Selecting The Right Size Cupola

The process of choosing the most attractive size cupola is an important first step in the decision to enhance your home, barn, shed or office building roof line. There are a number of techniques to determine the best size of cupola for your roof and we are going to present two common methods here for you to consider. Please be sure to at least review these two methods before placing your order, or consult with a roofing specialist and seek their expert advice!

METHOD 1
METHOD 2


METHOD 1
THE BOX METHOD

The first method is actually quite simple and uses your natural line of sight and perception of perspective to determine the best size cupols to match your roof line. With this technique you do not need any special tools or expertise at all, just a suitable ladder to reach the area where the cupola will be installed, a suitable sized large cardboard box, a box cutter and some packing tape. In brief the techinque involves simply locating a box large enough, cutting it apart to make a simulated pitched roof and cut outs for the roof line that match your roof pitch. Then placing it on the roof and viewing it from the ground for perspective. An appliance store, self-storage or U-Haul store are all great sources for many sizes of large boxes. This approach is probably not well suited for cupolas that will be over 36" since finding a box that size may not be reasonably possible.

PLEASE NOTE:Extreme caution should be exercised while you ascend or descend the ladder as well as any time you are actually on the roof! Do not attempt this technique on a roof that is wet or damp to avoid an accidental slip or fall from a height that is likely to cause injury or even death. If you are not comfortable with heights or if you are a roof show-off, we suggest you consult a professional! On the other hand, if you are a professional chimney sweep, this could be your first choice. Just please be careful.



METHOD 2
THE BEST PRACTICE METHOD

In selecting the right size cupola for a building, a good rule of thumb is: 1.5 inches of cupola for every foot of unbroken roof line. The key here is the unbroken roof line measurement (see charts below). For example: if a roof section measures 24 feet, the minimum cupola size should be approximately 36 inches square.

For a more dramatic effect, or if a cupola larger than 60 inches square is needed, consider using two cupolas on the roof line. When using more than one cupola per roof line, a good rule of thumb is one inch of cupola for every foot of unbroken roof line (see chart below). For example: if a roof section measures 24 feet, the minimum size of each cupola should be approximately 24 inches square.

GD_Sizing_Chart