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How Tall Should a Cupola Be? Answers from the Cupola Experts!

8/23/2018

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When designing the perfect cupola for their home, many homeowners ask us, “How tall should a cupola be?” Of all the key measurements for a cupola, height is one of the most flexible. For sheds and small garages a lower profile cupola might be appropriate, while multi-level buildings provide the opportunity for greater heights.

How to Size a Cupola

When sizing a cupola, you must consider pitch, width, and height:
  • Pitch is determined by the number of inches your roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. In other words, from the peak of your roof measure 12 inches out, then measure down until you meet the slope of your roof. If your vertical measurement is 10”, then your roof’s pitch is 10:12. Pitch is easily measured using a T-square.
  • To determine the width of a cupola’s base, the general rule of thumb is a minimum of 1.25” of cupola for every foot of unbroken roof ridge line. There is some variation, however, depending on the size of your home or structure. Single story, low-pitched roofs look better with a cupola on the smaller end of the scale, whereas buildings with steeper roof pitches or multiple levels may require a cupola closer to a 1.5”/foot ratio. For long roof lines (typically 50’ or longer), using multiple, smaller cupolas often provides a better aesthetic than one large cupola.
  • So how tall should a cupola be? For standard cupolas, the height is determined by the size of the base. But with our custom cupola designs, the height can be designed to meet your needs and personal style. Let’s look at a few examples.

How Tall Should a Cupola Be?

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For smaller structures - such as sheds, gazebos, and small garages - a shorter cupola is a sleek, subtle accent that still gives the benefit of extra ventilation.
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For larger structures, taller cupolas are a stunning statement piece, creating a whole new look for your home or barn. Extending the vent (middle) section of your cupola brings more ventilation and/or light into your home, adding to the quality of your indoor living space as well.
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There are four ways to add height to a cupola: extend the base, extend the vents, extend the roof, or extend all three. For the custom Morton Cupola above, we added height to both the base and vents to keep the look proportionate, and then paired them with a dramatically tapered roof to achieve the final desired height. With the custom Prairie Window Cupola, an additional, custom-molding base added a boost of height as well as extra visual interest. Lastly, the custom Morton Cupola makes a bold statement with elongated louvers, a shiplap base, and a unique roof shape that accentuates its height.

Discover Your Dream Cupola Today!

If you are looking for the perfect custom cupola, call the cupola experts at Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes today: 866-400-1776.
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How to Clean a Copper Weathervane

8/16/2018

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One of the most common questions we get from customers is how to clean a copper weathervane. Nothing beats the beautiful glow of a polished copper weathervane, but that shine will diminish over time as the copper is exposed to air, water and dirt, eventually turning to a blue-green patina. If you want your copper weathervane to develop a patina over time, it will not require cleaning outside of occasionally rinsing off dirt and debris. However, if you wish to preserve a polished sheen on your weathervane, that will require more regular and involved cleaning.

How to Clean a Copper Weathervane

There are many methods for cleaning copper. Choosing the method that works best for you will depend on your particular circumstances. These are the key questions to keep in mind:
  • How easy is it to access your weathervane?
  • Will you be taking your weathervane down to clean it, or cleaning it in place?
  • How large is your weathervane? (How much cleaning product will you need?)
There are chemical cleaners for copper, but they are not only toxic to people, they can damage your weathervane if not applied properly. Here are 5 natural methods for cleaning copper, with items you likely already have in your home.
  1. Vinegar and salt - Plain table salt and vinegar are an effective combination for removing oxidation from copper. Simply pour the vinegar and salt over your weathervane and rub it it. Continue rubbing to remove any tarnish and grime, then rinse off and polish the weathervane with a clean, dry, soft cloth. If you are cleaning an assembled weathervane, this method isn’t as effective, as it will be difficult to apply the vinegar and salt evenly.
  2. Lemons - Simply cut a lemon in half, then rub the lemon over tarnished areas until clean. Rinse the copper and polish with a clean cloth. This method is most effective for small garden weathervanes, as it can require a large number of lemons.
  3. Lemon and salt - You can use fresh lemons or bottled lemon juice for this method. Simply combine the salt and lemon juice to form a paste, then apply the paste to your copper weathervane with a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and polish. This method is effective for cleaning assembled weathervanes as the paste assures uniform cleaning.
  4. Salt, vinegar, and flour - Add 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of white vinegar, then gradually add flour until a paste forms. Apply the paste to the copper and let sit for 15 minutes to one hour, then rinse with warm water and polish. This works well for assembled, easily-accessed weathervanes, since you will be letting the paste sit and returning later to wash it off.
  5. Ketchup - Believe it or not, ketchup is one of the most effective ways to remove oxidation from copper. Simply apply the ketchup to the weathervane so that it forms a light to moderate film, let it sit for a few minutes, then rub vigorously with a non-scratch pad and rinse clean. The only downside to this method is the mess of the ketchup; it is best done on dismantled weathervanes, as you don’t want to have to rinse ketchup off your roof.
If you wish to preserve your copper weathervane’s shine without cleaning - or to halt the patina process when it has reached the desired color - there are copper sealants available. Be sure to wear protective gear and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent illness and injury.

Looking to purchase a copper weathervane? Call Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes today at 866-400-1776.
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Stunning Barn Cupola Images from Valley Forge Cupolas

8/10/2018

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At Valley Forge Cupolas, we know that barn cupolas are more than just a beautiful roofline accent. They also play a vital role in the integrity of a barn and the health of the animals inside. The extra ventilation provided by a barn cupola helps reduce the moisture level inside the barn, which in turn:

  • Prevents hay fires
  • Prevents the growth of mold and mildew
  • Prevents a deadly build-up of ammonia in chicken coops
  • Prevents wood rot in the barn itself
  • Provides fresher air for healthier animals

That is why we work closely with our customers to ensure they receive a cupola that meets their functional needs while adding beauty and character to their barn. We love sharing the barn cupola images our satisfied customers send us, to show other barn owners just how incredible their barns can look with a cupola. ​

Beautiful Barn Cupola Images from Happy Customers

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Our barn cupolas are available in beautiful cedar, versatile Azek vinyl, and durable metal. There are a variety of customization options available, from molding and copper accents to roof and base design. This allows you to design a cupola that matches your barn perfectly. As you can see in the photo above, the board and batten bases on the cedar cupolas above form a seamless transition to the barn below for an eye-catching, cohesive look.
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Finish off your barn cupola with one of our spectacular weathervanes! We have dozens of styles to choose from, including traditional roosters and beautiful running horses (like the one above), all made from stunning, long-lasting copper. Available in polished or patinated finishes, these weathervanes are built to last a lifetime!

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Hear What Our Customers Have to Say! ​

​"We ordered a cupola for our barn with a wolf weathervane. It suits our neighborhood with coyotes abound. Our barn builder installed the unit with ease. He even followed the outline of the metal roof. High winds in Reno are not a problem. ...Very happy with the product." - C. R.

“We built our barn over the winter and ordered the cupola from Valley Forge. VF was easy to work with and suggested the cupola sizing when give[n] the barn dimensions. It arrived in great condition and I added a screening to the interior to keep insects out because the plan was to use [it] for a vent on the barn. I also added an LED light to the cupola. The roofer installed the cupola and it works great, the awning windows on the second floor in cooperation with the cupola keeps the temperature on the second story comfortable even on 95 degree days." - M. R.
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Order Your Barn Cupola From the Cupola Experts!

For more beautiful barn cupola images, explore our cupola gallery and barn cupola page. If you want to increase the air quality inside your barn and enhance its beauty outside, order a barn cupola today! Call us at 866-400-1776 to speak to one of our cupola experts.
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Unique Home Improvement Ideas to Liven Up Your Home

8/3/2018

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Homeowners like to update their living spaces periodically to reflect their changing needs or tastes. Sometimes this will take the form of a major remodel, but often you can recreate your home’s look with just a few minor changes. Here are some unique home improvement ideas to stir up your imagination:
  • Add a board and batten accent to your walls - Looking for a way to spice up a room without a messy renovation? With some trim, paneling, and patience, and you can create a board and batten pattern on the walls. This adds a polished look to any room instantly, and is easily incorporated into any design aesthetic. You can also tie this look to your home’s exterior by adding a cupola with a board and batten base to your roofline.
  • Convert your shed into a private retreat - Sometimes putting an addition on your home just isn’t a feasible option. That is why many homeowners are instead turning their sheds into backyard hideaways. With a few upgrades your shed can become a home office, a game room for the kids, or a quiet reading nook. Adding a cupola to your shed not only adds beauty and visual appeal; it also adds light and ventilation, helping keep your shed cool and fresh.
  • Update your kitchen with a new backsplash - Giving your kitchen a makeover doesn’t have to involve a major overhaul: simple changes can have a big impact. If your kitchen’s backsplash is worn or outdated, you can easily replace it with tile or beadboard. Tile is a great way to add a pop of color to your kitchen or to incorporate a unique design. Beadboard backsplashes go up quickly, are easy to wipe down, and provide a fresh country look.
  • Be kind to your feet with cork flooring - Cork is an outstanding flooring option that most homeowners have never heard of. Cork flooring is not only eco-friendly, it provides a more cushioned, forgiving surface to your feet and helps insulate your floors, saving you from the shock of a cold floor in the morning. It is also surprisingly resilient and durable, standing up to pets and heavy foot traffic, and is easy to clean and maintain. Many manufacturers now offer cork flooring in panels that snap together without glue or nails, making installation a breeze.
  • Turn your attic into a useable workspace - For most homeowners, their attic is just a place to shove rarely used or seasonal items. But why not put your attic to use by turning it into a mini office or a place to do crafts? Adding a custom cupola to your roof brings in natural light as well as much needed ventilation, turning your gloomy attic into a bright, pleasant workspace. We have a variety of cupolas to choose from, as well as customization options to meet your every need.
  • Custom cupolas add beauty and functionality to your home - One of our favorite unique home improvement ideas is to add a custom cupola! Easy to install, our custom cupolas are the perfect finishing touch to a home. Add a lantern or weathervane to your cupola to create a one-of-kind look that will draw the admiration of your neighbors!

If you want to bring your unique home improvement idea to life with one of our cupolas, call us today at 866-400-1776.
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