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What Size Cupola Do I Need for My Home, Barn or Outbuilding?

3/27/2020

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When shopping for a cupola, the first - and most important - question you should ask is, "What size cupola do I need?" When it comes to cupolas, size is everything. Cupolas that are too large can completely overwhelm your building, while cupolas that are too small can appear to be an afterthought or a mistake. At Valley Forge Cupolas, our cupola specialists are here to help you find the perfect size cupola for your home!

What Size Cupola Do I Need for My Home or Garage?

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The general rule of thumb when it comes to cupolas is to have a minimum of 1.25” of cupola for every foot of unbroken roofline. So for example, this would mean that on a 24’ long roof you would want to choose a cupola with a base ranging from 30” to 36". To narrow down these options, consider the overall size of the building and pitch of the roof. Single-story, low-pitched roofs look better with a cupola on the smaller end of the scale, whereas buildings with steeper roof pitches or multiple levels may require a cupola closer to a 1.5”/foot ratio. 

If you want a more prominent cupola without taking up more space on your roofline, you may wish to choose a taller cupola with a smaller base. Height can be added to a cupola by extending the base, vents, roof, or all three. Conversely, some homeowners prefer lower-profile cupolas for their sheds and gazebos. We have a variety of cupola heights available, and all of our cupolas can be customized to meet your needs. Ultimately, a cupola should complement the architecture and design of your home, appearing to be a natural extension of your home.

What Size Cupola Do I Need for My Barn or Outbuilding?

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For long, uninterrupted rooflines - such as those on stables, barns and commercial structures - it is better to use multiple cupolas rather than one, central cupola. You can either use multiple cupolas of the same size, or one larger cupola in the middle with smaller cupolas flanking it on either side. This means that for a 60' roof you could use two 48” cupolas, or a pair of 30” cupolas with a 42” cupola in the middle, to create a balanced look.

Discover Your Perfect Cupola at Valley Forge Cupolas

At Valley Forge Cupolas, we love sharing our cupola expertise with our customers. We can help you find the perfect size cupola for your home, garage, barn or outbuilding. Our exquisite cupolas and superior customer service make us the #1 choice for custom cupolas. Call us today at 800-466-1776 and bring your dream cupola home today! ​
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Explore Our Collection of Horse Weathervanes for Cupolas

3/22/2020

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Horse weathervanes for cupolas have been an American tradition since the 1800s. Weathervanes were a common sight on farmsteads where they provided valuable weather information to farmers. Many farmers would customize their weathervanes to reflect a prized stock, whether it was horses, chickens, pigs or cows. 
During the mid-19th century, horse racing became immensely popular in America, rivaling the popularity of baseball and football today. Lithograph prints of racehorses were a common decoration in many homes, with one of the most popular Currier & Ives prints of all time featuring the famed racehorse Black Hawk. Americans couldn't get enough racehorse merchandise, which led to a huge surge in popularity for horse weathervanes. Their beautiful pedigree lives on today in our stunning collection of horse weathervanes for cupolas!

Horse Weathervanes from Valley Forge Cupolas

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There's nothing quite as majestic as a galloping horse. These beautiful steeds are ready to run free over your roofline! Our "Horse on the Run" weathervane captures the wild freedom of Western Mustangs, while our "Race Horse" weathervane is modeled after the famous stride of champion racehorse Black Hawk.
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We also offer two horse weathervanes with a gorgeous patina finish. Patina is the blue-green layer that forms on the surface of copper over time, much like rust develops on iron. Unlike rust, however, patina actually preserves the copper, protecting it from the elements. This process occurs naturally but can also be man-made to ensure a uniform color.
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Our Smithsonian Horse is a smaller design, perfect for sheds, garages and smaller cupolas. Our 580P Horse weathervane mimics the designs of famed 19th-century weathervane maker A. L. Jewell. Jewell was known for constructing his horses so that the foreleg formed part of the post, creating a more fluid look.
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We also have small and large horse weathervanes with a glossy black finish that pair beautifully with any home design or color scheme. Our full collection of weathervanes run the gamut from large weathervanes perfect for barns and stables, to small weathervanes perfect for sheds, tack rooms, and small cupolas.

Complete the Look with a Custom Cupola!

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At Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes, we don't just sell horse weathervanes for cupolas, we sell custom cupolas as well! Whether you need a cupola for your home or barn, we can provide you with the high-quality cupolas you need, no matter the size or number.
All of our cupolas are built by skilled and dedicated Pennsylvania craftsmen using durable materials designed to last a lifetime. The majority of our cupolas are built from Azek vinyl, a high-performance material that can withstand 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. It can also be painted to match your home or outbuilding. We also offer metal cupolas in a variety of designs and colors, and we can also meet all your barn lighting needs.
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Discover Why Customers Love Valley Forge Cupolas!

3/16/2020

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​As a family-owned and operated business, there is nothing we love more than helping customers build the cupola of their dreams! At Valley Forge Cupolas, we work hard to set ourselves apart from other cupola companies by offering competitive pricing, superior quality, and one-on-one expert advice. And our hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed! Hear what some of our latest customers have to say:

​Banish Boring Rooflines with High-Quality Cupolas That are Built to Last!

Our home in Hilton Head, South Carolina had marginal street appeal but somehow the Cupola that we placed on top made by Valley Forge Cupolas made a boring house STUNNING!!!!!!!!
My wife and I have received more compliments than you can believe, we hear it all the time.  Everyone loves the house and our cupola. Thanks, Valley Forge. - Sincerely, Mack and Lisa D., Shipyard Plantation
We installed a cupola on our new build in Rhode Island. Not only was it well built and looks "swell" but we saved considerable $ vs. our builder's quote. As a result of this experience, our builder is using Valley Forge Cupolas' products on many more homes. - Joe S.
My wife and I are very pleased with our new cupola. I would also like to thank you for the expeditious service you provided. It's obvious you take pride in your quality workmanship and customer service. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone I know if they happen to be in the market for a cupola or accessories. Thanks again
​- Norm A.


​Expert, Friendly Customer Service

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Selecting and ordering my CRC 32" cupola could not have been any easier with the help of Beverly and her husband. I forwarded pictures of my garage so they could photo-shop the image and the outcome was phenomenal. They offer much more assistance than just taking your order, and I received a quality product, packaged very well to avoid shipment damage, and it really looks great. Good people to work with!! - Terry W.
Valley Forge did an outstanding job on the cupola for our wedding venue, Venue 311. Their prices were very competitive. There are other cupola manufacturers available, but the reason I chose Valley Forge is because they actually answer their phones, they quickly respond to all emails, and they take the time to answer all of your questions. You can tell they care. They are very dedicated to earning your business. - Terry S.
Working with Valley Forge Cupolas is always a great experience. We have worked together on multiple houses and we couldn't be happier with the communication and quality. Great company to work with and highly recommend!
- Kristopher M.

​Find the Perfect Cupola at Valley Forge Cupolas

If you're looking for outstanding quality and service, call Valley Forge Cupolas today at 866-400-1776! All our cupolas are built by Pennsylvania craftsmen using only the best, most durable materials, from Azek vinyl to 24-gauge copper. Let our cupola experts help you design the perfect cupola for your home.
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Are Cupola and Dome the Same Thing?

3/6/2020

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The terms “cupola” and “dome” are often used interchangeably, leading people to ask, "Are cupola and dome the same thing?" Cupolas and domes are actually two distinct architectural elements with specific features unique to them. While domes can often be seen on large, ornate buildings (such as art museums, government offices and churches) they are not typically suited to residential use. Cupolas, on the other hand, can easily be incorporated into any size home, garage, shed or outbuilding, adding both beauty and function to the structure.

What is the Difference Between a Cupola and a Dome?

Domes are always circular, with a rounded roof that resembles the upper half of a sphere. This design makes them self-supporting, which means domes contain no interior supports, allowing them to create large open areas. Because the main goal of a dome is to provide open space, they do not necessarily add extra light and ventilation. Furthermore, domes can also be difficult to incorporate into existing structures. They work best on flat roofs and cannot be placed on the traditional sloped roofs of residential homes without extensive modifications to the house. 

Cupolas were first introduced to architecture back in the 8th century, and their overall design hasn't changed much. They can be round, square, hexagonal or octagonal in shape and are comprised of three parts: the base, the vents and the cap. The "vents" can be louvers, windows or a combination of both, and the "cap" (roof) typically has a distinct shape (such as bell or concave) to help shed rain, snow, leaves and other debris.
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The main purposes of a cupola are to increase ventilation, add natural light and improve the aesthetics of a home. They are easy to install on any style roof and require only minimal alterations to your roofline. While cupolas and domes are not the same thing, they can often be seen together, with cupolas gracing the tops of domes to serve as belfries, lanterns or look-outs, the most famous example being the cupola and dome atop the U.S. Capitol building.

Discover the Perfect Cupola at Valley Forge Cupolas

All of our cupolas are handmade in the USA by skilled Pennsylvania craftsmen, using high-quality, durable materials that will last years with minimal maintenance. We also offer countless customization options, allowing you to design a unique, one-of-a-kind cupola that is the perfect complement to your home. If you're ready to revolutionize your home with a custom cupola, call us today at 866-400-1776!
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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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