Stephenson Cupolas
Standard
Governor
President (Hexagon)
President (Octagon)
Charleston
Hyde Park
Hampton
Newport
Richmond
Custom
Sizing Tips
Installation Instructions
  Antique Cupolas
  Roof Cupolas
Untitled Document
Installation Instructions
Determine Your Roof Pitch:  
cupola illistrations Begin by nailing two boards together at one end. Lay the boards along each side of the peak of the roof letting them intersect at the peak as shown in Illustration A. With the boards in place, mark pencil lines along the boards where they cross or you can hold the angle firm with a C clamp.
   
To mark the Cupola base, draw a vertical centerline on the two opposite sides of the base. After checking very carefully that you have not changed the angle, lay the board across the base. The board must meet at the lower corners of the base and at the centerline as shown in Illustration B. Draw your cutting line on the base and cut out from each corner of the centerline. When both of the opposite ends have been cut your cupola is ready to install.
 

Prepare Your Roof:

Decorative Purposes-

If installing for decorative purposes, cut and remove the portion of your ridge cap that would normally be under the cupola. This allows the cupola to fit more snugly against the roof between the two cut ends of the ridge cap. If your cupola is for decoration only your roof is ready for the cupola.

Ventilation Purposes-

If installing your cupola for functional purposes, cut a hole in the roof along the peak six inches smaller than the width of your cupola. Be sure to cut shingles and sheating only. Do not cut the ridge or rafters. Then cut down each side from the peak, maintaining a three inch border minimum inside the cupola base.

 Prepare Your Roof
 

Installing Your Cupola:

Set the cupola in place on the roof, be sure that it is placed on the sitting level. Drill holes at least three inches from the corners (see Illustration D) in both of the uncut sides of the cupola base. Fasten the cupola to the roof with either #10 or #12 wood screws of sufficient length to penetrate the roof boards. Caulk where the roof and the base meet on the angle sides only. Lastly, fill the screw holes and apply one or two coats of a good latex or oil base house paint.

 Installing Your Cupola