Blog Archives - Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes 866-400-1776

Three NEW Cedar-PVC Cupolas To Love

5/31/2022

In the wide world of cupolas, one new product is hot off the press and turning heads! With all the beauty of wood and all the practicality of PVC, our new cedar-PVC cupolas are a sure bet for a good look that lasts. Here’s a bit about the fascinating material we use and a peak at three new cedar PVC cupolas to love!

Why Cedar PVC?
ACRE is a cutting edge wood alternative renowned for its sustainability and durability. It’s lightweight but sturdy, water-resistant, and guaranteed to live out its days without rot, cracks or splinters. Why, ACRE even accepts water-based stain, varnish and paint! These awesome qualities are precisely why we use ACRE in our cedar-PVC cupolas, making them the ideal alternative to authentic wood cupolas. So if you’re looking to combine the look and even the feel of real wood while retaining the well loved durability and long lifespan of PVC, our cedar-PVC cupolas are the choice for you!

The Dalton

Our Dalton Style cedar-PVC cupola features beautiful louvers that offer both style and ventilation, wowing the neighbors and upping your home’s airflow all at once. The roof features a fascinating patina alternative (galvanized steel painted with Kynar), and comes in any roof style with the exception of the Bell shape.

The Dalton Stained

Identical in structure to the Dalton featured above, our Stained Dalton Style comes pre-stained; an excellent example of ACRE’s potential for customization through staining, varnishing or painting. Pick up a Stained Dalton Style cupola for some added character and a lovely finishing touch.

The Carlisle

Our windowed cedar-PVC cupola, the Carlisle Style cupola, blends everything you know and love about window cupolas with the outstanding qualities of the ACRE wood alternative. For an elegant, useful addition to the cedar-PVC Carlisle, why not consider one of our cupola lanterns to brighten up your property and fill your neighborhood with warmth and cheer?

Pick Up One Of Our Three New Cedar-PVC Cupolas To Love!
The verdict is in: our Cedar-PVC cupolas are revolutionizing rooftops and changing the way people experience cupolas. Whether a veteran cupola-lover eager to try something new or a first-time shopper looking for the best a cupola has to offer, our ACRE based cedar-PVC cupolas will not disappoint! So pick one up today, and always remember: at Valley Forge Cupolas, we banish boring rooflines!

A Few of our Favorite Novelty Weathervanes

5/31/2022

Lately you’ve been finding your roof a bit lacking in the style department. You’re looking to fill that prime rooftop real estate with something unique and intriguing, maybe even add an expression of your personality and passion. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have just the thing for you! Check out a few of our favorite novelty weathervanes!

The Pineapple Pinnacle

Have you always wanted your home to be a hub for activity and a neighborhood haven? An enduring symbol of friendship and hospitality, our Pineapple weathervane is a great way to welcome friends and family! So pick up the weathervane that says, “come on in! You’re always welcome here.”

Your Own Personal Fairytale

Looking to add a majestic touch to your property? You don’t have to live in Neverland to experience the wonder! Our Fairy weathervane is a perfect way to recapture the magic and revel in the whimsical tales of childhood once more.

Rooftop Riesling

Crazy about Cabernet? Mad for Merlot? Our Wine Bottle weathervane is a perfect pairing for your roof. So pick one up, pop the cork and share your Pinot passion with the world! When you get a taste of this weathervane, we promise you won’t be spitting it back out!

Roofline Cruiser

After a winter-long wait and a springtime kickstart, the best months of riding are finally here. Strap on your helmet, start your engine, and celebrate your love for the open road with our Motorcycle weathervane!

A Housetop Hike

We’ve all heard the saying “home is where the heart is,” but many prefer a place amongst the pines to rest their heads. For them, home is where the hike is, and winding woodland paths are what keep them going. If your heart is in the heather and your soul is in the stream, our pine tree weathervane is a great way to portray your passion!

Now That You’ve Seen A Few If Our Favorite Novelty Weathervanes…
…it’s time to pick one up for yourself! Come on over to Valley Forge Cupolas or shop at our online store. Quench your inner quirk and go with a novelty weathervane today!

CNC Cupola: Our Most Popular Window Cupola

5/31/2022

At Valley Forge Cupolas, we’re home to a vast number of truly beautiful, lovingly handcrafted cupolas. We have cupolas galore, of all shapes and sizes - not to mention the limitless options for cupola customization! But amidst the sea of stunning cupola candidates, one seems to outshine the rest, at least in the public eye. If you want the cupola that leaves customers spellbound by its beauty, check out the CNC cupola: our most popular window cupola!

Let It Be
One of the biggest draws of our CNC cupola is its solid PVC construction. Built by the skilled hands of local Pennsylvania Dutch craftsmen, the loving attention to detail is evident in each cupola. The high quality vinyl used in these cupolas is resistant to foul weather, rot, mildew and mold - even without maintenance! Splitting, flaking, cracking, yellowing and warping will also be problems of the past when you choose our CNC cupola. So sit back, enjoy the beauty, and don’t worry about the hands-on labor needed to maintain other cupola materials. Can you hear those whispered words of wisdom? “Let it be.”

Afraid Of Shatter? It Doesn’t Matter!
Another great quality of our CNC window cupola is its nearly unbreakable Lexan windows. Boasting polycarbonate construction, these cupola windows weigh half as much as glass and yet are multiple times more durable! So if your kiddos are keen on pitching, kicking, dunking and batting, you won’t have to worry about the trail of broken glass that usually follows their backyard ball games; our CNC cupola windows can withstand it all!

Let There Be Light

Looking to shed a bit of light on your property? Adding a beautiful cupola lantern to your CNC window cupola is the perfect way to give your home a welcome glow and become the cherished neighborhood nightlight. Choose from a variety of unique, fascinating lanterns, including recreations of historical lanterns and sleek, modern models. Whatever the ambience you’re trying to create, Valley Forge Cupolas has the cupola lantern for you!

Choose The CNC Cupola: Our Most Popular Cupola!
From sturdy, maintenance free construction to unbreakable lexan windows, it’s clear to see why our CNC cupolas fly off the shelves. Bold, beautiful and even capable of further customization with lanterns, weathervanes or finials, these cupolas are fan favorites for a reason. So go ahead; join the adoring masses, pick up a CNC cupola, and rescue your roofline today!

Brighten Up Your Shed with a Cupola

5/31/2022

A good shed is an indispensable ally to any property, perfectly suited for all manner of helpful tasks. It can be a hub for gardening ventures, a small woodworking getaway, a makeshift kennel, or just a handy place to hang tools and park the lawnmower. Although uses for sheds may vary, usefulness is something they all have in common. Sadly, they also have something else in common; the tendency to be a bit drab and unexciting. But there’s no reason things have to stay that way! Why not refine the roofline and brighten up your shed with a cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas?

Pretty Practical

First and foremost, our shed cupolas are breathtaking. Lovingly handcrafted by skillful Pennsylvania Dutch woodworkers, they are truly a sight to behold. But did you know that cupolas have practical advantages as well? A windowed cupola for your shed can easily be outfitted with a beautiful lantern. If you have backyard pathways that pose a risk when darkness falls, a lit windowed cupola is the perfect way to SHED some light on the situation! If you opt for a louvered cupola instead, you’ll get all the beauty of louvers with the added benefit of ventilation. With a bit of extra airflow, the inside of your shed is sure to stay mold, mildew and rot free!

Beautifully Built - To Last!

When you buy a shed cupola at Valley Forge Cupolas, you’ll get to choose between building materials. Are you looking for the maintenance-free magic of a PVC cupola, designed to stand the test of time with its weather resistance? Perhaps you would prefer the style of a cedar cupola, masterfully crafted from the finest wood available. With all the potential of porousness, our cedar shed cupolas easily accept stain, varnish and paint; perfect for those who want to do some DIY finish work!

Why Not A Weathervane?

Valley Forge Cupolas proudly offers a collection of fascinating miniature weathervanes, perfectly suited to crown your new shed cupola with style to spare. Easy to assemble and install, our smaller weathervanes will fill your backyard with instant intrigue. Choose from quintessential roosters, verdigris sailboats, or high-flying biplanes; we even have a flying pig!

Brighten Up Your Shed With A Cupola Today!

The season of spring is still in full swing; the time of renewal and growth hasn’t left yet! Why not welcome some positive change into your property and brighten up your shed with a cupola from Valley Forge Cupolas? When you shop with us, we’ll help you banish boring rooflines and top that slate with something great! Go with a shed cupola today!

What Are Finials? An Elegant Touch For Your Cupola

5/13/2022

Throughout history, there have been countless innovations in the area of rooftop decoration. Cupolas, weathervanes, steeples and domes have all played their parts in cultural expression and artistic imagination. But there’s yet another housetop hallmark to consider: the finial! You may be asking yourself, “what are finials?” Let’s take a closer look at finials and what makes them such great cupola companions!

Ancient Times And Distant Lands
The earliest recorded finial sightings date all the way back to 711 A.D., cropping up at the top of ancient asian structures known as pagodas. Since their origins over 1200 years ago, finials have spanned several eras and permeated many cultures, giving rise to beautiful variations in the style and interpretation of the beloved architectural flourish. Kyoto, Japan; Florence, Rome and Venice in Italy; even the early architecture in more recent cities such as Boston have featured magnificent finials!

What’s The Point?
While other rooftop accents, like cupolas and weathervanes, have practical advantages in addition to providing a beautiful atmosphere, finials have only one point: to be the focal point! Having a finial at the pinnacle of a roof instantly adds an eye-catching elegance sure to distinguish any structure; if you want your property to pop, attracting positive attention to your home, a finial is the choice for you!

The Finest In Finials, Just For You!

Valley Forge Cupolas is proud to offer a stunning selection of finials, each boasting a choice between black matte and copper. Our finials model the masterpieces made popular in cities throughout history, so you can elevate your slate with the culture of the Kyoto, the Bostonian, the Florentine, the Venetian and the Roman!

What Are Finials? Your Next Rooftop Revolution!
Now that you know what a finial is, you understand just how beautiful they can make your home. Furthermore, finials make the perfect addition to cupolas. So if you already have a cupola, a finial will be a perfect companion. If you’ve been looking for a way to redefine your rooftop, join the magnificence over a millennium in the making; go with a finial from Valley Forge Cupolas today!

NEW Cedar-PVC Cupolas Are Here!!

5/2/2022

In the past, buying a cupola often posed a conundrum; do you go with the beautiful, organic look and feel of a wood cupola, or choose the durable, maintenance free convenience of a PVC cupola? At Valley Forge Cupolas, we couldn’t be more proud to give you the timely solution; our new cedar-PVC cupolas are here!!

The Ultimate Alternative
If you’re enthralled by the look and feel of natural wood, but struggle with the commitment it takes to maintain a wood cupola, your answer is here. ACRE is a brand new material; a sustainable, durable wood alternative with the look and feel of real wood. Lightweight, strong and water resistant, ACRE is guaranteed not to rot, crack or splinter. Simply put, it’s the ultimate alternative to wood.

Easy To Work With
Unlike wood, which can often be cumbersome and hard to cut, ACRE cuts like a dream! This makes sizing a cinch and modification a simple cut away. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry, so the backbreaking labor of hauling wood will be a thing of the past. Say goodbye to mountains of sawdust and a weekly trip to the chiropractor. Say hello to the easy, clean cut of ACRE.

Finishing Touches
Are you the sort that loves a good finish? Well you’re in luck! When it comes to accepting stain and varnish, ACRE behaves just like wood. You’ll have no trouble personalizing your cedar-PVC cupola with your favorite finish, customizing it until it’s truly your own.

Eco Friendly & U.S.A Made
The cupola market is flooded with cheap, foreign made products that offer flimsy designs and a limited lifespan. What’s worse is that the manufacture of these products often takes a toll on the environment. With ACRE, you can breathe a sigh of relief, appeasing your conscience with a product that’s truly ECO friendly. ACRE is made in a zero-waste environment, without harming a single tree. And did we mention that these wood-PVC cupolas are made in the good ol’ U.S. of A.? With quality materials and a homegrown reliability you can trust, your new cupola will be with you for the long run.

Our New Cedar-PVC Cupolas Are Here - Pick One Up Today!
There’s no reason to spend time deliberating between cupolas; you can have the best of both worlds with our ACRE cedar-PVC cupolas. Pick up an ACRE cupola today!

Cedar Wood: Why We Love This Cupola Material

5/2/2022

In a time of constant invention, it seems like the next big thing is always just around the corner. Cupola building material is no different, with chemical compounds like PVC providing quality construction and maintenance free longevity that’s hard to beat. And yet the market for wooden cupolas continues to thrive. With a beautiful natural aesthetic and the versatility of easily handling stain, paint or varnish, it’s easy to see why we love this cupola material!

Western Red Cedar

All of our wood cupolas are constructed out of high-quality western red cedar, a breathtakingly beautiful building material that’s certain to satisfy. But beauty isn’t the only advantage of western red cedar. This well-loved wood is famous for its durability, boasting a natural resilience against rot, mold and insect infestation. Studies have also shown that cedar is a true friend to the environment, helping to remove harmful greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere.

Perfectly Personalized
When it comes to creating a cupola that’s truly unique, a wood cupola base is the best place to start. Western red cedar contains no pitch or resin, making it an ultra-absorbent dream for anyone interested in personalizing their cupolas with stain, varnish, and other wood finishes. Whether you’re hoping to match other buildings on your property or just create a customized masterpiece, a wood cupola is the choice for you!

The Beautiful Board & Batten

Board and batten was a functional hallmark of colonial houses, essential for covering cracks between siding planks and protecting early domiciles from harsh weather. Though entirely stylistic now, it’s hard to deny the beauty of board and batten. Why not spruce up your wood cupola with a board and batten base, imbuing it with a distinctive rustic style all its own?

Cedar Wood Cupolas: Best Served With A Weathervane

Though a solitary cupola is more than enough to revolutionize your roofline with style to spare, any cupola is infinitely improved by a weathervane. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have a wide variety of fun, functional weathervanes; surefire sidekicks for your new wood cupola!

Our Most Popular Weathervane Arrows and How to Interpret Them

5/2/2022

“Any way the wind blows, doesn’t really matter to me…” isn’t a sentiment shared by all. If you’re the sort that’s curious about wind direction, a weathervane arrow is a beautiful, historically rich way to seize the breeze. Wondering where you can find one of these exquisite, handcrafted windicators? Valley Forge Cupolas presents our most popular weathervane arrows and how to interpret them!

The Stunning Smithsonian
One of our most popular weathervane arrows is the Smithsonian Arrow, and it’s easy to see why. Its pronged arrow, interlaced body and billowing tail boast an elegance that’s unlikely to be matched. When you purchase a Smithsonian Arrow, you’re getting much more than a weathervane. You’re getting a symbol of stateliness guaranteed to lift your rooftop’s renown.

The Invaluable Victorian
A historical classic popularized in the Victorian era, this weathervane arrow epitomizes the peace, prosperity and refined sensibilities of the time. Its wide and dignified body slopes gracefully to each side, accenting the arrow and tail alike with a stylish curvature. Unlike most weathervanes, the directions are housed within the body, providing a tasteful windowed effect. The Victorian Arrow weathervane is one our most sought after weathervanes, and would be a perfect showpiece on your shingles.

611SP, Please
Another customer favorite, the 611SP features a simple, streamlined design most reminiscent of the archetypal hunting arrow. With accentuated feathering on the tail, a thin, sleek body, and the understated boldness of a typical arrowhead, the 611SP is for those who want a no-frills, straight-to-the-point weathervane arrow that offers a form as tight as its function.

How To Interpret Your Weathervane Arrow
Even the most recent weathervanes function on an ingenious, ancient design. If you’re interested in reading the wind’s direction, here are the pivotal parts of your weathervane and how they function:

The Arrow - the arrow is the piece at the point of your weathervane. Once the wind has pushed the tail, the arrow will swivel to point precisely in the direction of the wind.
The Directionals - the directionals are the letters N, S, E, W that delineate wind direction, whether North, South, West or East.
The Tail - the tail is the part of your weathervane with the most surface area. Once the wind pushes the tail, the arrow is propelled in the direction of the oncoming wind.

Get A Weathervane Arrow Today!
Now that you know all about weathervane arrows, it’s time to pick one out for yourself. If you want the epitome of rooftop excellence, why not buy a cupola to showcase your new weathervane? At Valley Forge Cupolas, we’re in the business of banishing boring rooflines, so let’s transform your roof from “just alright” to “sure to excite!” Shop with us today!

Tips for Organizing (and Beautifying) Your Backyard Shed

5/2/2022

shed cupolas

A once clean and tidy storage solution has become a catch-all catastrophe for all of your junk. This is an all too common tragedy of the backyard shed. A lawn mower here, a few bags of charcoal there, and before long the inside of your shed looks more like a landfill than a luxury. But what if you could reclaim that precious real estate? Wouldn’t it be great to know exactly where your tools are exactly when you need them? How about not having to do a junk deep dive just to find the grill? If you’re ready to win the struggle for your space, just follow these tips for organizing (and beautifying) your backyard shed!

Wall Space Saves
One of the keys to an organized shed is to use your walls. Unused wall space puts all the pressure on the floor, leading to unnecessary clutter and a tendency to stack. To get the most out of your shed, you need to fight for your floorspace! Hardware stores offer plenty of great options for adjustable shelving and wall hooks for hanging tools, giving you the opportunity to find your floor again and function efficiently. For a cost-effective solution, just reuse an old bookshelf or two!

Hang Up The Heavy Hitters
Push mowers, blowers, weed whackers and wheelbarrows all take up prime parking on your shed. Between a few big tools, you can lose nearly all of your floorspace. If you can manage it, hanging up bulky items can be instrumental in organizing your shed.

Amazing Mason Jars
Boxes of nails and scattered screws unfastening your floor plan? A labeled lineup of mason jars is a perfect solution for sorting small hardware and other miniature odds and ends. Jars, tape and a marker are all you need for this quick, convenient storage system!

Organizing (And Beautifying) Your Backyard Shed; Make A Cupola Changes!
Once you’ve reclaimed the inside of your shed, it’s time to add some backyard beauty. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have a stunning selection of cupolas designed specifically for sheds! Our shed cupolas are available in either vinyl or western red cedar, and both are guaranteed to bring instant intrigue, character and uniqueness to your shed. For a lovely finishing touch, you can even crown your cupola with one of our breathtaking miniature weathervanes; come check out our selection today!