How to Hang the American Flag | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House carpenter and U.S. Navy veteran Nathan Gilbert explains the proper way to hang and display a U.S. flag.
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Time: 10 minutes
Cost: $20
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools:
Drill driver [amzn.to/2Xhzjub]
Shopping List:
U.S. flag [amzn.to/2zWvDpK]
Flag mounting bracket [amzn.to/2TmENTB]
Steps for hanging a U.S. flag:
1. The U.S. Flag Code is a set of regulations for displaying the American flag. Citizens are not required by law to follow these regulations, but Kevin and Nathan agree that following them is a great way to show pride for the flag.
2. Nathan shares a few rules that are relevant to homeowners:
a. The flag should not be flown during bad weather, unless an all-weather flag is used.
b. The flag should not be displayed at night, unless it is properly lit.
c. The flag should be hung in a way that the union (the blue section with the 50 stars) is always in the top left corner of the flag.
d. If the flag is torn or damaged in a way that’s beyond repair, it should be destroyed “with dignity.” Most recommend burning it, starting from the Union. If you’re not comfortable doing this, most local Boy Scout troops or American Legion groups will do it for you.
3. Nathan then explains how to mount the flag:
a. Screw a flag bracket against the wall using a drill driver and some weather rated screws. Nathan prefers to use an adjustable flag bracket, which makes it easier to display the flag at the exact right angle for the building.
b. If the flag needs to be mounted to siding, they sell a mounting plate with a cleat that can be screwed through the plate, through the siding, and into the sheathing of the building. Then, the flag bracket can be mounted to the plate.
c. Insert the flag pole into the flag bracket and hand tighten the bracket.
Resources:
The mounting block [amzn.to/2XfVReR] Nathan demonstrated that works well for vinyl siding is a surface mounting block, which is manufactured by Ply Gem (www.plygem.com/) and can be found at most home centers.
The flag kit and various other mounting brackets Nathan demonstrated in the segment can all also be found at home centers.
If you are looking to retire a U.S. flag and don’t feel comfortable burning it yourself, Nathan suggests contacting your local American Legion post (www.legion.org/) or Boy Scouts of America troop (www.scouting.org/) to do it for you.
To learn more about the U.S. Flag Code, visit USA.gov/flag [www.usa.gov/flag]
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada.
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Keywords:
This Old House, Ask This Old House, DIY, Home Improvement, DIY Ideas, Renovation, Renovation Ideas, How To Fix, How To Install, How To Build
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How to Hang the American Flag | Ask This Old House
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