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Wood Cupolas
Commonly Asked Cupola Questions
Q. What is a Cupola?
A. A Cupola is a charming and distinctive architectural accent that is mounted atop a roof. Years ago, before electric fans or climate control devices, cupolas were used to ventilate barns to keep live stock and crops cool in summer. Although cupolas are still used functionally today, the majority of them are chosen by home owners and architects as decorative accents to enhance the home, garage, barn, shed or gazebo.
Q. What is a Castle Cupola?
A. Our new Castle Cupolas are impressive, elegantly designed cupolas of distinction. The overall height to width ratio accentuates these dynamic cupolas, making them the crowning glory to any outdoor structure. Our Castle Cupolas are designed for roofs with a pitch up to 12" rise per foot (known as 12/12" pitch). Most roofs are not steeper than this. However, if the roof pitch is steeper than 12/12 pitch, it is important to order the extension base at the same time you order your cupola.
Q. How do I know the pitch of my roof?
A. The roof pitch refers to the angle or steepness of your roof. Simply use a carpenter’s square to record the angle (rise) of your roof.
Q. How do I know if an extension base is needed on my cupola?
A. Our vinyl and wood cupolas are designed for a roof pitch up to 10" rise per foot (known as 10/12" pitch). Most roofs are not steeper than this. However, if the roof pitch is steeper than 10/12 pitch, it is important to order the extension base at the same time you order your cupola.
Q. Can I paint my vinyl cupola?
A. Yes, you can paint your Good Directions vinyl cupola with 100% acrylic latex paint. Choose a paint with a light reflective value (LVR) of 55 or higher. No special surface preparations are required prior to painting, but please make sure that the surfaces are clean and dry. Note: Once you paint your vinyl cupola it is no longer considered maintenance free.
Q. How do I cover the hole in the top of the cupola?
A. Good Directions, Inc. supplies a Hole Plug Kit to cover the hole at the top of your cupola. Please request the Hole Plug Kit when you order your cupola.
Q. Which size cupola best fits my garage or home?
A. This is the simple rule for selecting the correct cupola size: 1.5" of copper cupola roof for every foot of uninterrupted ridgeline. To feel more confident about choosing the right size cupola for your roof, find a cardboard box that is close in size to the cupola that is determined by the 1.5" rule. Next, cut a V-shape in the box based on the angle of your roof. Then simply place the box on your roof. Now you can visually determine if the size is perfect or if you should choose a larger or smaller cupola.
Q. Should I be concerned about the height of the cupola?
A. No. All cupolas are designed and built to the proportion of the base size.
Q. Which style cupola should I choose for my garage or home?
A. Good Directions cupolas come in the widest variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Because of this, we are confident you will find the perfect cupola on this Web site.
Commonly Asked Weathervane Questions
Q. Which are the most popular weathervanes?
A. The eagle, rooster, and horse have always been favorites. These designs date back to early colonial settlements.
Q. Which weathervane should I buy?
A. You should buy the weathervane that best displays your personality, or that identifies the area in which you live.
Q. What is included in the weathervane?
A. All weathervanes, except cottage styles, include a copper figure, a brass and stainless steel rod, copper spacer balls, and solid brass directionals. Cottage weathervanes contain all of the above but come complete with a powder coated steel rod and either a roof mount or garden pole for display. Mounting and display options for all other weathervanes are sold separately.
Q. What is the weathervane made of?
A. The weathervane figure and spacer balls are made of pure copper. The directionals are made of solid brass, and the rod is brass and stainless steel. This ensures a rust-free, maintenance-free product.
Q. What is the difference between the green and the polished finish?
A. The green finish is referred to as "patina." This is an artificial finish applied to give the weathervane the appearance of an antique. To some people, the polished finish is more appealing. After assembly, these weathervane figures are placed on buffers to give them luster and shine.
Q. How long will the polished finish last?
A. We do not treat our polished copper weathervanes. So, within a few months, the weathervanes will lose their polished look and start to naturally tarnish. At first, the finish will turn dark, like an old copper penny. Then, after several years, the surface will begin to bloom with a beautiful natural patina. If you desire to keep the polished finish looking new, we recommend using a clear lacquer or polyurethane. Good Directions offers the brand “Staybrite” an excellent way to protect and maintain the polished finish.
Q. We live by the ocean and experience strong gusts of wind. Will the weathervane fall apart?
A. We recommend you apply a thread locker, like "Loctite," to bond the rod threads and screw threads.
Q. Are the weathervanes easy to assemble?
A. Yes, all you need is a screwdriver. Instructions are included. All the parts slide onto the rod and are secured by setscrews.
Q. How do I mount the weathervane?
A. The easiest and most affordable way to mount a weathervane is to use our 401AL or 401LG roof mounts. For mounting your weathervane in other areas, we also offer garden poles, display bases, eave mounts, and wall mounts.
Q. Can weathervanes be used indoors?
A. Yes. Our accessories include a variety of mantel bases and floor stands to help bring the beauty of our weathervanes into the home.
Q. Where can weathervane figures be placed indoors?
A. Weathervanes can be placed in many places, such as over fireplace mantels, on window sills, over kitchen cabinets, mounted on the wall, or on a display base on the floor or hearth. Good Directions' mounting and display options make it easy.
Q. If the weathervane is pointing south, does this mean that the wind is blowing from the north?
A. No! The weathervane figure will always point into the wind. In other words, the figure will always point in the direction from where the wind is blowing.
Q. Should the N-E-S-W directionals on my weathervane turn in the wind?
A. No, N-E-S-W represents the compass points of the earth and should stay fixed. If you see them moving in the wind, tighten the screws on each of the brass directionals.
Q. Can we just buy the weathervane figure?
A. Yes. These figures make beautiful decorative pieces in the home.
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