How to Install Cupolas to Add Curb Appeal

We are children of our landscape; it dictates behavior and even thought in the measure to which we are responsive to it. By Lawerence George Durrell

Are you ready to upgrade the look of your home or business, but not sure what you can do? A cupola is an easy add-on that is affordable and provides a classic look. These roof top jewels are becoming very popular with designers and savvy business and home owners alike.

This article is going to cover the installation of a cupola. Hopefully you have taken the time and made the right decisions on the size and style to make your outside buildings to look their absolute best. Manufactures will be able to assist you in choosing the right size and style for your architectural accent.

When purchasing a cupola, ask the manufacture if they provide guidelines on installation, along with additional information and helpful hints if you are installing the cupola to provide ventilation.

Some cupolas come in boxes and the owner puts them together, seals, caulks and paints them. Others come in 3 sections which are then for the owner to complete, seal and paint. Other manufactures ship the cupola fully assembled and are sealed, primed and painted prior to shipment.

During assembly all seams and joints need to be sealed and caulked to properly seal each cupola against damaging leaks that could cause the deterioration of the wood, thus shortening the life of the cupola.

The cupola should be primed and painted before placement on the roof. One should check if they arrive primed and painted if the interior is finished also. Priming and painting all components interior and exterior will ensure a lasting durable finish.

When painting your cupola, it is recommended that you use two coats of an oil-based primer first. This should be done before you place the cupola on the roof.

Some manufactures prime and paint the cupolas prior to shipment. When custom color is needed, one just gives them a sample of the color wanted and they will paint the cupola to match your color scheme.

Often people like weathervanes to top of the cupolas for that finishing touch. Find out if the cupola is fitted with a shaft, designed to accept a weathervane.

The proper pitch cut is very important---so the cupola fits snug against the roof. Most cupolas are designed for a roof pitch up to 10 inch rise. (Known as 10/12 inch pitch.) If the pitch is steeper than 12/12 inch it is important to order the extension base at the time you order your cupola.

Some bases are pre-cut to match the exact roof pitch and the siding is relieved along the lower edges so it can be flashed to provide a weather tight seal. Others arrive with a template to be placed on the cupola which is then cut by the owner. Manufactures do this to protect the base from damage during transport.

After cutting the base of the cupola to fit the roof pitch follow the manufactures guidelines to seal the cut edges so water does not enter the base causing deterioration.

When cupolas are louvered and not used as a ventilation function, some manufactures will mount plexiglass to the inside face of each louvered panel, thus sealing the unit from wind and rain.

The roof of the building the cupola will be placed upon will need some preparation prior to placing of the cupola. If the cupola is for decorative purpose, cut and remove the portion of the ridge cap that would be under the cupola. By doing this the cupola fits snuggly against the roof between the two cut ends of the ridge cap.

Roof preparation when the cupola is going to be used for ventilation: cut an opening in the roof along the peak 6 inches smaller than the width of the cupola, cutting only shingles and sheathing. DO NOT cut ridge or rafters. Then cut down from the peak, maintaining a 3 inch minimum boarder inside the cupola base.

Once the cupola is in place, one needs to make sure it is level. Some cupolas are shipped with pre-drilled holes in the base. If one drills the holes it is recommended that holes be at least 3 inches in from the corners of the cupola base.

Fasten the cupola to the roof with screws long enough to penetrate the roof boards. Caulk where base and the roof meet on angle sides. Fill the screw holes and apply 1-2 coats of a good latex or oil base paint. Remember the cupola is on top of the roof and needs to be properly sealed against the elements to provide for its longevity.

Now, get off the roof and look at that beautiful architectural accent. They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to homes and commercial buildings, the exterior can be just as important as the interior. Just adding the right accents can transform homes and businesses curb appeal. Where first impressions begin!