Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Designing a Cupola with Copper Weathervanes


A cupola is a structure found on the roof, typically in the form of an upside down cup shape, which crowns the top of a structure. The cupola has a few traditional uses in terms of architecture that we unconsciously notice such as that it can be used as a light source or a belfry. We can increase the amount of light coming into the house through it, or we can use it to serve as a vantage point for checking out the whole area.
Wood is perhaps the most common material for decorative cupolas with pine wood as the primary choice. It can provide the cupola the toughness and the durability that it needs to withstand weathering allowing it to last for a long time.
Another choice for material used in constructing cupolas is vinyl. One of the advantages of this material is that it can be painted on if you want to or once the color has faded.
If you will opt for a more classic design of traditional American cupola weathervanes, copper weathervanes is what you should go for. Copper weathervanes bring a touch of countryside to your house. Aside from copper, these instruments mounted on the top of cupolas can also be made of brass or wrought iron, while taking forms of an arrow or a rooster shape. Copper weathervanes not only provide ornamentation but also have practical uses, such as determining the direction where the wind is coming from. At times, it can also act as a lightning rod in a stormy weather.

Cupolas are not limited just to be on your rooftop. If you have a garden, you might consider having cupolas and cupola weathervanes on the top of your tallest garden structure, such as a gazebo or a pavilion. could complement wooden structures with cupolas on the top. These garden cupolas can be Victorian, Roman, Chinese, or any style of your preference.
Color is a factor for choosing both cupolas and cupola weathervanes. For wooden cupolas, the natural color of the wood material can give the structure a more outdoor-sy feel to it. Copper weathervanes, on the other hand, can retain its color while still complementing any color of cupolas. At Prairie Rose Country, you can have some materials and tips that can help you build your ideal cupola with weathervane on its top.

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