So many people have no clue what a cupola is.
Cupolas are small decorative structures attached to the top of a roof structure. They were first used as a lookout or as a place to admit light and air into a barn or any other another kind of structure. Even though they're not utilized for venting these days as much as for design enhancement, cupolas are used everywhere around the world including far away places outside the United States.
Cupolas usually include three parts: base, air vents - oftentimes referred to as louvers and the cap - which is topped off with a finial or a weathervane - or in some cases a lightning rod.
Generally speaking, the cupola?s foundation contours or molds to the structure and pitch of the rooftop, rendering it fully included in the structure. The vents in a cupola are slats or other kinds of ventilation openings like small windows or louvers.
There are often external openings like small windows that allow in fresh air for ventilation. Oftentimes, these types of vents are covered in screens to keep out unwanted pest infestations or insects.
The cupolas cap is where the cupola gets its most unique appearance as it can be shaped in a geometric shape such as an octagon, square or hexagon. Usually on top is a finial or point of some sort, in many cases a weathervane is placed on top.
Cupolas are typically made out of hardwood - although many are made from various other materials such as primed pine, steel, aluminum and vinyl. The synthetic cupolas are particularly favored today simply because they're so weather resistant. Cedar shakes are oftentimes adorned on the exterior as well.
Cupolas can be painted or stained depending on your personal preferences as well as to protect them from weather and outside elements. .
Many cupolas like the Old Synagogue in Hungary and the Cathedral of Montefiascone in Italy have cupolas as well. And despite the fact that their origins are ancient, there is a cupola in space on the International Space Station - which at 31 inches wide, holds the record for the highest cupola in the world .
So although a cupola may look great on your shed, home, building or barn, when somebody asks you what is a cupola, you may now answer you not merely know what they are but you now understand how they've been used all over the world?as well as outer space.
