Roof cupolas are structures that vary in shapes and typically sit upon the main roof of a building, house, barn, or tower and are an architectural design that dates back many centuries. Roof cupolas were originally designed to serve a need or function, however, the majority of cupolas built and added to homes today are mainly for style or ornamental purposes. Cupolas are manufactured with a variety of materials which you can select from including a wood, vinyl, aluminum, or copper cupola for your home. Whether you are remodeling your current home or building a new one, roof cupolas will add style, beauty, and value to your home.
Historical and Modern Functions and Designs of Roof Cupolas
It is believed that cupolas date as far back as the Greco-Roman era and were modeled after the watchtowers utilized in ancient times. The additions of cupolas came to the northeastern part of the United States along with the early settlers and were used by the colonials for different functions. Cupolas were used for illumination as well as ventilation that allowed for warm air and moisture to escape while allowing cooler air to come in. Cupolas are also sometimes referred to as a "widow's walk" in reference to the belvedere styles popular in colonial days where they could be reached by a set of stairs and were used by individuals who could look out to the sea and watch for returning ships carrying their loved ones.
Many of these original cupolas still exist today and can be seen commonly at the top of older houses along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Today, roof cupolas are generally purchased for ornamental purposes and to add a more traditional or colonial style look to a home, however, some are still purchased and utilized for ventilation in the loft of a barn or attic of a home. Many cupolas are also used on other buildings or structures surrounding properties such as garages, carriage houses, and gazebos with some having a decorative weathervane on top.
Roof cupolas come in many different sizes, shapes, and designs including the most popular type of roof cupola which is an octagon shape made of redwood with a roof made of copper. Cupolas are also available in more modern and exquisite looking designs including the copper cupola which is made of solid copper. Vinyl cupolas are a popular choice due to their affordability as well as their ability to withstand the elements and be painted in the colors of your choice.
Choosing the Size of your Cupola
While the design and style of roof cupolas is typically a matter of personal preference, it is important to carefully select the right size cupola to compliment your home. For instance, if you choose a cupola that is too small for the roof it will have an appearance resembling a birdhouse. The recommendation for measuring your house for a cupola is to measure the footage of unbroken roof line and multiply the total by one and a half inches. For example, if your unbroken roof line measurement is twenty feet, the minimum size of your cupola should be thirty inches square. Roof cupolas make an excellent choice for home improvement projects as they not only enhance the exterior of your home, but also add to its value
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