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Cupola Options and Information
WINDOW OPTIONS: For a truly spectacular effect, the cupola
windows can be stained glass with or without wood carvings around the
perimeter of the window, similar to the picture of the door near the
bottom of this page. Or you may wish to have a clear window and beautify
the interior of your cupola with a chandelier or old-fashioned lantern.
SIZING THE CUPOLA: The most common mistake people make in
selecting a cupola is to choose one that is too small. A cupola that
looks fine on the ground often looks ridiculously tiny once it is
mounted on a roof. The most common recommendation is the cupola width at
the base should be one inch for every foot of building width. However,
you may need to modify this depending upon the overall size of the
building, its roof height, and your preferences. Placing on your roof a
cardboard box approximately the size of the proposed cupola is a good
way to judge in advance if you've selected the best size.
INSTALLATION: All cupolas come in two to four sections for easy
installation. Unless you are qualified to install the cupola, we
recommend you hire a licensed contractor to do the job for you.
Installation shouldn't take more than an hour, so their charge should be
minimal.
WEATHERING: Unless the copper is coated, it will slowly turn from
its natural reddish-brown color to a darker brown-black, and eventually
change to a green patina. This process is known as weathering or
oxidation, and takes between three to ten years to complete, depending
upon your climate. Oxidation proceeds more rapidly near salt water or in
humid regions, and more slowly in arid climates. If you don't want to
wait for the copper to oxidize, we can chemically age it to varying
degrees.
Mild weathering imparts a beautifully mottled spectrum of red, brown,
blue, and green hues.
Moderate weathering produces more diffuse, opaque color.
Marked weathering imparts an opaque green patina, similar to that seen
on old statues.
Coating copper retards oxidation and helps preserve a bright, shiny
finish. Coating can also be used to lock in and inhibit further
weathering of mild or moderately oxidized copper.
PRICING INFORMATION: Prices vary depending upon several factors,
including:
• Overall cupola size and shape (square, hexagonal, round).
• Louver or window size, shape, and type (glass, plastic, stained
glass).
• Wood type and finish (clear wood preservative, painted, stained, or
bare).
• Roof size, shape, and type (copper shingles, smooth copper, wood
shingles).
• Copper finish (shiny or aged) and coating, if any.
• Crown molding and other decorative molding.
• Interior illumination (chandelier, lantern, LED), if any.
• Shipping costs depend upon the cupola size, weight, and destination.
Contact me today for a free
estimate for the cupola of your dreams! |
