Q. How can I be sure I've selected the right size cupola for my building?
A. We have attempted to make a cupola selection as easy as possible for you. However, we realize that buildings come in many different sizes and shapes. The "rule of thumb" of 1 1/4" per foot of roofline is for an average shape building with an average pitch. 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 at (508) 994-2119 and discuss it with our friendly professionals.

Q. How can I mount my cupola if my building has a ridge vent?
A. 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.

Q. What is the life expectancy of my cupola?
A. The key to longevity is simple. Take care of it, i.e. give it a fresh coat of paint periodically and seal any opening seams and the cupola should last 35 to 50 years. Neglect to paint it for 10 years or so, and the cupola will only last for 25 or 30 years. We have several cupolas on our roof at the shop, and we paint them every 4 years. The oldest cupola is over 90 years old.

Q. By adding a cupola and weathervane to my home, am I more likely to get struck by lightning?
A. 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 loose sleep about it.

Q. Why pine? Why not cedar?
A. Simply speaking, cedar is very expensive! Pine, if properly maintained,  is certainly durable enough for most peoples needs. Cedar does not hold paint as well as pine and since many roofs these days are in the 10/12 - 12/12 pitch range, painting a cupola every year is simply out of the question. Unless you are exceptionally exposed to wet, salty air, like that at the extreme shoreline, pine will be fine. We occasionally custom make cupolas in cedar, but expect the price to be double that of a pine cupola.

Q. Do you have a showroom?
A. Yes we do! Coffee break is at 10:00 A.M. Help yourself to a cup.