Residential Cupola Plans
Cupolas are viewed to possess originated during Greco-Roman times like a variation from the watchtower, which was essentially a spot for a sentry to keep a lookout from his home. Later, it became a way for settlers to watch out for loved ones throughout the frequent trips backwards and forwards over the Atlantic. Today, residential cupolas are mostly decorative, although they do provide an opportunity to create important roof ventilation. Traditionally a sign of wealth, a roof cupola will probably look out of place in less affluent neighborhoods, but they shouldn’t cost an arm along with a leg if you have some budgetary constraints.
The Widow’s Walk
Just in case you’re having problems picturing a cupola (also known as the Widow’s Walk), simply imagine a miniature home on top of your roof or your kindergartener’s drawing of the home. Of course, this really is just the simplest of cupolas and some are significantly more complex. Another reason that cupolas are generally seen as a sign of wealth is they usually look better on higher, larger roofs (i.e. large homes). That said, if you need to install roof vents on the larger roof, a Widow’s Walk can be a beautiful addition.
Cupola Building Materials
Wood Cupolas: Wood cupolas are the most useful to preserve a sense of the cupola tradition, but they are also more expensive and want special considerations to prevent problems down the road. You will want to select a wood, such as cedar, that’s resistant to rot. Wood could also attract infestations in certain regions of the country.
Vinyl Cupolas: Vinyl cupolas are more contemporary in design and performance. They’re probably not the least expensive building material out there, but they’re usually priced favorably when compared with wood and are competitive with other materials. They won’t rot or attract pests like wood and are, in general, more durable.
Aluminum and Copper Cupola Roofs: The supporting structure from the cupola (also where the slats are that offer views) are often made from wood or vinyl, but the cupola roof is much more often made from a metal, such as aluminum or copper. These roofs may also be made from traditional roof shingles, but shingled cupola roofs generally don’t last as long. Unless you feel you’ll need shingles to complement the outside of your house, metal is most likely your best bet.
Find out more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Residential-Cupola-Plans.15126.html#ixzz1arM3ZOb8I like to tell people about loft conversions, we now have just had ine and it is great. I advise everyone else to have one!
This article was brough to you by Fox Carpentry, for additional infomation take a look at
This short article was brough for you by Fox Carpentry, for additional infomation check out Carpenters In Essex
Processing your request, Please wait....
