Cupolas are believed to have originated during Greco-Roman times like a variation of the watchtower, that was essentially a place for a sentry to keep a lookout from his home. Later, it became a means for settlers to watch out for loved ones during the frequent trips backwards and forwards over the Atlantic. Today, residential cupolas are mainly decorative, even though they do offer an chance to create important roof ventilation. Traditionally a sign of wealth, a roof cupola will probably look odd in less affluent neighborhoods, however they shouldn't cost an arm and a leg if you have some budgetary constraints.
The Widow's Walk
Just in case you're having trouble picturing a cupola (also known as the Widow's Walk), simply make a miniature home on top of your homes roof or your kindergartener's drawing of the home. Of course, this really is just the simplest of cupolas plus some are significantly more complex. One more reason that cupolas are generally seen as an sign of wealth is that they usually look better on higher, larger roofs (i.e. large homes). Having said that, if you want to install roof vents on a larger roof, a Widow's Walk can be a beautiful addition.
Cupola Building Materials
Wood Cupolas: Wood cupolas are the best to preserve a sense of the cupola tradition, but they are also more expensive and want special considerations to prevent problems in the future. You will want to select a wood, such as cedar, that's resistant to rot. Wood may also attract unwanted pests in certain parts of the nation.
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 compared to wood and therefore are competitive with other materials. They won't rot or attract pests like wood and are, generally, more durable.
Aluminum and Copper Cupola Roofs: The supporting structure from the cupola (also in which the slats are that provide views) are often made from wood or vinyl, however the cupola roof is more often produced from a metal, such as aluminum or copper. These roofs can also be produced from traditional roof shingles, but shingled cupola roofs generally don't be as durable. Unless you feel you'll need shingles to complement the outside of your house, metal is probably your best bet.
Find out more: http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Residential-Cupola-Plans.15126.html#ixzz1arM3ZOb8I love to tell people about loft conversions, we now have just had ine and it is great. I advise everyone else to possess one!
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This short article was brough for you by Fox Carpentry, for more infomation take a look at Carpenters In Essex
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