If you have found yourself in this article, you may have some idea about what louvered cupolas are, why they are needed, and how they can bring an added level of attraction to your structure. Let’s start with the most basic question of what louvered cupolas actually are.
What Are Louvered Cupolas?
Louvered cupolas have slats with space for air to move in and out. This is perfect for venting and airing out your structure.
Some cupolas have windows, and some are entirely open…which separates the louvered style into its own category.
Are Louvered Cupolas Worth It?
Louvered cupolas are worth it if you are in need of something to vent a structure. Most windowed cupolas don’t actually open, and an “open” cupola provides too much ventilation to where your structure won’t be able to be heated or cooled.
These cupolas provide a strategic way to get the perfect amount of ventilation while not compromising the temperature of your building.
How Do Louvered Cupolas Work?
Louvered cupolas are attached to the roof of your building and, when properly installed, can be fully functional. Here is how to install a functional louvered cupola.
- Mark Your Spot – Before you make any changes that cannot be unmade, it is important to mark the point on your roof where your cupola will sit. This is ideally placed over the top part of your ridge vent or roof.
- Cut Your Roof – Now, you can begin to peel back the shingles and make precision cuts in your roof to allow your louvered cupola to function.
- Create Your Cupola Base – Using the materials provided or material you have gathered, begin measuring and cutting the appropriate base for your cupola to sit on.
- Secure Your Cupola Base To The Roof – Utilize screws to fasten your cupola base to the roof. Make sure you securely attach your base to more than just the shingles.
- Secure Your Cupola To The Base – Now use the provided instructions when you purchase a cupola to secure it to the base.
- Seal The Perimeter – Use an adhesive to secure the base, which also helps prevent additional air from getting in and out of your structure.
Louvered Cupola Uses
You can use louvered cupolas on so many different structures! The uses will be the same for each of the structures; Venting + Visual.
Louvered Cupolas For Sheds
Sheds can be used as workshops or woodshops and thus need a venting option. A louvered cupola looks great on a shed and is a functional way to stay safe while working.
Louvered Cupolas For Gazebos
A gazebo may not need a cupola for venting, but you can use a cupola for an added aesthetically pleasing view!
Louvered Cupolas For Pavilions
Since a pavilion has a solid roof, a cupola can still be used to vent this structure. While the sides of a pavilion are open, if you are grilling, the roof will still need to be ventilated. There will need to be a place for the smoke to go.
Louvered Cupolas For Pergolas
Since pergolas have slatted roofs, a cupola can be used as a design feature on your backyard pergolas.
Louvered Cupolas For Garages
Whether garages are used as workshops or just to hold cars, they need to be ventilated well. If your car is running or you are putting any kind of fumes into your garage, getting those fumes to the outdoors is imperative.
How Much Do Louvered Cupolas Cost?
Louvered cupolas can cost anywhere from $395-$2,450. The cost fluctuates depending on the size and material of the cupola. You also will have the option for additions to your cupola as well.
Louvered Cupolas vs Windowed Cupolas
Louvered cupolas and windowed cupolas can be very similar if they both have the option of ventilation. If they don’t, then windowed cupolas are much better for allowing natural light inside the building.
Louvered Cupola Materials
The two main materials for louvered cupolas are vinyl and wood. Vinyl cupolas with louvers are seen more today on homes that have similar siding. Wooden louvered cupolas are often seen on older homes, barns, and garages! To find out more about which style is best for you, check out the looks of both vinyl and wood cupolas!
Common Louvered Cupolas Sizes
Here are the standard base sizes for louvered cupolas.
- 18 inches
- 20 inches
- 24 inches
- 28 inches
- 36 inches
- 42 inches
The size of your louvered cupola should be decided based on your roof pitch!
Disadvantages Of Louvered Cupolas
The main disadvantage of a louvered cupola is the inability to seal the louvers. You will need to have an additional component if you set up a functional louvered cupola and then need to close it off for any reason.
The second disadvantage is the amount of natural light that the louvered cupola brings in. If you are looking for something to function like a window on a home that can provide air and light, you may need to think of another option.
Our Louvered Cupolas
We have multiple styles and types of louvered cupolas in our stock right now. You have the ability to customize these cupolas to fit your structure and your desire. Choose from the louvered section on our website and begin building the perfect topper for your building today!