When the U.S. flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be displayed flat, or suspended so that its folds fall free. When displayed over a street, place the union so it faces north or east, depending upon the direction of the street.

How do you hang a house flag?

  1. Step 1: Get Prepared. WEAR GLOVES AND EYE PROTECTION! ...
  2. Step 2: Plan Your Home's Flag Mount. ...
  3. Step 3: Mark Your Location. ...
  4. Step 4: Drill Holes for Your Flag Mount. ...
  5. Step 5: Insert Anchors. ...
  6. Step 6: Screw Your Flag Mount Bracket in Place. ...
  7. Step 7: Fly Your Flag.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

The US Flag Code states that it is illegal to fly the US flag at night without adequate light. The American flag code is part of federal law. Each state using it as a foundation for its own specific flag codes regarding the handling and display of the American flag.

How do you hang a flag on a porch?

The Front Porch

When flying an American flag on your front porch, keep in mind that the union of the flag should be at the highest point on the flagpole (unless the flag is at half staff). The union is the blue field and stars of the flag. Say your flag is on a pole pointing out towards your front lawn.

What are 3 things one should never do out of respect to the flag?

Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don'ts:

  • Don't dip the U.S. Flag for any person, flag, or vessel.
  • Don't let the flag touch the ground.
  • Don't fly flag upside down unless there is an emergency.
  • Don't carry the flag flat, or carry things in it.
  • Don't use the flag as clothing.
  • Don't store the flag where it can get dirty.

What is proper American flag etiquette?

The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way. The flag should never be used as covering for a ceiling. The flag should never have anything placed on it.

Can you leave a U.S. flag up at night?

The Flag Code states it is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.

Where do you hang a flag?

When a flag is displayed vertically in a window or against a wall, the union field should be uppermost and to the flag's right. (The flag's right is the observer's left.) When a flag is displayed from the front of a building, the union should be at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-staff.

What angle should a flag be hung?

Mount the flagpole off the building so it makes a 90-degree angle with the side of the building. The flagpole needs to be parallel with the ground so the flag hangs vertically on it. Make sure the flagpole you use is long enough to keep the edge of the flag from brushing against the side of the building.

How do you hang a flag on a brick house?

Using a small brush or compressed air, clean the brick debris out of the hole. Tap the concrete or masonry anchors into the holes in the brick with a hammer until they are flush with the brick. Position the flag bracket pole over the anchors and secure with the anchor screws.

Are you supposed to take flag down in rain?

The U.S. Flag Code addresses the rules for flying flags, rain or shine. It is specific on what to do in the case of rain. The United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed."

Can you unfold a military funeral flag?

Although some people feel that a flag used to drape a casket should not be unfolded after it has been folded at graveside, it is actually proper—if desired—to unfold and then display a burial flag. It is entirely up to the next of kin who received the flag at the burial.

Do you have to cover your heart during national anthem?

Since 1998, federal law (viz., the United States Code 36 U.S.C. § 301) states that during a rendition of the national anthem, when the flag is displayed, all present including those in uniform should stand at attention; non-military service individuals should face the flag with the right hand over the heart; members of ...

What do you do if the American flag touches the ground?

The only time when you should destroy or retire an American flag is when it's severely soiled or damaged to the point where it's no longer fitting to display. If your American flag touches the ground, pick it up and reattach it to the flagpole.

What is a black and white American flag?

While, a complete black and white flag of the American flag is viewed as a symbol of protest, and to express the rebellion. The black flag can be often found to be used in protests, which may be political, or non-political, but is used as a symbol of protest and rebel against supremacy.

Is The Thin blue Line American flag disrespectful?

The police chief had stated that the symbol was intended as "a memorial to police officers killed serving their community". However one trustee noted that "this patch is considered racist by many regardless of what the intent is".

What's considered disrespecting the flag?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

Are flag blankets disrespectful?

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free.

Is it OK to wash an American flag?

Thankfully, there are no rules against washing your American flag. If you're getting your flag ready to hang for the 4th of July and notice it's looking a little dirty, it's completely okay to wash it before putting it out.