Replies

1. 
   chris78681 | Sep 12, 2003 03:53pm | #1

   Bill

   I guess you don't have an attic space above the bedroom or would build a shaft up to the cupola if you do. I have never seen what you are looking for but it should be possible to do it. The problems I see is that in most cupolas you have slats on all four sides to maximize air flow and keep the weather out and there is no provision to let much light in. Also, if your house has HVAC it can be a problem sealing the closure to a vent like this. I have a whole house fan and the slat closure that opens from the air flow of the fan leaks like a sieve in both summer and winter.

   If I were going to do this I would build a Tamarak whole house fan into a custom cupola. The Tamarak has powered weatherstripped insulated doors above the fans.

   On the other hand since you want light too and may be satisfiedwith natural air flow rather than forced. You would need a custom cupola with transom windows on the sides instead of slats. this is perhaps more of a clestory than a cupola and any good carpenter should be able to build one for you.

2. 
   BillHartmann | Sep 12, 2003 09:32pm | #2

   What is wrong with some venting skylights?

1. 
   Willy50 | Sep 12, 2003 09:49pm | #3

   Bill

   I have 3 already operating skylights and 4 fixed ones in my house. You can't imagine the heat loss you get in the winter. Cupolas look good and would fit with my house style and loose less heat. I read article that stated that thermopane glass looses more heat when on an angle than when vertical. So thought a cupola would work well.  If I have the time, I may just try to make one with operating windows.

   .

1. 
   BillHartmann | Sep 12, 2003 10:21pm | #4

   I have never heard that, but you might be right.

   While you could make a "typical" cupola, and not knowing what you house looks like, I don't think that it would look right with windows.

   I think something lower and large in width (maybe an octagon). Make it look more like an obervation port than a cupola.

2. 
   AXE | Sep 12, 2003 10:24pm | #5

   Let us know how it goes.  I'll be remodeling soon and I'm going to put two large cupolas on my house (I was thinking 8' wide and 15' long).  I was going to look at electrically controlled windows (I think Anderson makes them, probably some others).

   I haven't found any good pictures or information on the web other than the usual "skylights emit too much solar gain in the summer and let out too much heat in the winter".  I know a cupola requires you to calculate your roof overhang to block summer sun, but let winter sun in.  It was covered recently in FHB I think.

1. 
   Willy50 | Sep 13, 2003 01:29am | #6

   Axe,

   Are you kidding with the size of the Cupolas? 8'x15' ??

   The guides I have seen is to do 1" in width for every 1' of uninterupted length of the ridge?

   But good luck with it.

   Let me know if you verify any electric controlled windows OK?

   I heard Andersen makes one but have not verified that.

1. 
   AXE | Sep 13, 2003 04:48am | #7

   I wasn't kidding.  I think I can make it work (heck you can make anything work, just depends on cost).  I plan on using cathedral ceilings with exposed framing anyway.  So I might as well just allow the ridge beam and rafters to continue as normal and then leave off the roof sheathing in the cupola area and then frame up a 2' high wall off the roof and put another roof on it.  The other choice is to use a big rafters on either side and then just header off the opening and make those two rafters carry all the load.  But a 15' header - wow that could get beefy (probably need glulams or something).  we'll see what I come up with.

   I searched the web for any pictures of what I'm after, but didn't come up with anything.  Interestingly enough though, my architects office has an enormous cupola, it just doesn't have windows that open.  So I guess they know how to make it work.

2. 
   Willy50 | Sep 13, 2003 05:19am | #8

   I see what you are talking about.

   I guess at that size, it would no longer be called a cupola but now I know what you are talking about. I think I have seen designs like that in some timber framed projects and they did look good. Operating windows for that should not be a problem.

   Here is a link for Vermont Timber Frames. http://www.vtf.com/pictorial.html

   They have some sketches of what you are doing but I don't see any actual pictures of their projects showing them.

   I am looking to do something much smaller.

   Good luck with it, if I see anything I will send it to you.

3. 
   rjw | Sep 13, 2003 02:52pm | #9

   FWIW, FHB Had an article on cuploas a few years back.

   _______________________

   Why Don't Blind People Like To Sky Dive?

   Because it scares the bejabbers out of the dog

   Your mileage may vary ....

4. 
   Willy50 | Sep 13, 2003 08:54pm | #10

   Thats a good idea Paul, I have some big non venting skylites in my bedroom that would just cover our bed in the winter with COLD air, it was like having a sub zero freezer in your ceiling! I ended up covering the openings with that 3m clear plastic that you tape and use a hair dryer to shrink it tight? I looks a bit hookey but not real bad but over time it starts to look worse.

   Your suggestion is a good one thanks, I will check that out.