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Not Sure Which Cupola You Want? Here’s How We Can Help

3/31/2022

At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have a vast selection of beautiful handcrafted cupolas to shake up your shingles and banish boring rooflines. But with so many lovely cupolas, sometimes it’s hard to make a decision, especially if you can’t find a model that matches your style. Stuck between a cupola and a hard place? If you’re not sure which cupola you want, here’s how we can help!

Seeing Is Believing!

It’s not always easy to envision a finished project, and when buying something as central and visible as a cupola, it’s reasonable to want certainty. Luckily, Valley Forge Cupolas has a digital quote system that can help us design a perfect custom cupola for your house and show you exactly what your house will look like when the project is complete. Using such a revolutionary system, finding the right cupola is not only easy, but tons of fun, too!

Steps To Success

Our digital quote system is simple and streamlined; anyone can do it! Just send us a picture of your house, garage or architect’s construction plans, and we’ll take it from there, customizing a cupola and digitally placing it in your specified location. After we’ve updated your photo with a rendering of your cupola, we’ll send it back to you for your viewing pleasure.

For the best results, make sure the picture of your house or garage fully captures the roof, especially the area you’ve designated for your cupola. Another helpful hint is to pick a clear day for your photo, avoiding dark clouds and rain that could complicate the process.

Not Sure Which Cupola You Want? Problem Solved!

If you’ve scoured our site for a cupola to complement your home but haven’t fallen in love with any displayed designs, don’t lose hope; we can customize a cupola just for you! Worried about the finished product? Now that you know exactly how to get a cupola sneak preview with our digital quote system, there’s nothing to fear! So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start the process and dive into your very own custom cupola journey today!

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5 Lovely Weathervanes for Welcoming Spring

3/24/2022

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Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes a welcome relief from snow shoveling, shortened days and bitter cold. If you’re the type who patiently waits through winter for signs of springtime, it’s time to celebrate - and Valley Forge Cupolas has the perfect way to do it! Just choose from one of our lovely weathervanes for welcoming spring to capture the spirit of the season!

Back On The Bike

Nothing says springtime like cruising on your motorcycle. Experiencing the fresh spring air while weaving through the countryside melts all the winter worries away. Our motorcycle weathervane is the perfect choice for those who’ve been waiting all winter to hop on the hog, so start your engines and enjoy the ride; the open road is calling!

Swing Into Spring!

Winter’s white blanket has a beauty all its own, but nothing beats the scenery of greenery. If you’ve been feeling stuck in winter’s seasonal sandtrap, it’s time to get back onto the green and celebrate your putting pastime! With the golfer weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas, this spring is sure to be a hole in one, so make the drive and pick one up today!

Ahoy To Fair Weather!

If you’ve spent your winter stuck in snow squalls, don’t be stern; it looks like fair weather is in your future. The frigid chill of winter’s wind has given way to the gleeful gusts of spring! So get ready to climb aboard, take the helm, and make the voyage into the serene seas of springtime with the Racing Sloop weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas!

Spring Chicken

Spring is the youthful reply to winter’s wearying weather, and the invigorating warmth is a clarion call to come outside. If you want something to crow about this spring, we have just the thing for you: our Crowing Rooster weathervane! Did winter’s chill ruffle your feathers? There’s only one thing to cock-a-doodle-do; rise up from the roost and pick up a rooster weathervane today!

The Lure Of Lovely Weathervanes For Welcoming Spring

Tired of feeling like you live in the North Pole? There’s no reason to flounder; just take out your fishing pole instead! Cast your cares away, hook the tranquility of a relaxing fishing trip, and reel in the spirit of the season with a Bass & Lure weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas!

If you don’t see something you like, we have plenty more weathervanes to choose from, so you’re certain to find the right one for you. Shop our online store for weathervanes and more!

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Copper Topped Cupola: What To Expect As Your Cupola Ages

3/18/2022

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If you’re considering a copper topped cupola for your home, you may be wondering what to expect in the many years to come. Will the copper on your cupola rust and degenerate over time, or will the passing years see its continued protection and beauty? Discover the answer with Valley Forge Cupolas, as we explore the copper topped cupola: what to expect as your cupola ages!

Predictable Patina

If you’re familiar with copper, you’ve likely heard of patina. Patina is the film that develops naturally on copper over time, transforming its surface with hues ranging from brown to green to turquoise. Most people find patina beautiful, and actually pay for patina finishes on weathervanes and other ornaments. Fortunately, the patina process follows a predictable pattern, so you won’t be surprised by your cupola’s change of clothes!

Beginning With Brown

The patina process starts quickly, and you’ll likely notice changes within the first few months. The copper on your cupola will start to turn a light, reddish brown, losing some of its original brightness and luster. From the 4 month mark up to the 3rd year, you can expect ever darkening shades of brown to cover your cupola’s roof. A great way to visualize the process is by looking at some old pennies!

Going Green

Once you hit the 4 year mark, you can wave goodbye to brown. You’ll start to notice a subtle presence of green overtaking the copper on your cupola. Years 4-7 will see your cupola transforming from a muddy, dark green into a beautiful mossy color before lightening to a lovely aquamarine over the remainder of its life. A perfect point of reference is the iconic statue of liberty!

Pretty And Protective

When it comes to the passage of time, we’re used to things decaying and disintegrating; most materials, when left alone, rust, rot and fall into ruin. Unlike the rust that eats away at iron, though, patina will actually protect your copper topped cupola! As your copper topped cupola ages, you can expect a layer of patina that’s not just there for good looks - it’s pretty AND protective!

Get A Copper Topped Cupola Today!

If you’re mesmerized by the beautiful and unique hues of patina, a copper topped cupola is an investment that will only improve as the years go by. Make your home part of the process that’s been fascinating millions since the discovery of copper; choose a copper topped cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas today!

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Wood, Vinyl, or Metal: Which Cupola Material is Right for You?

3/11/2022

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When it comes to shopping for a cupola, options abound. You could choose a louvered cupola with a black concave roof, a window cupola with a glowing lantern, or anything in between! Here at Valley Forge Cupolas, we have a vast selection of styles and colors to pick from, but today we’ll be discussing the most foundational options at your disposal: the very materials used to construct your cupola in the first place! So, what do you think? Wood, vinyl, or metal: which cupola material is right for you?

The Value Of Vinyl

If you’re looking for a cupola that will stand the test of time with minimal maintenance, our vinyl cupolas are the choice for you. Made from the highest quality Azek vinyl, these cupolas are engineered to last; polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used worldwide for its longevity, durability and versatility, so when you pick up one of our vinyl cupolas, you’re getting a friend for life!

The Wonder Of Wood

For the ultimate in rustic beauty, wood simply cannot be beat. From its smell and texture to the uniqueness of its grain and knots, wood creates an ambience unlike any other. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we take great pride in the beauty of our wood cupolas. All of our wood cupolas are lovingly handcrafted from the finest Western Red Cedar, resulting in a finished product that’s nothing short of breathtaking!

The Mettle of Metal

If you have a metal building on your property that could use a tasteful accent, our line of Sundance cupolas will work wonderfully! Made of PVC with a metal roof and base, each of our nine different styles is available in over twenty different colors, so creating a unique custom cupola is as easy as 1-2-3. Our Sundance cupolas can easily be cut to match the pitch of your roof, so installation will be a breeze.

Wood, Vinyl, or Metal: Which Cupola Material is Right for You? We’re Here To Help!

Still wondering which cupola material would be best for you? At Valley Forge Cupolas, we love educating people about cupolas and weathervanes, and we excel at directing them towards the best buying decision for them! If you have any cupola-related questions, we’re always happy to help; reach out today for some cupola advice that’s sure to suffice!

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Why Are Horses Featured On Weathervanes?

3/4/2022

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If you’ve spent any time around farms, you’re probably familiar with weathervanes. If you’ve spent any time around ranches, those weathervanes are quite likely to showcase stallions or model mares. Of course we’re all familiar with the renowned rooster weathervane and the arrows of old, but why are horses featured on weathervanes? Join Valley Forge Cupolas as we trace the history of horse popularity and pinpoint the prelude to the horse weathervane.

Why Livestock In The First Place?

In early agricultural America, weathervanes were already wildly popular for their practical purposes as indicators of wind direction. Soon enough, however, farmers started getting creative; modeling weathervanes to resemble family traditions and favored farm animals, the legacy of livestock weathervanes began. And so the story of the horse weathervane started to unfoaled.

Off To The Races!

Though horse racing can be traced back to ancient cultures, it found its pinnacle in 19th century America. With the advent of long-distance horse racing, the sport exploded from its southern origins and galloped throughout the country, resulting in over 300 operational race courses across the nation. The explosive market for horse-race betting only served to further the popularity of the beloved animal; the horse had taken a meteoric leap from simple farmyard fame to national celebrity.

Emblems Of The Equine Elite

Not all horses were created equal; some displayed wondrous trotting talent and blistering racing speeds, while others lagged and lingered in the dust. It didn’t take long for horse race enthusiasts and avid betters to single out favorites from amongst the most successful horses in competition.

As these horse celebrities gained popularity throughout America, they began being featured in lithography, a popular printmaking process at the time. Renowned champions like “Smuggler,” “Blackhawk,” “Ethan Allen” and “George M. Patchen '' were frequently featured in what would become world famous lithographic prints.

From Wall Ornaments To Weathervanes

Eventually, savvy artisans translated famous horse lithographs into various other media, including the weathervane. Once only featuring crude renderings of favorite farmyard friends, the horse weathervane suddenly became a showcase for the horse celebrities of the time. These are the models we see featured on weathervanes to this very day.

Now That You Know Why Horses Are Featured On Weathervanes…

…why not trot along with the tradition yourself? Valley Forge Cupolas offers a variety of horse weathervanes in styles popularized during the horse racing craze of 19th century America. Whether you’re a horse lover or a horse history enthusiast, our weathervanes are sure to satisfy your equine appetites. For a galloping good time, hoof it over to Valley Forge Cupolas and pick up a horse weathervane today!

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Not Sure Which Cupola You Want? Here’s How We Can Help

Seeing Is Believing!

Steps To Success

Not Sure Which Cupola You Want? Problem Solved!

5 Lovely Weathervanes for Welcoming Spring

Back On The Bike

Swing Into Spring!

Ahoy To Fair Weather!

Spring Chicken

The Lure Of Lovely Weathervanes For Welcoming Spring

Copper Topped Cupola: What To Expect As Your Cupola Ages

Predictable Patina

Beginning With Brown

Going Green

Pretty And Protective

Get A Copper Topped Cupola Today!

Wood, Vinyl, or Metal: Which Cupola Material is Right for You?

The Value Of Vinyl

The Wonder Of Wood

The Mettle of Metal ​

Wood, Vinyl, or Metal: Which Cupola Material is Right for You? We’re Here To Help!

Why Are Horses Featured On Weathervanes?

Why Livestock In The First Place?

Off To The Races!

Emblems Of The Equine Elite

From Wall Ornaments To Weathervanes

Now That You Know Why Horses Are Featured On Weathervanes…

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