Install a Cupola and Weathervane to Boost Home Equity

Sep 2, 2010
Kelly Smith

A cupola and weathervane mounted on a roof ridge - Juliaf

A roof cupola is an architectural decorative design touch that is rising in popularity. Many custom homes are built with one because it adds curb appeal.

Although cupolas today are usually decorative rather than functional, it wasn't always that way. Originally, they were used as a lookout (a belvedere), a belfry, for ventilation, or like a modern skylight, to let light into the interior of a building (often called a lantern).

How to Choose a Cupola

Add-on cupolas are usually prefabricated, although building one from scratch makes a great DIY home improvement project. The first thing to consider is size; it should be visually appealing. Although there is room for some leeway, the general rule is 1 inch of cupola width for every foot of roof ridge length. As an example, if the roof is 40 feet long, the cupola would be 40 inches wide.

Many homeowners do their shopping online since most home improvement stores don't carry items of this type. The kit generally comes in sections consisting of a base, a top or roof, and perhaps a midsection. These are usually made of vinyl to make them easy to work with, lightweight for shipping purposes, and weather-resistant.

How to Install the Cupola on the Roof Ridge

It can be installed straddling the ridge or partway up the slope of the roof. This article will outline how to install it on the ridge since that's the most common approach.

Determine the pitch of the roof. This is easily done by using two 1” X 4” boards nailed or bolted together at one end. Think of the capital letter “V”; now, by turning the wooden “V” upside down and setting it on the ridge of the roof, it's a simple task to physically determine the angle of the pitch.
Transfer the angle to the 2 opposite sides of the base unit and mark the cutting lines from the corners up to the center.
Cut the angles out of the base unit and set it on the ridge. The cut can be made with a jigsaw, circular saw, or heavy-duty snips.
Cut 4 cleats out of a 2” X 4” board. Apply some high-quality caulk liberally to one side of the cleats.
Place these on either side of the ridge inside the base unit, caulk side down, drill pilot holes, and screw the cleats securely to the roof. The caulk will ensure that no rain water can get to the screw holes a cause a roof leak.
Drill pilot holes through the cupola base and secure it to the cleats with screws. For best results, use brass screws or another type specifically designed for exterior use.
Assemble the rest of the units per manufacturers instructions and apply caulk around the bottom of the base where it meets the roof.

Finally, add a weathervane or finial for that added touch of class and don't forget the cost of this project when it's time to update the homeowners insurance policy.