When choosing a cupola (or two) to enhance the exterior roof line of your home, be prepared for a bit of forethought when it comes to style and functionality. But the most important element to consider, by far, is how to select the right size cupola for the length and pitch of your roof. Accurate measurement is essential and will save time and money when purchasing a cupola, as well as determine whether more than one cupola will create the proper visual appeal.
Cupolas were originally installed to serve as a source of ventilation in a barn (and as a resting place for a weathervane); when built into the roof of a home it allowed heat to escape from the attic space, not to mention filtering in light and guarding against the elements. While a customized cupola can still be constructed to function as originally intended, the majority of homeowners are interested in a purely decorative accoutrement to restore a more traditional profile.
To ensure that the cupola(s) you select are the proper size in correlation to the slope of your roof, the pitch (vertical rise over 12-inch horizontal distance) should be precisely measured. There is no need for concern about having to scale the shingles to obtain this vital piece of data. While you will need a ladder, pencil and a framing square to secure and record this measurement, this can be safely and easily accomplished at the edge of your roof.
The height of your cupola(s) is more of a personal preference, but should be proportional to the size of your home and length of your roof. To avoid a too large or too small fit, a simple formula can be used as a general guideline for selecting the base size of your cupola. Multiply the approximate length of unbroken roof line in feet by 1.5 inches for a cupola base that is well suited for the size of your home. Weight will also play a role in picking just the right size, as you want to be sure it will be well supported by the structural components of your roof.
One cupola perched above your home can serve as a dramatic focal point and will set your house apart from others in your neighborhood. But based upon the length of your roof, installing more than one cupola will create a sense of symmetry and balance to the exterior roof line of your home. Just be sure not to over-do it.
Cupolas come in a variety of styles and materials, including wood or low-maintenance vinyl. Additionally, there are a number of roofing materials that will assist in creating a unique look and feel to your cupola selection. A
copper or aluminum roof will provide years of enjoyment and beauty with little concern for unusual amounts of wear-and-tear. There are also hexagon and octagon shaped cupolas on the market, offering the most dramatic effect yet.
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