Cupola Installation and Model Specifications from MWI Components

Cupolas from MWI Components are available in various sizes—24", 36", 48", and 66"—and are designed for both decorative and functional purposes, including ventilation and accessibility. These cupolas are constructed with 29-gauge metal and offered in over 100 colors, including Kynar finishes, ensuring durability and weather resistance. Installation procedures vary depending on roof type and intended use, with specific guidance provided for decorative installations, those requiring ventilation, and those designed for accessibility. Several models are available, differing in construction and features, including options with windows and universal bases.

Cupola Models and Dimensions

MWI Components offers several cupola models, each with specific dimensions. The following models are detailed in the provided documentation:

C240/C360/C480/C660: These models represent cupola roofs sized 24" x 24", 36" x 36", 48" x 48", and 66" x 66", respectively. These roofs are designed to install seamlessly onto corresponding side sections. The 66" model ships fully assembled, while the others are shipped knocked down for convenience.
C245/C365/C485/C665: These models represent cupola sides with dimensions of 24" x 24", 36" x 36", 48" x 48", and 66" x 66". These sides are designed to install on top of flashing. Like the roof models, the 66" version ships fully assembled, while the others are shipped knocked down.
C245W/C365W/C485W/C665W: These models are similar to the C245/C365/C485/C665 series but include windows in the side panels. They also share the same dimensional specifications and shipping configurations.

Material and Construction Features

The cupolas are constructed from 29-gauge metal and are pre-painted. All metal edges are hemmed to prevent red rust, enhancing the longevity of the product. The documentation highlights the availability of over 100 standard colors, including durable Kynar finishes. The roof and side panels are designed to interlock seamlessly, creating a weathertight connection. Flashing trim sets are available separately, allowing for custom wooden mounting curbs to be constructed on-site. A universal base option is also available, pre-assembled and shipped separately, which eliminates the need for on-site curb construction.

Installation Procedures: General Guidelines

Installation procedures vary based on the intended use of the cupola—decorative, ventilative, or for accessibility. The documentation emphasizes the importance of reading the installation guide thoroughly before beginning any work.

Decorative Installation: For purely decorative installations, minimal roof preparation is required.
Ventilation or Accessibility: When installing for ventilation or accessibility, roofing sealant and flashing are required to seal the cupola base to the roof. However, a small area on the lower edges should remain unsealed to allow for water drainage.

Detailed Installation Steps

The following steps outline the installation process, as detailed in the provided guides:

Prepare the Roof: If the cupola is for decorative purposes only, no roof preparation is necessary. If a ridge vent or cap is present, it must be removed or cut out to accommodate the cupola base. Alternatively, the ridge vent or cap can be removed and replaced with cap shingles or flashing.
Positioning and Securing the Base: For metal roofs, closure strips should be applied where the cupola flashing will be installed. The cupola base is then attached to the roof using screws. On ribbed metal roofs, a screw should be inserted into every rib. The ridge cap is then attached over the cupola flashing.
Adding Support (Recommended for Larger Cupolas): For added support, particularly for cupolas 60" and larger, additional 2x4 blocks should be installed on the inside of the cupola base, connecting it to the roof.
Mounting & Assembly: The mid-section is attached to the base, and the top is attached to the mid-section using the provided screws. Silicone caulk should be applied to all exposed screw heads to ensure a watertight seal.
Caulking: A bead of caulk should be applied to the top edge of the cupola base before attaching the mid-section.
Octagonal Cupola Installation: For octagonal cupolas, 2x4s are positioned snugly against the inside walls of the cupola base and screwed into the roof. Additional curbing support is recommended for cupolas 60" and larger.

Specific Installation Considerations

Ridge Vent/Cap: The documentation notes that it is recommended to install the cupola before any ridge cap or ridge vent is in place. If these are already installed, they must be removed where the cupola will be positioned.
Silicone Caulk: Silicone caulk is crucial for sealing the sides of the base sections and around screw heads to prevent water leakage.
Drainage: It is essential to leave an unsealed area on the lower edges of the base to allow for water drainage.
Weathervane Installation: When installing a weathervane, the roof mount is a separate purchase. The mount is used as a template to drill mounting holes, and silicone caulk is used between the mount and the building. The post is trimmed to a maximum length of 16" above the mount and secured with screws, also caulked for a watertight seal.
Finial Installation: Installing a finial may require drilling a 3/4" hole into the peak of the roof, up to 4" deep, for anchoring.

Cupola Access Window

MWI Components offers a cupola access window designed for easier and safer access. This window is removable, sliding out of the cap and secured by four thumb screws with lock nuts. The window is sealed with high-quality sealant to prevent water and pest intrusion and features internal stiffeners for added support during handling.

Roof Pitch Calculation

The documentation references an easy roof pitch calculation guide available on the MWI Components website. If a customer is unsure of their roof pitch, they are advised to contact a professional for assistance.

Sources

The provided source material is insufficient to produce a 2000-word article. Below is a factual summary based on available data.