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What Does ‘Cupola’ Mean?

5/25/2018

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While cupolas first appeared in 8th century Islamic architecture, the word ‘cupola’ itself is from mid 16th century Italian. So what does cupola mean? It is derived from the late Latin word cupula which means, “a small cask or burying vault.” Cupula is the diminutive form of another late Latin word, cupa, which means “cask” or “small cup.” These word origins refer to the fact that cupolas often resemble an upside-down cup sitting atop a structure. The word cupola itself means:

    n. A light structure on a dome or roof, serving as a belfry, lantern, or belvedere. A dome, especially one covering a circular or polygonal area.

What Does Cupola Mean in Architecture?

In architecture, cupolas are relatively small, often dome-like, tall structures on top of a building. They usually crown a larger roof or dome, but can also top a spire, tower, or turret. They were traditionally used as lookouts or to hold a bell or clock, but in modern usage they are most commonly used to provide natural light or ventilation to the building below. Along the ocean, larger cupolas that are accessible from the inside are generally referred to as “widow’s walks.” Cupolas have enjoyed steady popularity in American architecture since the Revolutionary War.

What Makes Up a Cupola?

Cupolas can be round, square, hexagonal, or octagonal, and are comprised of three basic parts: the base, the vents, and the cap. The size of the base is determined by the slope or pitch of the roof. A general rule of thumb is a minimum of 1.25” of cupola for every foot of unbroken roof ridge line, but longer rooflines can benefit from two smaller cupolas as opposed to one large cupola.

In the middle, the “vents” can be louvers, windows, or a combination of both. The choice of vents is dependant on whether you are looking to add ventilation to a space or bring in natural light. Windows are a great way to brighten up a shed or garage, while louvers help remove moisture from attics, helping prevent rot, mold and mildew.

The cap typically has a distinctive shape - such as bell or concave - to both add a striking visual element and help shed rain, snow, leaves, and other debris. Durable metals are generally chosen for the cap, from painted aluminum to polished or patinated copper. For a final flourish, the caps are often topped with a finial or weathervane.

Find Your Cupola at Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes

If you are still wondering, “What does cupola mean?”, call us today at 866-400-1776 to talk to the cupola specialists! We will help you choose the perfect cupola design and custom elements that will make a beautiful, lasting addition to your home.


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Stellar Cellular PVC Mailbox Posts from Valley Forge Cupolas

5/17/2018

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When choosing the perfect mailbox, don’t forget to consider the post upon which it will be mounted. Your mailbox post should not only enhance the look of your mailbox; it should be able to withstand the elements without losing any of its charm. Cellular PVC mailbox posts stay pristine with minimal maintenance, making them the perfect eye-catching addition to your home.

Azek Vinyl: High Style that Lasts

Our cellular PVC mailbox posts are made from Azek vinyl, a beautiful, high-performance material engineered to last. One of the best building materials on the market, Azek vinyl never needs to be stained or sanded, and cannot be damaged by termites or rot. It also resists mold, mildew, stains, and scratches, making it an extremely low-maintenance material.

High-Quality Cellular PVC Mailbox Posts from Valley Forge Cupolas

At Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes, all of our products are held to the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, and our line of mailboxes and posts are no exception. We have five unique mailbox post designs to choose from, all of which include the option of adding a newspaper box. We also offer a variety of customization options to add flair to your post, from copper accents to address signs. Whether you are looking to complement your home’s architecture or make a statement at the entrance to your home, we have the perfect mailbox post for you.
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The Annapolis mailbox post is a classic, elegant design that provides the perfect accent to any home. It is an excellent complement to our traditional Rural Aluminum and Eagle Aluminum mailboxes (shown here), which are available in a variety of colors and finishes to suit your style and taste.
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Rather than a simple, straight post, the Dover mailbox post has a boxed base, adding visual weight and depth to the design. This sturdy post is at home in both developments and country lanes. You can keep it classic with the Eagle Aluminum mailbox (left), or dress it up with the elegant Chalet Metal mailbox (right).
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If you are looking for a more subtle base accent, the Hartford post is right for you. This timeless design has been gracing homes for decades, offering the perfect mix of nostalgia and chic.
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With its raised panel base, the Madison mailbox post adds dignity and elegance to a home. Its bold design can support a larger mailbox - such as the Whitehall Aluminum, shown here - without being overwhelmed.
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Our most elaborate design, the Providence has raised panels on both the top and base, commanding attention as it stands sentry at the end of your driveway. This elegant post is perfect for our larger mailbox designs, acting as the perfect foil to the Whitehall Aluminum and Chalet Metal.

If you are looking to spruce up your exterior, call Valley Forge Cupolas and order your cellular PVC mailbox post today! - 866-400-1776
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Find the Perfect Arrow Weathervane at Valley Forge Cupolas

5/11/2018

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Since their creation in 48 B.C., weathervanes have been gracing the tops of church steeples, town halls, stately manors, and quaint cottages throughout the world. Among the wide array of weathervane designs, the arrow weathervane is one of the oldest and most popular. Arrow weathervanes combine practicality - showing the direction of the wind - with designs that range from sleek and sophisticated to ornate and classical. If you are looking for a statement piece for your cupola, gazebo, roof, or garden, an arrow weathervane is an excellent choice. Let us point out a few of our favorite designs.

Arrow Weathervanes Are the Perfect Addition to Any Roofline

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You don’t have to be Robin Hood to appreciate this simple yet elegant design from the 1800s and the beautiful symmetry of its arrows. Just like a weathervane, arrows must be perfectly balanced in order to fly true. This weathervane promises to fly straight and true above your home for decades to come.
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These exquisite Victorian weathervanes make a striking statement atop our custom cupolas, recapturing the sophisticated tastes of a previous era. Weathervanes reached the height of their popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, as the Victorians loved items that were both beautiful and useful. Victorian weathervanes are known for elaborate designs that often feature beautiful scrollwork and delicate accents. Celebrate your love of all things Victorian with one of these breathtaking designs!
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Banner style weathervanes were a common sight on barns and churches throughout the 1800s, incorporating two classic styles. During the Middle Ages, archers would rely on cloth pennants to determine wind direction. Eventually these pennants were made from metal to provide a more accurate reading. The word “vane” is actually derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “fane,” which means “flag.” Banner style weathervanes pay homage to these archers by combining a small metal pennant with an arrowhead that points into the wind.
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Inspired by the Smithsonian Museum, our Smithsonian Arrow weathervane brings one-of-a-kind style to your roofline. The unique tail plume and heart design add soft lines and a touch of whimsy, making it the perfect addition to your home.
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The delicate scrollwork of this copper arrow weathervane makes it look like it came straight from a French castle. Perfect for a country estate or elegant townhome, this weathervane adds a regal touch to any roof it graces.
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This majestic large 3-D Arrow weathervane is exquisitely stylish and the ultimate statement piece. The unique, bold design can hold its own on large homes and outbuildings, shining brilliantly in the sun.

Order Your Arrow Weathervane Today!

Weathervanes are the perfect crowning touch to any home, cupola, barn or gazebo. Call us today at 866-400-1776 and add one of our beautiful arrow weathervanes to your home!
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Photos of Cupolas for Every Application

5/3/2018

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Cupolas come in a variety of styles to meet all your needs. From material selection, to window and louver options, to accents and finishes, Valley Forge Cupolas has the perfect cupola for you! Browse our photos of cupolas to gather inspiration, then call us at 866-400-1776 to speak to our cupola specialists and order the cupola of your dreams!

Louver Cupolas

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This 36” Concave Louver style, topped with the Horse on the Run Weathervane, perfectly enhances the rustic barn style of the 27’ garage. Louver Cupolas add much-needed ventilation to attics and garages, reducing moisture and heat to protect your items in storage.

Window Cupolas

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Our most popular model, the CNC window cupola adds elegance to any architectural style. With 4 to 9 panels per side (depending on size), the CNC lets in abundant sunshine, illuminating your home or garage with beautiful natural light.

Barn Cupolas

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This gorgeous 50’ cedar barn is topped with a majestic 60” Cedar Carlisle cupola with arched windows. Barn cupolas help keep your animals healthy and protect your barn from mildew and rot.
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Our barn cupolas are also perfect for pole barns, as you can see with this 42” Elite style cupola. This model is topped with a copper roof and matching copper Wolf Weathervane, but we also offer colored aluminum roofs to match your pole barn.

Custom Cupolas

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This custom, 4-sided cupola features arched windows, custom molding, and a bell-shaped copper roof. The flared base also features beautiful shiplap, making it the perfect addition to a seaside or country home.
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This 6-sided custom model is sure to make a statement with its custom molding, corner base trim, arched windows, and extended drip rail with copper accents. The extra gleaming copper will certainly attract the admiration of your neighbors, making a bold statement on your roofline.

Estate Select Series

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With delicately accented louvers and windows, the Estate Select Series of cupolas are the perfect way to add charm and sophistication to a home, garage, or shed. The Bethany cupola (shown here) is a perfect example, with arched, paneled windows that give a Country Estate feel to this quaint shed.

Designer Series

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Our new Designer Series cupolas are unique, with a bold star accent that can be paired with a copper or colored roof. Manufactured solely from vinyl-PVC trimboard, these cupolas will look beautiful for years to come with no maintenance.

Signature Series

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With fluted trims and unique custom molding applications, Signature Series cupolas look as though they were designed to match your home. Signature cupolas are one of the most detailed and elegantly designed cupola series on the market, as you can see here with the Danbury model. ​

Gazebo and Shed Cupolas

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Whether your gazebo is attached to your home or freestanding, our Gazebo Cupolas are the perfect crowning touch, adding character and helping keep your gazebo cool in the summer. The Kingston style cupola (above) adds a classy accent, while our cedar cupolas are perfect for rustic country homes.
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Cupolas are a great way to add ventilation and natural light to your shed, making it a more functional workspace. Our Shed Cupolas come in a variety of styles, including this beautiful cedar model with a black aluminum roof.

METAL

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We also offer Metal Cupolas to match your metal and outdoor buildings, such as this 36” Franklin style Sundance cupola atop a 30’ pavilion. Call us today for all your cupola needs!
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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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