rooftopshoppe-blog

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What is a Cupola?

I've always considered cupolas to be decorative forms placed in conspicuous physical places, usually found on top of a home or barn roof. The characterization of a cupola can take on many meanings: cu•po•la [kyoo-puh-luh], noun. is a small, most often dome-like, structure on top of a building and can range in size from very basic and small, to extremely large and ornate. In architecture:

A light structure on a dome or roof, serving as a belfry, lantern, or belvedere.

Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome.

a dome, especially one covering a circular or polygonal area.

any of various dome-like structures.

Cupolas were originally used for venting barns or other buildings that may experience an overabundance of heat build-up, but nowadays are used more as ornamental structures as they often sit atop homes, workshops, garages, barns, sheds, and gazebos. Cupolas are a beautiful decorative focal point to mount a weathervane or finial on top of.

Installing a cupola to your new or existing home is sure to draw attention and add charisma to your roof top. Adding this ornamental feature, paired with a weathervane or finial, will provide valuable curb appeal that will certainly make your property stand out!

We here, at the Roof Top Shoppe, exclusively carry a wide collection of Royal Crowne cupolas that are sure to impress! Why not make the decision to add a cupola to your home, barn or workshop today?

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What is a Weathervane?

A weathervane is a beautiful contraption designed to show the direction of the wind. Although partly functional, weathervanes are generally decorative, featuring an ornamental design with letters indicating the points of the compass. They are typically used as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building or structure. Common weathervane designs include eagles, horses, roosters, whales, ships, arrows, etc. You'll find the perfect weathervane for YOU at the Roof Top Shoppe!

The design of a weathervane is such that the weight is unevenly divided on a vertical shaft so the vane can spin freely in the slightest breeze. The side with the larger surface area is blown away from the wind direction. In other words, the arrow, or front of the weathervane, points into the wind, not with the wind. If the vane were designed with the weight evenly divided on the vertical shaft, the vane could not function properly.

Copper Whale Weathervane

The earliest recorded honored the Greek god Triton, and adorned the Tower of the Winds in Athens which was built by the astronomer Andronicus in 48 B.C. The figure, which is believed to have been 4 to 8 feet long, had the head and torso of a man and the tail of a fish.

Nowadays, weathervanes take on many elaborate and ornate designs that may not always tell the correct direction of the wind. These designs are more decorative and were not intended to be accurate.

In order to receive an accurate wind reading, the weathervane must be located well above the ground, away from trees, buildings, and other objects that hinder and interfere with true wind direction. As stated above, however, most weathervanes today are used purely as a decorative focal point, and are installed where the owner chooses will look the most prominent, not where it will get the best wind reading.