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How to Install a Functional Cupola

1/25/2019

2 Comments

 
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When it comes to installation, cupolas are classified as either “decorative” or “functional.” This distinction has nothing to do with the cupola’s design, but rather with its end use. If the cupola is on a roof for purely aesthetic reasons, it is considered decorative. If the cupola is going to add ventilation or ambient light to the interior of a structure, it is deemed “functional.” We’ve discussed how to install decorative cupolas before, so today we’ll look at how to install a functional cupola.

How to Install a Functional Cupola

In essence, the only difference between installing a functional cupola and a decorative cupola is opening the roof. But it is important that this extra step is executed properly to prevent leaks and/or structural damage.

Step 1.
Find and mark the center of your roof. Then mark where your cupola will sit, measuring out from the center mark. (For example, if your cupola base is 30”, measure 15” on either side of the center line.)

Step 2. Cut and remove the section of ridge vent or cap where the cupola will go.

Step 3. Screw together two pieces of 1” x 3” in order to make an angle jig that you will use as a template for your cupola base. Put only one screw in at first so you can pivot the pieces. Put the boards firmly onto each side of the roof, then secure with a second screw, as shown below.

Step 4. Use this template to notch your cupola base to ensure a tight fit to your roof.

Step 5. Cut a hole in the roof that is at least 6” smaller than the inside perimeter of the cupola base. (E.g., a 30” square cupola would have a 24” square hole.) Be sure not to cut any structural members. You are only cutting away the shingles and plywood sheathing.

Step 6. Secure the cupola base to the structural framing members (ridge, rafters) with non-ferrous screws or nails driven at an angle. Do not fasten the cupola to the plywood sheathing alone.

Step 7. Install flashing around the cupola base to ensure a watertight fit.

Step 8. Once the base is installed, all that is left is to finish assembling the cupola. Cupolas come in three sections - base, vents, and roof - to make assembly easier. Place the vents (midsection) on top of the base and attach with 2” screws, using the pre-drilled holes. Then place the roof on the midsection and fasten with screws, again using the pre-drilled holes.

Step 9. (Optional) Finish your cupola with a beautiful weathervane than reflects your style or personality!
If you are looking to install a functional cupola on your home, let the cupola experts at Valley Forge Cupolas pair you up with the cupola of your dreams! Call us today at 866-400-1776.
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See Our Recent Commercial Project in Sulphur Springs, Texas

1/25/2019

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At Valley Forge Cupolas, we love helping our commercial clients enjoy all the benefits of custom, high-quality commercial cupolas. Our most recent project brought us to Sulphur Springs, TX and the Highlander Training Center, a renowned facility that provides breaking, training, rehab, and boarding for young thoroughbred horses. They commissioned us for seven custom cupolas to be installed on their horse training barn and arena. Over the course of several months, we designed, built, delivered, and installed the cupolas in keeping with the customer’s precise specifications.

Each cupola features both windows and louvers to provide natural sunlight as well as plenty of ventilation for the horses. A well-ventilated barn is necessary for healthy animals, keeping the air fresh and decreasing humidity to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. It also protects the barn itself by preventing the build-up of warm, humid, stagnant air which can lead to wood rot.

What Makes Valley Forge Cupolas the Preferred Source for Commercial Cupolas?

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  • An expert design team - Our cupola specialists can design a cupola that meets your exact needs, specifications, and design tastes. Our cupola experts walk you through every aspect of design, from helping you choose the right materials to determining the correct size of your cupola.
  • High-quality construction - All of our cupolas are built by skilled and dedicated Pennsylvania craftsmen using durable materials designed to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. The majority of our cupolas are built from Azek vinyl, a high-performance, attractive material that maintains its good looks through even the harshest weather. It never needs to be stained or sanded; is resistant to mold mildew, stains and scratches; and can’t be damaged by termites or rot.
  • Knowledgeable and friendly customer service - As a family-owned and -operated business, we love giving personal attention and service to our customers. We are always available to answer questions and ensure you are 100% satisfied with your cupolas.
  • FREE custom digital quotes - We are the only cupola supplier on the market to provide a free digital rendering of how your cupola will look on your finished building. Simply send a photo or blueprint to MagicCupolas@ValleyForgeCupolas.com and we will reply with your custom image, allowing you to see precisely what you’re getting and an accurate estimate of its cost.

Call Valley Forge Cupolas for Outstanding Commercial Cupolas!

Our team of cupola experts was proud to contribute beauty and functionality to this top-notch training center - and we can do the same for your commercial building! We’re happy to partner with contractors, builders, and developers on any project you may have, such as:
  • Medical offices
  • Shopping centers
  • Real estate development
  • Small businesses
  • Restaurants
  • And much more!
Call us today at 866-400-1776 to discuss your project with our cupola specialists!
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What is the Purpose of a Cupola?

1/11/2019

4 Comments

 
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People who are unfamiliar with cupolas often ask, “What is the purpose of a cupola?” Some people think they are for decoration while others think they add ventilation to an attic space. But the cupola experts can tell you both those answers are correct! And that’s just scratching the surface of all a cupola can do.

What is the Purpose of a Cupola Traditionally?

Cupolas have three main purposes: to allow ventilation, provide light (whether by letting sunlight in or holding a lantern), and to add beauty to a roofline. Louver cupolas are often chosen to add or increase ventilation a space, be it a garage, shed, or attic. By allowing heat and moisture to escape, louver cupolas can prevent the growth of mildew and mold, protecting stored items. They also allow fumes to escape and keep the air circulating, making a more comfortable work environment inside sheds and garages.

Cupolas are also a wonderful way to add natural light into a space. Window cupolas allow sunlight to brighten up a room, reducing the need for electric light. You can also hang a cupola lantern to brighten your roofline at night and provide a welcoming beacon to visitors.
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Whatever design you choose, a cupola instantly adds beauty and character to a roofline. They can enhance or highlight an architectural theme, or be used to form a cohesive look around your property by adding them to sheds, gazebos, detached garages, or other outbuildings. Finish them with a unique weathervane for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

What Else Can a Cupola Do?

Did you know that cupolas can help protect barns and livestock? The most dangerous thing to a barn is warm, humid, stagnant air, which can lead to mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and jeopardize the structural integrity of the barn. Cupolas also protect hay by providing sufficient ventilation to dry hay without producing mold or risking a fire. During the winter, cupolas ensure moisture and fumes don’t build up inside the barn, jeopardizing the health of the livestock.

Cupolas can even act as an inspiration for your decorating! Add a shiplap base and pineapple weathervane to create a beach cottage theme, or choose barn red painted steel and a traditional rooster weathervane for a farmhouse look. Whether it’s hanging a giant wreath or adding colored lights, a cupola is a blank canvas for your Pinterest-inspired dreams!
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If you’re ready to explore the endless possibilities a cupola has to offer, call Valley Forge Cupolas today at 866-400-1776. Our cupola specialists can’t wait to help you discover the perfect cupola for your home!
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    About Us

    We are the "Cupola Specialists" who can help you with every aspect of your cupola selection. Let us do a customized digital quote so that you can see exactly how one of our beautiful vinyl or wood cupolas will look on your roof.

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