Frequently Asked Questions

We realize that buildings come in many different sizes and shapes. The "rule of thumb" of 1 1/4" of cupola base per foot of roofline is for an average shape building with an average pitch. Example: Your garage is a typical two-car garage, 24' x 24' with an 8/12 pitched roof. This, we consider, is average. The rule of thumb would be spot on. A 30" cupola will look best. A 24' x 24' with a 4/12 pitch would be fine with a 26" cupola whereas a 24' x 24' garage with a 12/12 pitched roof may use a 34" or 36" cupola. If your building is unusually long but narrow, this rule of thumb probably will not prove correct. If you have any questions at all, please call us and discuss it with our friendly professionals.

We will be happy to do that, at no cost within a 50-mile radius of our shop here in Dartmouth.

We recommend notching the cupola base to straddle over the ridge vent, rather than cutting back the ridge vent. Our cupolas come with mounting instructions and are easy to install. Pre-drilled holes in the base of the cupola, along with galvanized 3 1/2" deck screws are provided. Give us your pitch verbally, or send us a paper template of your pitch, and we will be glad to cut it for you.

A cupola made in PVC is expected to last a long, long time, likely 60 years or more. It comes finish painted white (or the color of your trim if you've chosen that option) and should not require any maintenance whatsoever. PVC is definitely the new trend.

This is kind of a trick question. Mathematically the answer is yes, but only by .0001%. What you have done is raised the height of your home by a few feet. What this means is you've made the connection of a charged-up ground and a charged-up sky approximately 5 feet closer together. Chances are, if it is your turn to get hit, it would happen whether or not you have a weathervane. We have 7 cupolas on our roof, and we don't lose sleep about it.

All the time. Custom work makes up about 15% of our work.

We have on occasion, but we are limited in our workspace. We welcome your inquiries and can redirect you if it is something that we cannot handle.

Yes, we do, at $93 per hour plus the cost of materials. Bring by your damaged weathervane or email a few photos and we will let you know if it can be fixed and provide you with an estimate. We also do complete restorations of antique vanes including gold leafing.

 Our shop is based in Dartmouth, MA but will do installs up and down the East Coast. Contact us today for more information.