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Cupola Assembly Instructions

 

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The 48" cupola base is fabricated from 20 gauge galvanized welded steel.  It is factory assembled and ready to install on a 4/12 roof pitch.  It is easily adapted to any pitch between 1/12 and 6/12 roof pitch.

The cupola trim is a 29 gauge pre-painted trim.  The base of the cupola comes with a solid galvanized floor.  If ventilation is required, an opening is cut in the flooring by the installer.  A bird and rodent screen is provided to lay over the hole.
   Parts of the Cupola

Gusset for corners

Cupola Side Panels (Windowed or Louvered)

Corner Connectors

Aluminum Roof Cap to tie roof panels together

 Roof Connector Rod

Universal Base (Curb)
       Installation

 

 

First start with two side panels.  The top side has a flange and the bottom side does not.  Turn the panels so the flange is on the ground.  The unit is actually upside down now.  Take a panel connector and slide it down the corners of the side panels. The lip is the flange on the TOP side of the side panel.  When all four panel connectors are in place.  You will turn the panel back over and this flange will now be on top and will remain in this position through the installation of the cupola unit.

This is a close up of a corner connector.  Notice how the edges are bent over.  This is done on purpose.  These edges create a channel to slide down the edges of the side panels. Above shows a close up of a corner connector being slide down over the corner lever that is attached to each side panels corner.

The above illustration shows all 4 corner connectors started on each corner.  When finished the corner connectors will be fully engaged and flush with the side panels. The above illustration shows all four corner connectors fully engaged on each corner of the side panels.  This forms the cupolas core unit.

Install the Gussets.  The gussets come with a VMB tape  applied to the bottom of the gusset.  Peal off the tape film and position the gussets in each corner of the core unit. The above illustration shows all four gussets positioned on each corner of the core unit.  For added strength, fasten each gusset thru the top blade 5 inches from each corner before roof sections are installed.  We have provided you with (8) #8 x 1/2" self tapping screws.

You must install the top panels in a rotating manner. i.e. Start with one panel, then insert the panel next to it, then insert the next panel next to that one until all four panels are installed. The roof cap is fastened to the first roof panel, but do not fasten the other panels until ALL roof panels are installed.  The reason is that while installing the roof panels, you will have to take some of them and pull them back away from the center in order to get the last panel installed.

After you have installed the first roof panel and have attached the roof cap, continue installing the other three roof panels until all four are installed. Once all the top panels are secured in place, finish attaching the top of the panels to the roof cap.

After the roof panels are secured to the roof cap, start installing the roof connectors.  Start the connectors at the top of the core unit and begin sliding them downwards.  After about 5 to 10 inches, it will become necessary to use a little force.  Use a mallet or a 2 x 4 cut off board and gently tap the connector until it is flush with the top of the cupola. The above illustration shows the last of the roof connectors being installed.  After all the connectors are installed the roof will take on a concaved shape.

Should you use your cupola for a ventilation system, we provide you with a wire mess that protects the opening in the base (curb) from birds and rodents.  After cutting a hole in the base,  secure the wire over the hole. The copula base flashing is factory set for a 4/12 roof pitch.  To change to a lower pitch, remove the screws on  the 4/12 pitch cut and reposition the angles as needed to fit your particular roof pitch.  You can reuse the screws after adjusting the angle for a 5/12 and 6/12 roof pitch.  Notch the side high enough to accommodate the new pitch and reattach the angles.

Core unit installed on base (curb)

Flashing for the Cupola

Flashing is provided to cover the base (curb).  It is pre-cut for the side panels.  Fasten the flashing trim only after the cupola unit is attached to the building. Ridge Trim:  The ridge trim slides up under the core  unit.

The above illustration shows the Ridge Trim being installed under the core unit.  When it rains, the water runs down the louvers or windows and then over the ridge trim onto the roof of the building. The same flashing that covers the side panels will also be used to cover the end panels.  However, the flashing for the end panels will need to be cut to fit the roof pitch.  After the flashing trim is cut, fasten the flashing trim only after the cupola unit is attached to the building.

 
The above illustration show how the flashing trim attaches to the end panel of the cupola's base.  The piece is factory scored so the piece will bend to fit the roof pitch.