What is a Cupola and Why Add One to Your Metal Roof?

Today, it’s common to see cupolas on older buildings, but you will also see them on some new construction – mainly as a stylistic element with little to no functionality. Originally designed for many functional purposes, a cupola is now used only as an embellishment in modern architecture. If you’re installing a new metal roof, you may want to ask your Hanson roofer about adding a cupola for a unique aesthetic.

In short, you don’t need one, but they can add a beautiful touch to your property if included.

What is a Cupola?

Cupola: Defined

This is a small dome-like structure protruding above the roof of some buildings. Cupolas often adorn cathedrals and chapels where the dome can be decorated to further stand out. There are vast differences in the types of cupolas out there. They can be small and unobtrusive, perhaps with a simple weather vane on top. Or they can be grand and make a statement atop government buildings. Cupolas can be made from a variety of materials or can be painted different colors in an effort to accent the home or other building.

There are vast differences in the types of cupolas:

• Small and unobtrusive, often with a simple weather vane.
• Grand and decorative, making statements atop government buildings.

Cupolas can be made from various materials or painted different colors to accent a home or building.

Historical Functionality of Cupolas

Cupolas used to provide many different functions to buildings. First and foremost, they offered a way to effectively ventilate a tower or tall room so heat could escape from the dome. In fact, cupolas were originally used on top of barns to ventilate livestock. Many have open or glass sides for sunlight to filter through a building that would otherwise get little to no natural light. With today’s modern construction advancements in HVAC and window technologies, it’s still common for small cottages, barns, and places of worship spaces to utilize cupolas for these purposes.

Cupolas historically served several purposes:

• Ventilation: Allowed heat to escape from towers or tall rooms.
• Natural Light: Cupolas with open or glass sides permitted sunlight to filter through buildings that otherwise received little natural lighting.

Initially, cupolas were used atop barns to ventilate livestock. Modern advancements in HVAC and window technology have reduced the functional need for cupolas, but they're still commonly found on:

• Small cottages
• Barns
• Places of worship

Building and Restoring Cupolas

Today’s cupolas can be constructed or restored using many different materials, including copper, metal, black aluminum, and wood. Those made from traditional wood materials can be sealed or stained for a rustic or elegant appearance. You could also choose siding, shingles, or sheet metal as a way to enclose the frame and offer a cohesive, complementary look.
Cupolas add points of visual interest to homes, garages, and barns. While some do offer light and ventilation, cupolas are largely installed for purely aesthetic reasons. You can design and choose your very own cupola by working with your contractor or roofing professional in Hanson.

Today’s cupolas can be constructed or restored with a variety of materials, including:

• Copper
• Metal
• Black aluminum
• Wood (sealed or stained for rustic or elegant appearance)

You can also use siding, shingles, or sheet metal to enclose the frame for a cohesive look. Cupolas offer visual interest to homes, garages, and barns, predominantly for aesthetic reasons today.

Adding a Cupola to Your Home

Design and select your very own cupola by working with your roofing professional in Hanson. Whether you're seeking light, ventilation, or purely decorative appeal, a cupola can greatly enhance your home's appearance.

Contact Revered Metal Roofing

Looking to adorn your new metal roof in Marshfield with a cupola? Our experts can guide you through the selection process.

Contact us at Revered Metal Roofing today or call 781-536-4589 to schedule a quote and consultation.

Paul was easy going and a pleasure to deal with. No pressure. Crew got started late but the metal roof with new sky lights over our sun room was done in a day! Quality work. I recommend Revered Metal Roofing.