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How to Install a Cupola

You will find copies of our cupola installation guide on this page. When purchasing one of our cupolas, you will also receive a copy of our cupola installation guide when your cupola is delivered. If you are unsure of your roof pitch, you can use the roof pitch calculator diagram on this page. If you’re still uncertain of your roof pitch, feel free to contact one of our professionals.

 

STANDARD CUPOLA INSTALLATION GUIDE:

Standard Cupola Installation Guide

Please read installation guide thoroughly before starting

1. Prepare Roof (Decorative - Recommended) - There is no preparation necessary to your roof if your cupola is to be installed for decoration only. (Recommended) If a ridge vent or cap is present, then cutout the cupola base to fit over the ridge vent or cap. You can also remove the ridge vent or ride cap where the cupola will sit, and replace with cap shingles or flashing.

    Prepare Roof (Ventilation or Accessibility) - If your cupola will be used for ventilation or accessibility, cut an opening in the roof, that is at least 12" smaller than the cupola base or 5" - 6" smaller than the very inside measurement of the cupola. The sill above the cupola base is typically the smallest inside dimension. For example a 60" cupola has an inside sill measurement of approx 49", so the opening in the roof should be no bigger than 44". Make sure that the main roofing material pertrudes into the cupola, up to the roof opening. (Additional sealants must be used as illustrated in step #5) Remove roofing & sheathing only. Do not cut ridge or rafters.

2. Determine Your Roof Pitch - Screw two boards together so they pivot. Straddle the roof with each board as shown, making sure each side is flat against the roof and the center is at the center of the peak. Mark the boards & apply another screw. This becomes your cutting template.

3. Mark the Cupola Base - Draw a centerline on the cupola base as shown. Using your cutting template, make a line from each corner to the centerline. This will be your cutting line. Your base should now be ready to cut. Start cuts at corners and end at center. Note: For mounting on a metal roof you may need to cut your cupola base to fit down over the metal ribs or seams

4. Position - Position pieces of 2x4s on sides (shown) to be snug against the inside walls of the cupola base. Screw them into the roof. Note: For cupolas 60" and larger it is recommended to install additional curbing - support on the inside of the cupola base.

5. Mounting & Assembly - Attach the base to the 2x4s. Once the base is secured to the roof, use silicone caulk to seal the sides of the base sections. Leave an area in the 2 lower edges unsealed to allow any water to drain. Now attach the mid-section to the base, and the top to the mid-section using the screws (provided) in the pre-drilled holes. Apply silicone caulk to all exposed screw heads. Note: When mounting for Ventilation or Accessibility you will want to apply roofing sealant & flashing to seal the sides of the cupola base to the roof. Leave an area in the 2 lower sides unsealed to allow any water to drain. Also apply a bead of caulk to the top edge of the cupola base before attaching the mid-section.


OCTAGONAL CUPOLA INSTALLATION GUIDE:

Octagon Cupola Installation Guide

Please read installation guide thoroughly before starting

1. Prepare Roof (Decorative - Recommended) - There is no preparation necessary to your roof if your cupola is to be installed for decoration only. (Recommended) If a ridge vent or cap is present, then cutout the cupola base to fit over the ridge vent or cap. You can also remove the ridge vent or ride cap where the cupola will sit, and replace with cap shingles or flashing.

    Prepare Roof (Ventilation or Accessibility) - If your cupola will be used for ventilation or accessibility, cut an opening in the roof, that is at least 12" smaller than the cupola base or 5" - 6" smaller than the very inside measurement of the cupola. The sill above the cupola base is typically the smallest inside dimension. For example a 60" cupola has an inside sill measurement of approx 49", so the opening in the roof should be no bigger than 44". Make sure that the main roofing material pertrudes into the cupola, up to the roof opening. (Additional sealants must be used as illustrated in step #5) Remove roofing & sheathing only. Do not cut ridge or rafters.

2. Determine Your Roof Pitch - Screw two boards together so they pivot. Straddle the roof with each board as shown, making sure each side is flat against the roof and the center is at the center of the peak. Mark the boards & apply another screw. This becomes your cutting template. Cut a piece of cardboard the size of your cupola base. (Example: If your cupola measures 42" wide from flat side to flat side and is 17" high, the cardboard should be cut 17" x 42".)

3. Mark the Cupola Base - Draw a centerline on the cardboard template. Using your cutting template, make a line from each corner to the centerline. This will be your cutting line. Start cuts at corners and end at center. After marking and cutting the cardboard, line up the centerline with a center mark on the two opposing sides of your cupola base and trace the cutout lines. Now connect these marks with the corners of the adjacent base panels. Your base should now be ready to cut. Note: For mounting on a metal roof you may need to cut your cupola base to fit down over the metal ribs or seams.

4. Position - Position pieces of 2x4s on sides (shown) to be snug against the inside walls of the cupola base. Screw them into the roof. Note: For cupolas 60" and larger it is recommended to install additional curbing - support on the inside of the cupola base.

5. Mounting & Assembly - Attach the base to the 2x4s. Once the base is secured to the roof, use silicone caulk to seal the sides of the base sections. Leave an area in the 2 lower edges unsealed to allow any water to drain. Now attach the mid-section to the base, and the top to the mid-section using the screws (provided) in the pre-drilled holes. Apply silicone caulk to all exposed screw heads. Note: When mounting for Ventilation or Accessibility you will want to apply roofing sealant & flashing to seal the sides of the cupola base to the roof. Leave an area in the 2 lower sides unsealed to allow any water to drain. Also apply a bead of caulk to the top edge of the cupola base before attaching the mid-section.


METAL CUPOLA INSTALLATION GUIDE:

Sundance Metal Cupola Installation Guide

Please read installation guide thoroughly before starting. If base has a factory cutout skip steps 2-4.

1. Prepare Roof (Decorative - Recommended) - There is no preparation necessary to your roof if your cupola is to be installed for decoration only. (Recommended) If a ridge vent or cap is present, then remove to fit over cupola flashing. Additional cap flashing may be installed over ridge on the inside of the cupola.

    Prepare Roof (Ventilation or Accessibility) - If your cupola will be used for ventilation or accessibility, cut an opening in the roof, that is at least 12" smaller than the cupola base or 5" - 6" smaller than the very inside measurement of the cupola. The sill above the cupola base is typically the smallest inside dimension. For example a 60" cupola has an inside sill measurement of approx 49", so the opening in the roof should be no bigger than 44". Make sure that the main roofing material pertrudes into the cupola, up to the roof opening. (Additional sealants must be used as illustrated in step #5) Remove roofing & sheathing only. Do not cut ridge or rafters.

2. Determine Your Roof Pitch - Screw two boards together so they pivot. Straddle the roof with each board as shown, making sure each side is flat against the roof and the center is at the center of the peak. Mark the boards & apply another screw. This becomes your cutting template.

3. Mark the Cupola Base - Remove the screws holding the 2 opposite (metal) side panels of your cupola base, keep these pieces to reattach to original position. Draw a centerline on the cupola base as shown. Using your cutting template, make a line from each corner to the centerline. This will be your cutting line. Your base should now be ready to cut. Start cuts at corners and end at center. It is recommended to use a hand-held jig saw for making the cutout. You will also need to match the cutout in the metal panels that were removed earlier.

4. Attach Flashing & Side Panels - Bend the 2 flashing pieces in the center to the same angle as the cupola base cutout. Now hold the flashing in place with the 1" side against the cupola base. Mark & cut the end of the 1" flange and fold over and insert on the bottom of the side panel with flashing. Attach flashing to wood base with nails provided. It may be necessary to drill small pilot holes for nails. Now reattach side panels to their original position. Insert extra screws in side panels where needed.

5. Attach Cupola Base to Roof - It is recommended to install the cupola before any ridge cap or ridge vent is in place. If ridge caps have already been installed they will have to be removed where cupola will be installed. If mounting on a metal roof, apply closure strips where the cupola flashing will be installed. Install cupola base on roof and attach flashing to roof, with 1" hex head screws (provided). If installed on a metal (ribbed) roof insert a screw on every rib. Now attach the ridge cap over the cupola flashing. Note: When mounting for Ventilation or Accessibility you will want to apply roofing sealant & flashing to seal the sides of the cupola base to the roof. Leave a small area in the 2 lower sides unsealed to allow any water to drain. Also apply a bead of caulk to the top edge of the cupola base before attaching the mid-section.

6. Mounting & Assembly - For added support you may install additional 2x4 blocks on the inside of the cupola base to the roof. After the cupola base has been installed, attach the mid-section to the base, and the top to the mid-section using the screws (provided) in the pre-drilled holes. Apply silicone caulk to all exposed screw heads. Note: For cupolas 60" and larger it is recommended to install additional curbing - support on the inside of the cupola base.


COTTAGE CUPOLA INSTALLATION GUIDE:

cottage cupola installation guide


EASY ROOF PITCH CALCULATION GUIDE:

ROOF PITCH