| 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 lose
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.
|
