Accent Building Products Blog

Consider The Cupola

Cupolas are an age old tradition for accenting a home, barn, or even a business.  As a fantastic choice for adding pizzazz to a roof line, cupolas are available in many sizes and can accommodate any pitch, though steeper pitches may require an extension piece. Standard vinyl and wood cupolas are designed for a 10” rise per foot (10/12 pitch) and castle style cupolas are designed for a 12” rise (12/12).The extension piece makes the base longer according to the rise of your roof and gives the top more stability on a steeper roof.  The castles can be used on a steeper roof because of their larger base. Castles are taller and thinner than standard cupolas.  Traditionally cupolas were made of wood, but today they are also available in white vinyl as well as polyurethane. All are paintable. Styles include square, pagoda and castle. Models are available with wood or copper roofing, louvered or window sides and some are even available with copper louvers. Wood roofed cupolas can be shingled on site with the same shingles used on the building’s roof. The louvered cupolas can be used for venting purposes, or just for their own beauty.