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Can You Install a Cupola Yourself? A DIY vs. Pro Guide

8/6/2025

Adding a cupola to your garage, barn, or shed is a great way to enhance your property’s appearance and functionality. But one of the most common questions we hear is: Can I install a cupola myself, or should I hire a professional? The answer depends on your comfort level with tools, the size of the cupola, and your roof's accessibility.

When DIY Installation Makes Sense

If you’re comfortable with basic carpentry tools and working on a roof, installing a cupola yourself can be a rewarding weekend project. Our cupolas come in three sections (base, midsection, and top), making assembly straightforward. For smaller structures like sheds or one-car garages, the cupola components are lightweight enough for two people to manage safely.
Here are some tools and skills you’ll need:

A circular saw (for cutting the roof ridge)
Ladder or scaffolding
Cordless drill
Roofing sealant
Safety harness (especially for steeper roofs)

We provide detailed instructions with each cupola, and our team is always available for guidance by phone or email.

When to Call a Pro

There are situations where hiring a professional is the better—and safer—choice:

Working at height increases the risk of injury. If you’re unsure, play it safe and call in a roofing contractor or carpenter.
Larger cupolas can weigh over 100 lbs. and require more than two people to lift and secure properly.
To allow for ventilation, the base of the cupola often requires a ridge cut. If you’ve never done this before, a pro can ensure a weather-tight, structurally sound result

The Valley Forge Advantage

Whether you go the DIY route or work with a contractor, Valley Forge Cupolas makes installation easy. All of our cupolas are made from maintenance-free materials, and they come with pre-drilled holes and step-by-step instructions. Need help? Just call—we’re happy to walk you through it.

If you’re handy and working with a smaller structure, DIY installation is absolutely doable. For larger projects or steep roofs, hiring a pro ensures a smooth, safe experience. Either way, your cupola will be a beautiful, lasting addition to your property. Contact Valley Forge Cupolas today to learn more about purchasing and installing a cupola.

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What's Your Roof Pitch? A Simple Guide to Sizing Your Cupola

8/6/2025

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Adding a cupola to your home or outbuilding is a fantastic way to elevate its aesthetic and increase its curb appeal. But before you can enjoy the view, there's a crucial step: figuring out the right size for your roof. The most common mistake people make is choosing a cupola that’s either too big or too small, which can throw off the entire look of your building. Luckily, with a few simple measurements, you can find the perfect fit.

Understanding Roof Pitch

The first step in sizing a cupola is understanding your roof pitch. The pitch is the slope of your roof, expressed as a ratio. For example, a 6/12 pitch means your roof rises 6 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally. You can easily find this number by placing a level on your roof and measuring the rise over a 12-inch span.

Once you have your roof pitch, the next key measurement is the length of your roofline. This is the horizontal length of the roof section where the cupola will be installed. Now, for the rule of thumb: a good-looking cupola should be approximately 1 to 1.25 inches wide for every foot of your roofline's length.
Let's put that into practice. Imagine you have a garage with a roofline that's 24 feet long. To find the ideal cupola size, you'd use this calculation:

Minimum width: 24 feet x 1 inch = 24 inches
Maximum width: 24 feet x 1.25 inches = 30 inches

This means a cupola with a base between 24 and 30 inches wide would look great on your garage.

Next Steps for Measurement

After you've determined the ideal width, you'll need to consider the height of the cupola. A general guideline is that the height of the cupola should be approximately 1.5 times its width. So, for our example with a 24-inch wide cupola, a height of around 36 inches would be a great starting point.

Another factor to consider is the cupola base. For a pitched roof, the cupola's base is designed with an angled flange that matches your specific roof pitch. This ensures a snug fit and a weather-tight seal.

By taking these simple measurements and following these guidelines, you can confidently choose a cupola that not only enhances your building's style but also looks perfectly proportionate. If you have any questions or need help selecting the perfect cupola for your home, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you get it right the first time.

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Five Ways to Make Your Cupola Fall-Ready

8/6/2025

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As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, it's the perfect time to give your home a cozy, autumnal feel. Your cupola is a fantastic focal point for this seasonal transition, offering a unique opportunity to add charm and personality to your roofline. Here are five simple ways to get your cupola ready for fall.

Add a Weathervane

A weathervane is the perfect finishing touch for any cupola, and you can easily swap it out to match the season. Consider a weathervane with a fall-inspired motif, like a classic rooster or a graceful horse, that complements the rustic beauty of autumn. Or, for a truly festive look, choose a pumpkin, leaf, or even a witch weathervane to celebrate the harvest and Halloween. It's a small change that makes a big statement.

String Up Warm-Toned Lights

Give your cupola a soft, welcoming glow as the days get shorter. Wrap the base of your cupola or the louvers with a string of battery-operated LED lights in warm white or amber. These lights are easy to install and create a magical ambiance that will make your home feel inviting on a cool autumn evening.

Hang a Festive Wreath

A wreath isn't just for your front door! A small wreath with an autumnal theme—think faux leaves, berries, or pinecones—can be a beautiful addition to your cupola. You can hang it from the weathervane or secure it to the side of the cupola for a charming, rustic touch. You can even find tutorials online for creating a simple, fall-themed wreath using a grapevine base and seasonal accents.

Decorate with Garlands

Garlands of faux autumn leaves, berries, or even burlap can be wrapped around the base of your cupola. This simple decoration adds a pop of seasonal color and texture, making the cupola feel more integrated into your home's overall fall decor. The contrast of the garland against the clean lines of the cupola creates a stunning visual effect.

Show Off Your Cupola with Seasonal Landscaping

While not a direct decoration, the landscaping around your home can draw attention to your cupola. Use bales of hay, pumpkins, and mums in classic fall colors like deep red, orange, and yellow to create a beautiful display near your building. This seasonal arrangement will frame your cupola and make it a central part of your autumn curb appeal.

Your cupola is a fantastic canvas for seasonal creativity. With these simple ideas, you can easily transition your home's look and celebrate the beauty of fall. Ready to get started? Browse our selection of beautiful cupolas and weathervanes to find the perfect style for your home this season. Contact the experts at Valley Forge Cupolas today with any questions!

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Can You Install a Cupola Yourself? A DIY vs. Pro Guide

When DIY Installation Makes Sense

When to Call a Pro

The Valley Forge Advantage

What's Your Roof Pitch? A Simple Guide to Sizing Your Cupola

Understanding Roof Pitch

Next Steps for Measurement

Five Ways to Make Your Cupola Fall-Ready

Add a Weathervane

String Up Warm-Toned Lights

Hang a Festive Wreath

Decorate with Garlands

Show Off Your Cupola with Seasonal Landscaping

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