Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes 866-400-1776
Follow Us On Social Media!
  • Home
  • Specials
    • Mailboxes, Mailbox and Lantern Posts
  • Gallery
    • Garages
    • Barn Cupolas
  • Cupolas
    • Louver Cupolas
    • Window Cupolas
    • Custom Cupolas >
      • Four Sides
      • Six Sides
    • Estate/Select Series
    • Signature Series
    • Gazebo Cupolas
    • Metal Cupolas
    • Wood/Shed Cupolas
    • PVC-Cedar
    • Cupola Lanterns
  • Weathervanes
    • Sealife
    • Boats
    • Flying Birds
    • Running Animals
    • Finials & Arrows
    • Novelty Weathervanes
    • Smaller
    • Accessories
  • Custom
    • Custom Cupola Installation
    • Royal Crowne Custom
    • VF Custom Designs
    • Digital Garage Quotes
    • Finished Garages
    • Digital Building Quotes
    • Finished Buildings
  • Shop Now
  • Contact
    • Installation >
      • Cupola Sizing Charts
    • Contractors & Developers >
      • Just Completed in Sulphur Springs, Texas (February 2019)
      • Just Completed in Scarsdale, NY (January 2018)
    • Testimonials
    • Cupola Shop Visit
    • Blog
    • Referral Program
    • Partners

The History of Decorative Roof Finials

5/11/2020

0 Comments

 
In architecture, decorative roof finials adorn the highest point of a building, whether that is the peak of the roof or a decorative element such as a cupola. At Valley Forge Cupolas, our handcrafted copper finials keep this tradition alive, adding classic beauty to any roofline.

Decorative Roof Finials Throughout History

Before modern composite building materials, the most common roofing materials were either ceramic or slate tiles. If your building had a round roof - such as on a tower - the tiles would form a gap at the top where the tiles met, allowing water to get in. To correct this problem, finials were created. Finials were often made out of stone or metal because their weight helped hold the tiles in place. Because finials featured so prominently on rooflines, builders began making them decorative as well as functional. 
Finials appear all throughout history on nearly every architectural style and building type. Some examples of finials were found on ancient Greek and Roman buildings, but it seems finials first rose to prominent use in Asian cultures around 700 A.D. as decorative elements on pagodas. These finials were primarily made out of stone, and their designs were heavily influenced by Buddhism. Most common was the lotus bud design: a closed bud represented the potential for enlightenment, while an open bud represented rebirth. Japanese builders began making finials out of metal - such as iron and copper - and also incorporated religious symbolism into their designs.

The rise of Gothic and Renaissance architecture brought with it a massive interest in finials. Gothic styles often incorporated ornamental figures - such as gargoyles and dragons - while the Victorian era brought about more regal inspired designs, such as the spike, ball and fleur de lis. Modern finials draw heavily on Victorian and gothic influences, capturing the dramatic elegance of the era.

The Beauty of Copper Decorative Roof Finials

Copper is a truly impressive metal, able to form and hold complex shapes while maintaining durability and strength. It is also corrosion resistant and can withstand the elements for decades on end. In fact, some buildings from the 1700s still have their original copper roofing! Copper develops a natural patina over time. This signature blue-green color is actually a protective coating that forms over the metal, helping it resist corrosion.
At Valley Forge Cupolas, our stunning copper finials come in a variety of styles, sizes and finishes. We have finials inspired by Arthurian legend, famous cities and the Smithsonian. They range in size from 13" high to a breath-taking 53" high, with each finial offering multiple size options. They can easily be mounted to one of our custom cupolas, or directly to your roof with one of our copper mounts. And they are available in a variety of finishes to complement any architectural style, from polished copper and brass to verdigris and black matte or gloss.
To learn more about our fabulous finials, or for help selecting the right one for your home, call us today at 866-400-1776.
0 Comments



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

    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 72% Cupola and Weathervane Sale!
For your FREE quote, email MagicCupolas@ValleyForgeCupolas.com or call 866-400-1776!

© 2019. All Rights Reserved.