FAQ : Regarding Weathervanes and Cupolas
If you have a question about weathervanes or cupolas, refer to the section below. We have answered many of the common questions that we encounter on a regular basis. Do not hesitate to call us at 1(888)415-5079 if you would like personal assistance or your question is not answered below, or you still don't quite understand the answer.
Frequently Asked Cupola Questions
Q. What is a Cupola?
A. A Cupola is a charming and distinctive architectural accent that is mounted atop a roof. Years ago, before electric fans or climate control devices, cupolas were used to ventilate barns to keep live stock and crops cool in summer. Although cupolas are still used functionally today, the majority of them are chosen by home owners and architects as decorative accents to enhance the home, garage, barn, shed or gazebo.
Q. How do I know the pitch of my roof?
A. The roof pitch refers to the angle or steepness of your roof. Simply use a carpenter’s square to record the angle (rise) of your roof. Pitch is determined by rise over run i.e. 10/12
Q. How do I know if an extension base is needed on my cupola?
A. Our vinyl and wood cupolas are designed for a roof pitch up to 10" rise per foot (known as 10/12 pitch). Most roofs are not steeper than this. However, if the roof pitch is steeper than 10/12 pitch, it is important to order the extension base at the same time you order your cupola.
Q. Can I paint my vinyl cupola?
A. Yes, you can paint your vinyl cupola with 100% acrylic latex paint. Choose a paint with a light reflective value (LVR) of 55 or higher. No special surface preparations are required prior to painting, but please make sure that the surfaces are clean and dry. Note: Once you paint your vinyl cupola it is no longer considered maintenance free.
Q. How do I cover the hole in the top of the cupola?
A. We can supply a Hole Plug Kit to cover the hole at the top of your cupola or simply order your cupola with no hole. Please request the Hole Plug Kit when you order your cupola in the "Comments" area during checkout. Note: Only use a hole plug kit if you intend on putting a weathervane or finial in at some point. If you do not intend on using a weathervane or cupola, request 'no hole' when you order.
Q. Which size cupola best fits my garage or home?
A. This is the simple rule for selecting the correct cupola size: 1"-1.25" of cupola width for every foot of uninterrupted ridgeline. To feel more confident about choosing the right size cupola for your roof, find a cardboard box that is close in size to the cupola that is determined by the 1"-1.25" rule. Next, cut a V-shape in the box based on the angle of your roof. Then simply place the box on your roof. Now you can visually determine if the size is perfect or if you should choose a larger or smaller cupola.
Q. Should I be concerned about the height of the cupola?
A. No. All cupolas are designed and built to the proportion of the base size. Some cupolas a built short and 'squatty, while others are tall and slender. As long as you stick to the rule of thumb your cupola will be sized appropriate.
Q. Which style cupola should I choose for my garage or home?
A. Our cupolas come in the widest variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Because of this, we are confident you will find the perfect cupola on this web site.
Frequently Asked Weathervane Questions
Q. Which are the most popular weathervanes?
A. The eagle, rooster, and horse have always been favorites. These designs date back to early colonial settlements.
Q. What is included in the weathervane?
A. All weathervanes, except cottage/medium styles, include a copper figure, a rod, 2 copper spacer balls, and solid brass directionals. Mounting and display options for all other weathervanes are sold separately.
Q. What is the weathervane made of?
A. The copper weathervane figure and spacer balls are made of pure copper. The directionals are made of solid brass, and the rod is steel. Our steel weathervanes are made of mild steel painted a color of choice.
Q. What is the difference between the green and the polished finish?
A. The green finish is referred to as "patina." This is an artificial finish applied to give the weathervane the appearance of an antique, like the Statue of Liberty. To some people, the polished finish is more appealing. After assembly, these weathervane figures are placed on buffers to give them luster and shine.
Q. How long will the polished finish last?
A. We do not treat our polished copper weathervanes. So, within a few months, the weathervanes will lose their polished look and start to naturally oxidize. At first, the finish will turn dark, like an old copper penny. Then, after several years, the surface will begin to bloom with a beautiful natural patina. If you desire to keep the polished finish looking new, we recommend using a clear lacquer or polyurethane. We offer the brand “Staybrite”, an excellent way to protect and maintain the polished finish.
Q. We live by the ocean and experience strong gusts of wind. Will the weathervane fall apart?
A. We recommend you follow the instruction sheet and use a pipe wrench and a vice to screw the two rods together. This ensures the rod will no un-screw.
Q. Are the weathervanes easy to assemble?
A. Yes, all you need is a screwdriver. Instructions are included. All the parts slide onto the rod and are secured by setscrews.
Q. How do I mount the weathervane?
A. The easiest and most affordable way to mount a weathervane is to use our roof mounts. For mounting your weathervane in other areas, we also offer garden poles, display bases, eave mounts, and wall mounts. If you are ordering one of our cupolas you do not need any extra mounting parts.
Q. How do I know which way the wind is blowing using my weathervane?
A. The weathervane figure will always point in the direction the wind is coming from.
Q. Should the N-E-S-W directionals on my weathervane turn in the wind?
A. No, N-E-S-W represents the compass points of the earth and should stay fixed. If you see them moving in the wind, apply liquid nails to the hole on the cupola, or if using a mounting bracket, check all set screws and be sure they are snug.
Q. Can we just buy the weathervane figure?
A. Yes. These figures make beautiful decorative pieces in the home. Subtract $30 from the weathervane price for purchasing only the figure without the N-S-E-W directionals and balls.
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