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Get Creative with Weathervane Parts & Accessories

8/18/2017

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For over 2,000 years, weathervanes have been helping us determine wind direction and predict the weather. Modern weathervanes come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes beyond the traditional cockerel. Today, they are often used more for adornment than function, but they still provide accurate information about the ever-changing winds.

​Putting a weathervane on your roof or in your garden is a great way to add character to your home. But how do you choose a weathervane? The experts at Valley Forge Cupolas are here to help.

Where Should I Put My Weathervane?

Weathervanes are traditionally mounted on the tallest point of a building to ensure they have unhindered access to the wind. Weathervanes can easily be mounted on a cupola or directly to your roof with one of our roof mounts.

There are times, however, when your roof isn’t an option, such as with local zoning restrictions or in rented homes. We offer a variety of weathervane parts to help you get creative in your weathervane placement, from garden poles and display stands to wall mounts.

Where you are placing your weathervane can also affect the design you choose, since it changes the background your weathervane will have. If you are placing the weathervane on your roof, are you surrounded by tall trees, or will your weathervane be framed against open sky? Are you putting it on the side of your gazebo or in the garden, instead? Choose a design that will stand out against the backdrop instead of being overwhelmed by it.

What Size Weathervane Should I Choose?

You want to choose a weathervane that will look like a natural extension of your home. Small weathervanes can be lost on top of a large home or barn. Likewise, a large weathervane on a small cottage or gazebo can look out of place.

You also want to consider the overall length and height of the weathervane. If you have a long roof, choose a longer weathervane to accentuate this feature. If you have a shorter roof, choose a short weathervane so it doesn’t appear disproportionate. Tall weathervanes are a great way to add height to or complement the height of a structure.

Lastly, consider the viewing distance that will be between you and your weathervane. If your home or structure is over two stories, you may need a larger weathervane in order to view your from the ground. ​

Call the Weathervane Experts at Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes

Weathervanes make a fantastic addition to any structure, from homes and cupolas to barns and gazebos. If you need help choosing the right weathervane for your home, call Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes at 866-400-1776. We can answer all your questions about weathervane parts and accessories and help you choose the best location for your weathervane.
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Ask Valley Forge Cupolas: How Do Weathervanes Work?

8/10/2017

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For over 2,000 years, weathervanes have been an architectural staple in cities and countrysides around the world. Today, weathervanes are generally used to add beauty and elegance to a home, but with an understanding of how weathervanes work and your local geography, you can learn to predict the weather like the early settlers.

How Do Weathervanes Work?

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To the untrained eye, weathervanes appear to be unbalanced, with one side larger and heavier than the other. Proper balance, however, is crucial to a weathervane’s function. The arrow or figure is the only part of the weathervane that moves, rotating on a vertical axis. The figure is designed so that one side has more surface area than the other, but the weight on both sides is the same.

When the wind blows, the larger side faces greater wind resistance and turns so that the smaller side faces into the wind. Wind direction is determined by where it is coming from. Therefore, if a weathervane is pointing south, the wind is coming out of the south and is therefore a Southerly wind.

How Do Weathervanes Predict the Weather?

Predicting the weather with weathervanes is something of a lost art. Today, we can turn on the tv and watch a channel dedicated solely to weather, or pull up the weather forecast on our phones with a simple tap of a finger. But just 100 years ago, farmers did not have access to up-to-the-minute weather forecasting. Understanding the wind patterns was crucial to growing a good crop. For example, farmers needed to know the prevailing winds to ensure proper pollination of their fields. They also needed to be sure not to plant their crops perpendicular to constant winds to avoid damage. This information helped farmers orient their fields and know where to plant trees to create a wind barrier.

Beyond that, the winds also helped farmers predict changes in the weather. With an understanding of local geography, the winds provide fairly reliable information. For example, in the Western United States, the following information generally applies:

  • West winds generally bring fair skies
  • Easterly winds usually bring storms
  • In California, northeast or east winds during the summer or autumn are hot, dry winds that can be gusty and strong
  • During the winter, north winds warn that stormy weather is approaching, possibly bringing snow
  • Southerly winds usually bring warmth, humidity and rain (sometimes gentle, sometimes torrential)

Beautiful, Functional Weathervanes from Valley Forge Cupolas

Whether you are looking for a traditional rooster weathervane or something more nautical, Valley Forge Cupolas has the weathervane that is perfect for you. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to learn more about our easy-to-install, durable copper weathervanes.
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Dog Weathervanes: Celebrating Man’s Best Friend

8/4/2017

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What better way to celebrate your love of dogs than with a dog weathervane from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes! We have three different dog weathervanes to choose from, each exemplifying the personality and charm of that breed.

Scottish Terrier

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One of the most recognizable dog breeds, Scotties’ distinctive looks can be found on everything from handbags to bookends to Monopoly pieces. Originally bred in Scotland to hunt vermin (including foxes and badgers), Scotties are intelligent, fiercely loyal dogs. The AKC describes their personality as “Independent, confident, and never shy; spirited but dignified.”

During the 1930’ss they were a fad among American celebrities, including Humphrey Bogart and Shirley Temple. During World War II they reached greater notoriety thanks to Fala, President Franklin Roosevelt’s constant companion and the most celebrated “first dog” in American history.

This little dog with big personality makes a great addition to any roofline!

Golden Retrievers

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These lovable, big-hearted dogs are the 3rd most popular breed, according to the AKC. Exuberant, friendly, devoted and intelligent, Goldens are excellent working dogs. While primarily used for hunting, they also serve as guide dogs and work in search-and-rescue. Originally bred in Scotland during the mid-19th century, Goldens excel at retrieving from both land and water, and are ranked as one of the most intelligent dogs.

According to the AKC breed standard, Goldens should have a “kindly expression” and be eager, alert and self-confident. Their temperament is one of the most noted and loved hallmarks of the breed, making them excellent family dogs and companions. While their patient, trusting nature makes them poor guard dogs, they are excellent at making people feel welcome - even as a weathervane!

Labrador Retrievers

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Labradors descended from the St. John’s dog that was found in Newfoundland during the 1700’s. The St. John’s dogs worked alongside Newfoundland fishermen, retrieving fish that fell off hooks and helping haul fishing lines through the water. At the end of a long day, the dogs would return home to play with the fisherman’s children. Their wonderful temperament, eagerness to please, and retrieving abilities made them ideal family pets and accomplished sporting dogs. These dogs were imported to England during the early 1800s where they were bred into the Labradors we know and love today.

Friendly and outgoing, Labs love to play with anyone and everyone. Their intelligence and desire to please their master make them exceptional in their work, from hunting and search-and-rescue to guiding the blind or working with law enforcement to detect narcotics.

As the most popular breed in America, you can’t go wrong adding a playful Lab to your roofline!

Choose Dog Weathervanes from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes

Combining form and function, dog weathervanes are a fun, attractive addition to any home. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to purchase one of our durable, American-made, copper dog weathervanes.
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