Cupola Can Beautify, Cool Home

Fri., March 24, 1995

Don And Dave Runyan U-Bild Features

With all the benefits cupolas offer, it’s a wonder every house doesn’t have one.

First, cupolas add charm and improve the appearance of a home.

Second, they are inexpensive and easy to build.

Third, with a little extra roofing work, they can be installed for ventilation purposes, allowing hot air to escape from the attic. This, in turn, speeds up the cooling process and results in lower cooling costs all summer long.

This project is an excellent one for do-it-yourselfers who want the aesthetic qualities of a cupola, as well as for those willing to do the extra work for ventilation. It is, however, a good idea to consult with a professional about installation before cutting a hole in the roof.

The cupola pictured here was designed to fit any roof, regardless of pitch. Materials include 16 feet of 1-by-12 pine, 44 feet of 1-by-2 pine, 20 feet of 2-by-2 pine and three pieces of exterior plywood, along with wood screws, nails and glue.

The completed cupola measures 25 inches square by about 36 inches tall (not including the weather vane), depending on the roof’s pitch.

The Cupola plan, No. 348, is $6.50 and includes step-by-step directions with 14 photos, full-size traceable patterns, exploded diagrams and a complete shopping list. Patterns for the horse-shaped weather vane and directional letters are also included.

Also available is “Bridges and Cupolas,” No. SD3, an illustrated 104-page book with 36 cupola design ideas. It costs $11.95.

In addition, a catalog picturing hundreds of other do-it-yourself projects for indoors and out is $3.95. Prices include sales tax, postage and handling.

MEMO: To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Specify plan number and allow three to four weeks for delivery. For first-class mail, add $1 per item.

To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Specify plan number and allow three to four weeks for delivery. For first-class mail, add $1 per item.

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