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Sailboat Weathervanes on the Horizon

7/19/2019

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Summer is in full swing, and the long sunny days have us dreaming about the water. Whether you prefer lakes or oceans, being out on the water is a staple of summertime fun. In most waterways you can spot sailboats cutting majestically through the waves, propelled effortlessly by even the slightest breeze. Bring their graceful movement to your home with one of our beautiful sailboat weathervanes! 

From schooners to yawls, we have the perfect sailboat weathervane for your roofline. All our weathervanes are 3-dimensional and made from durable, long-lasting copper. The exquisite sculptural detail of our sailboat weathervanes adds a touch of elegance to any roof. ​

Classic Sailboat Weathervanes

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Non-boaters may not be aware that not every boat with sails is a sailboat. A sailboat is defined as a relatively small boat that uses wind power to propel it forward. Larger vessels with sails are technically sailing “ships” as opposed to boats. The distinction between boat and ship varies by region and maritime culture, but most personal sailing vessels are classified as sailboats.
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Yawls have two masts, with the aft mast sitting behind the rudder post. The aft mizzen sail is significantly smaller than the mainsail and is primarily used for balance rather than propulsion. Yawls were originally developed as fishing vessels and become popular racing vessels in the 1950s and 60s. They were especially favored by single-handed circumnavigators because the layout of the sails is advantageous in a tail wind and helps keep the boat on course.
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Schooners are classified as sailing ships and have at least two masts, with the foremast smaller than the mainmast. Schooners can have up to seven masts, but typically range from two to four. Primarily built for passengers, cargo, and fishing, schooners are typically what people envision when they picture privateer and pirate vessels. These incredible vessels were even used by intrepid Norweigian explorers to explore the Arctic and Antarctic, carrying the first crew to reach the South Pole.
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Ready to set sail with a sailboat weathervane? Call us today at 866-400-1776!
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Antique Weathervane Designs Offer Beauty and Rich History

7/11/2019

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Before modern technology made weather information readily available, weathervanes served as a dependable weather tool. These antique weathervanes allowed people to track wind speed and direction, delivering valuable information that affected shipping, travel, and agriculture. While today’s weathervanes are mainly used for decoration, their classic designs evoke a rich sense of history and still serve as a practical tool for those who wish to track the wind.
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Perhaps the most famous antique weathervane design is the rooster, gracing church steeples since the 9th century. That is when Pope Nicholas I decreed that every church should display a rooster on its dome to remind Christians of their faith. Churches opted to make these roosters into weathervanes because their tail is the perfect shape to catch the wind. And since steeples were typically the highest point in town, they were the optimal placement for a weathervane. 

Rooster weathervanes were so common that they even appear in the Bayeux Tapestry, and embroidered cloth celebrating the 1066 Norman conquest of Britain. Among the numerous details documenting the aftermath of the battle is a depiction of a craftsmen installing a rooster weathervane on top of Westminster Abbey.
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During the mid 19th century the most popular sport in America was horse racing. Race track betting was a regular American pastime, and harness racing could be found at every agricultural fair. Much like the sports stars of today, racehorses enjoyed immense popularity, with lithograph prints of racehorses a common household decoration. Some of the most popular Currier & Ives prints of all time featured the racehorse Black Hawk and his son, Ethan Allen. The popularity of racing also crossed over into weathervanes as craftsmen immortalized these horses in their designs. Some of the most valuable antique weathervanes are based on these famous racehorses.
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If you are looking for an antique weathervane design, the simple elegance of arrow weathervanes shouldn’t be overlooked. During the Middle Ages, weathervanes in the shape of an arrow or pennant were common throughout Europe. In fact, scholars believe the word “vane” is derived from the Saxon word “fane,” or “flag.” In medieval times, archers hung fabric flags from towers to improve their accuracy by gauging wind speed and direction. The fabric flags were eventually replaced by more durable metal, often decorated with the property owner’s coat of arms. The arrow design remained popular because of its simplicity, accuracy, and economy. Arrow weathervanes were favored by many farmers because the design was easy to produce and easy to read, even when placed atop a roof or cupola.

Discover Antique Weathervane Designs at Valley Forge Cupolas

If you’re looking for a weathervane for your roof, garden, or cupola, be sure to browse our extensive collection of unique, high-quality weathervanes. Crafted from the finest copper, these weathervanes will be enjoyed for many years to come! Call us at 866-400-1776 and order your weathervane today!
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Ask Our Experts: How to Build a Cupola

7/3/2019

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With the ever-increasing popularity of do-it-yourself projects, it’s no surprise that people are interested in building their own cupolas. But knowing how to build a cupola takes skill, the right tools, and the right materials. Unless you are a professional carpenter, your end result may not be what you envisioned.

How to Build a Cupola

Many DIY-ers assume cupolas are easy to build because they look fairly straightforward: after all, a cupola just consists of a base, vents, and a cap. Or does it? Each of these three main sections have precise requirements, and each section is more intricate than the last. For example, building a base is not as simple as building a plywood box: you have to be sure your measurements accommodate your roof pitch and are sturdy enough to support the rest of the cupola.
 
You must also consider materials when looking to build your own cupola. Most homeowners will be restricted to wood and shingles because higher-quality materials (such as Azek vinyl and copper) are cost prohibitive. You are also limited to pre-made louvers and windows, and it can be difficult to find them in the size you need.
 
Lastly, it is important to realize that cupola plans are not one size fits all. The width of the base and height of the vents will vary depending on the length of your roof and the height of your house. Without considering all the factors, homeowners often choose a cupola size that is too small, creating an undesirable effect. 

Get the Cupola of Your Dreams at Valley Forge Cupolas

​For almost 20 years, we’ve been providing homeowners with the custom cupolas of their dreams! As experts in how to build a cupola, we can build you a beautiful, high-quality cupola with custom accents such as copper drip rails and shiplap base. We use durable materials that will last a lifetime, such as maintenance free Azek vinyl or painted steel. And with our satisfaction guarantee and digital quotes, you can rest assured that your cupola is perfect.
 
Whether you want a 4- or 6-sided cupola, windows or louvers, keystone accents or dentil trim, we can build a cupola to meet your specifications. Browse our cupola gallery to see finished cupola pictures from satisfied customers!
 
“Our family purchased a cupola from Valley Forge Cupola's and couldn't be happier.  Beverly helped us make the proper design decision and was instrumental in selecting the proper size for our home.  We're thrilled with the results!” - Matt T.
 
Don’t risk a DIY fail: call the experts at Valley Forge Cupolas today! 866-400-1776
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