Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes 866-400-1776
Follow Us On Social Media!
  • Home
    • About Us
  • Specials
    • Architect's Page
    • CNC Window Special
    • Mailboxes, Lanterns & Posts
    • Luxury Gathering Series >
      • Fire Pits & Chairs
      • Accessories
      • Sets
  • Gallery
    • Garages
    • Barn Cupolas
  • Cupolas
    • Louver Cupolas (1-10)
    • Window Cupolas (11-20)
    • Signature Series (38-44)
    • Estate/Select Series (45-57)
    • Gazebo Cupolas (58-62)
    • Metal Cupolas (64-68)
    • Wood/Shed Cupolas (69-87)
    • PVC-Cedar (70-72)
    • Cupola Lanterns
  • Weathervanes
    • Sealife
    • Boats
    • Flying Birds
    • Running Animals
    • Finials & Arrows
    • Novelty Weathervanes
    • Smaller
    • Accessories
  • Custom
    • Custom Cupolas (21-37)+ >
      • Four Sides (21-29)
      • Six Sides (30-37)
      • Royal Crowne Custom (RC 1-12)
    • Custom Cupola Installation
    • VF Custom Designs
  • Shop Now
  • Contact
    • Cupola Sizing Charts
    • Installation
    • Contractors & Developers >
      • Just Completed in Sulphur Springs, Texas (February 2019)
      • Just Completed in Scarsdale, NY (January 2018)
    • Testimonials
    • Cupola Shop Visit
    • Blog
    • Partners
    • About Us

How to Install a Cupola | Instructions from the Pros!

10/27/2016

7 Comments

 
See for yourself how easy it is to install one of our beautiful cupolas on your roof.

Our cupolas are relatively easy to install, especially for people experienced in home renovation projects or your local handyman. They come is three easily assembled pieces: base, midsection, and roof. Before installing your cupola, you will need the following:Tape measure
  • Square
  • Pencil
  • Screw gun with #2 square drive bit
  • Circular and/or jig saw
  • Level
  • (2) 1” x 3” for an angle jig
  • (4) pressure treated 2” x 4” mounting blocks
  • (12) 3” deck screws or lags
  • Flashing for the roof peak
  • Silicone caulk and caulking gun

Preparing Your Roof

First, find and mark the center of your roof. If your cupola base is 30”, measure 15” on either side of the center line. (If the base is 48” you would measure 24” on each side and so on.) Cut and remove the section of ridge vent or cap where the cupola will sit on your roof.
​

Next, screw together the 1” x 3” pieces to make an angle jig that you will use as a template for your cupola base. Put only one screw in at first so you can pivot the pieces. Put the boards firmly onto each side of the roof, then secure with a second screw, as shown below.
Picture
Now use the template to mark and cut the cupola base:
  • Draw a center line on the cupola base on two opposite sides - these will become the angled cutouts for your roof.
  • Line up the pivot point of the template with the center line and make sure the corners of the template meet with both bottom corners of the base.
  • Trace a line along both inner sides of the template and repeat these steps for the opposite side.
  • Cut the base with the circular or jig saw along the lines you’ve marked.​

​Once you have cut the angled sides, you will need to cut the base of the two solid sides to match. This ensures the cupola will fit snug against your roof.
​

Lastly, install a piece of flashing where the ridge vent or ridge cap was removed.
You are now ready to install the cupola base on your roof.

Installing the Cupola Base

Position the cupola base on your roof and make sure that it fits properly and sits level.
​

Cut 4 pressure-treated 2” x 4” blocks to be installed on the inside of the cupola base. (You may need to cut them according to the size of the cupola base.) Install them using 3” screws or lags as shown below.
Picture
Attach the base to the blocks placing the 2” screws provided through the outside of the base and into the side of the block. Use two (2) screws per block.
​

Finally, use a clear silicone to caulk the base of the cupola.

Assemble the Cupola

The cupola sections are very simple to assemble. Simply place the midsection on top of the base and attach with the 2” screws provided, using the pre-drilled holes. Then place the roof on the midsection and fasten with screws, again using the pre-drilled holes.

Affordable, Quality Cupolas from Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes

For over 15 years, we have been helping customers find the cupolas of their dreams. From gazebo cupolas to custom designs, we guarantee to match you with a cupola you’ll love.

For quality and prices you can’t beat, call Valley Forge Cupolas at 1-866-400-1776.
7 Comments
Dale Mckean
6/13/2020 04:59:49 pm

Price for a small cupola on a back yard shed

Reply
Ashlee link
12/1/2020 08:29:22 am

Thank yyou for being you

Reply
Valley Forge Cupolas link
12/1/2020 08:41:33 am

What size cupola do you need? What style shed cupola?

Reply
Tools Detail link
10/11/2022 10:21:31 am

I found this article while searching for similar content and I'm glad I did! Not only is the information helpful, but it's also practical with the included images. After reading it, I learned a lot of things that I can apply to my project. Keep It Up!

Reply
Valley Forge Cupolas link
10/11/2022 10:27:35 am

Do you already have a cupola or are you looking to purchase a cupola?

Reply
Gary Calvert
10/24/2023 09:02:18 am

How about installing on a standing seam roof?

Reply
VAlley Forge Cupolas link
10/24/2023 01:13:12 pm

Many of our cupolas have been installed on standing seam roofs. You can either cut the seams into the cupola base to the cupola can sit on top of the seams.Please look at the cupola photos on this link. Thank you, Beverly https://www.valleyforgecupolas.com/metal-cupolas.html

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    ​A Little

    About Us

    We are the "Cupola Specialists" who can help you with every aspect of your cupola selection. Let us do a customized digital quote so that you can see exactly how one of our beautiful vinyl or wood cupolas will look on your roof.

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    RSS Feed

Save up to 15% Off on All Cupolas
For your FREE quote, email [email protected] or call 866-400-1776!

© 2019. All Rights Reserved.