Installing Your Cupola

Many cupola manufacturers will install your cupola for you, or offer installation for an additional fee. If the manufacturer will not install your cupola, make sure that you receive installation instructions specific to your roof and to the exact cupola you purchased. Installation does not require many tools or much previous knowledge, but you will likely be cutting into your roof, so you want to be sure you are doing everything in the right way.

 

Your cupola may come in three pieces (base, middle, and roof) from the manufacturer, and you will probably need to paint or stain the base and middle. Some cupola bases are made of PVC-coated aluminum and some may already be painted, however, so make sure you need to paint it before you actually begin painting. In addition, unless you can attach the cupola to the roof one piece at a time, you may need help lifting the cupola onto the roof, so consider calling a muscular friend for help.

 

If you have a traditional square base cupola that you plan to put on your roof ridge, you will first need to determine the pitch of your roof. Nail two boards together at one end and lay them over the ridge of the roof so that the two boards lay flat on the two sides of the roof; then, use a pencil to mark the position of the boards. After drawing a vertical line down the center of the cupola base, put the boards over the base in the exact position in which they fitted over the roof and you will see where you need to cut the cupola base. You will cut an upside down “V” on two sides of the cupola base so that it fits perfectly snugly over the roof ridge.

 

Pick the exact spot you want to place the cupola on the roof and then cut out the roof ridge cap that would be under the cupola. If you plan to use the cupola for ventilation, you may also need to cut a small opening in the roof (through the shingles, not through the rafters or the ridge itself). 

 

Finally, place the cupola onto its assigned spot, and make sure it is level and secure. Then, drill a small hole several inches from the bottom corners of the sides of the cupola that you did not cut into a “V” earlier. Use wood screws to attach the cupola to the roof, caulk the angled sides of the cupola base, and you are finished.

 

You will rarely need to clean or maintain your cupola. If you notice the paint wearing, you can paint it again, and you can delay the tarnishing of the copper top by lightly lacquering it, but neither of these maintenance tasks are necessary. Clean your cupola if you feel that it looks dirty or if you want to clear leaves out of its vents; otherwise, just enjoy it.