Everything You Need to Know About Cupolas: 9 Facts

Whether sitting atop a garage, house or storage shed, a cupola adds a certain level of style to a home. These decorative roof structures are very popular among those looking to improve their curb appeal.

     Oftentimes, we find our customers have a number of questions about cupolas, from cost to material to installation and more. With that in mind, this blog entry is intended to help you learn more about these products. Given the variety of cupolas available for purchase and the assortment of placement options, we felt it would be useful to share some facts about cupolas. Here they are:

·      Shape: Cupolas are usually one of two shapes: square or octagon.

·      Material: The highest quality cupolas are made from cellular PVC (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl, cedar wood, pine wood and/or copper. These materials tend to be maintenance-free. One of the most popular cupolas we see is the classic white vinyl base and body, with a copper roof.

·      Design: Cupola designs vary, from structures that have louvres (often used on storage sheds) to others that feature windows (commonly seen on barns, larger homes and estates). Cupola roofs may be pointed or arched. All or part of the wooden and vinyl cupolas can be painted.

·      Size: The proper cupola size can be determined using the following formula: 1.25 inches of cupola per every foot of unbroken, or continuous, roof line. If your roof extends beyond 48 feet, we suggest planning for more than one cupola. The smallest cupolas are usually about 16” x 16”.

·      Customization: There are quite a few different customization options. Our favorites include stained glass windows, base and crown molding, and the addition of a lantern mount for the interior of the cupola. Patina is also available to give the copper an aged feel.

·      Height Adjustments: Cupolas can be raised for extra height with a base extension.

·      A Little Something Extra: An array of weathervanes can be added to your cupola for a personalized look. Choices include garden series, sailboats, farm animals and more.

·      Cost: Regularly-priced cupolas usually start at about $700, and increase depending on size and style.

·      Installation: We recommend purchasing professional installation for your cupola, as proper setup will ensure a product that looks great for many years. We also suggest professional installation because of the expertise required, considering that the product is rather heavy.