Cupolas are becoming popular and adding one to your home may not provide you with that distinctive look you want. The same is true with weathervanes. But what if you were to combine the two? A Weathervane cupola is not a new idea. Ever since cupolas were first used as a means to improve the air circulation in the house, weathervanes have been placed on top of them. A weathervane cupola allows the weathervane to be placed as high as possible which means it will receive better airflow so it can turn more easily with the wind. Today, that is not important, but a weathervane cupola will allow you to combine two classic pieces of house design into one for a unique and eye catching look.
Weathervane Cupola
Copper Cupolas Or Wooden Ones? Many people feel that a wooden roof needs only a wooden cupola and that anything else will look out of place. Actually this is not correct. Copper cupolas on wooden houses look great. Not only does a cupola add a distinctive touch to the look of the house, copper cupolas offer an elegant contrast to the wood and stand out even more without looking as though they don’t belong there. Copper cupolas are longer lasting than wooden ones and also require no upkeep or maintenance. In fact that as copper ages it develops a wonderful antique looking greenish patina on it that not only enhances its visual appeal but also act to protect the metal from the effect of the weather.
Fitting copper cupolas to the roof of your house does not only enhance its appearance, it adds to the ventilation and a significant improvement in the internal airflow of the home. Copper cupolas used with gable or dormer vents do not increase the heating or cooling costs but can actually reduce them. Of course, just as roofs are insulated, so too copper cupolas need proper insulating so as to reduce heat loss. Since secure fitting is essential to the life of the cupola, and to prevent any leakage, it is always safer to get one made for an exact fit to your roof rather than going in for a standard size.
Adding a copper cupola to the roof of your house can change the way it looks and add an element of distinctive character to it. Most people appreciate that. But a copper cupola being environmentally friendly? Yes they are. Cupolas were initially created to improve the circulation in a house where hot air rises and collect at the top. Cupolas allow this heat to escape. A well designed modern copper cupola serves the same purpose and with proper insulation, it can reduce the cooling needs of the house and thus cut back on the energy consumption. Just make sure it is installed properly to prevent rain from entering and needless heat loss in winter.
If you want to add some style to your rooftop, you can install a weathervane cupola on it. A weathervane cupola is a weathervane mounted on a cupola, rather than on the bare roof gable. This combination gives your weathervane some height, and enhances its looks. A cupola, besides providing an accent, can also serve as a vent for warm and moist air, discouraging the growth of molds and mildew. Some cupolas have tiny louvers that keep the snow out, but allow light and air to pass through. Some even have windows. The cupola can be made of wood, aluminum, fiberglass or copper; or the entire setup can be made of hand carved copper, which looks great even when weathered.
Most people think of a roof cupola as purely a decoration. While its true that roof cupolas will enhance the looks of just about any house, they also have a functional purpose. Well designed roof cupolas with proper vents will increase the air circulation in the house. And with proper insulation they can reduce the heating and cooling costs for your home. While standard size roof cupolas are available, it always safer to get one made to the specific measurement of your roof to minimize any chances of leaks or seepage. And when looking at designs and sizes, make sure that the cupola is in proportion to the rest of the house.
In the early times, a dome erected above the main roof served as a lookout tower, and warned of the approaching enemy at sea. Sometimes, it served as a fisherman’s high-place where one could wait in anticipation of a fellow fisher-folk returning from his catch. This early roof cupola with stairs, served an important purpose, and was known as Widow’s Walk or Belvedere. As architectural expertise got more refined, seeing a roof cupola on the roof of a church or a government building reflected a common tradition. These cupolas later continued to be built even though they lost their function. Today, they sit elegantly on rooftops, to impress the passerby and to give the owner a sense of pride.
A copper cupola can change the whole look of your house. In addition to the copper cupola itself, there are various accessories available for mounting on the top such as weathervanes and flag poles. While standard sizes are available, the final effect of the copper cupola depends on it being in the right proportion to the size of the roof. Unless you are sure of getting a standard cupola of the exact size, it is safer to go in for a custom made one. As a general rule the size of the base should be 1 inch for every 1 foot of unbroken roof line.
