2011 Steeples and Cupolas for Decoration Details

STEEPLES & CUPOLAS
MANUFACTURER
As early pioneers in the use of fiberglass (FRP) for architectural applications, Fiberglass Specialties enjoys a rich heritage of meeting their customers' needs through constant innovation and attention to details. Now the leader in the industry, they invite you to explore the possibilities Fiberglass Specialties has to offer.
PRODUCT PRESENTATION
Fiberglass Specialties produces the industry's largest line of standard steeple and cupola models. The entire line can be accessed in the CAD section of the Sweets CD, as well as Fiberglass Specialties' own website and printed literature. The standard line uses existing molds to assure economical pricing, while still allowing a wide range of options, such as crosses, louvers, windows, and custom colors.
In addition to this extensive standard line, Fiberglass Specialties' custom design team offers you maximum creative flexibility. More information is available in the "Custom" profile on the Sweets CD.
USES, APPLICATIONS
Fiberglass Specialties steeples and cupolas are suitable for churches, as well as a wide variety of commercial buildings, including schools, banks, shopping centers, hotels, and apartment buildings.
Cellular Applications: Because FRP is "Transparent" to Radio Frequencies, cellular and PCS antennas can be housed inside fiberglass steeples to provide coverage in areas which restrict the use of antenna towers. Fiberglass Specialties was among the earliest to use this innovative concept.


MATERIALS
Fiberglass Specialties steeples and cupolas are fabricated by permanently bonding an internal steel structure to an outer shell of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester). The result is a rigid, durable structure that requires virtually no maintenance. The finish is an integral part of the FRP laminate; unlike paint, the surface will not peel off. This eliminates the cost of repainting associated with other materials.
ASSEMBLY, INSTALLATION
Most steeples and cupolas are shipped in several stack-able pieces. Each component is pre-assembled at the factory to assure ease of installation. Assembly and installation vary from model to model, but typically involve simply stacking and bolting together several components. A crane and some special rigging may be required. Roof pitches are pre-cut to customer's specifications, requiring only minor field trimming to fit the roof.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Fiberglass Specialties' expert sales team and design team is available to assist you. By utilizing the latest technology, including Auto Cad, e-mail, and a functional website, they save you time and money during the design and specification phase.

Enchanting us for centuries, cupolas capture the serenity and beauty of the past. Adding sophistication, class and a little country charm to your rooftop.

1. Cupolas add value to your exterior buildings whether remodeling or new construction. Cupolas have a history that many architectural features just can not match, creating a dramatic exterior and a welcoming atmosphere.

2. Each cupola is individually made to the customers' specific preference. In order to look their best, cupolas need to be sized proportionately to the building it will be placed upon. It is the manufactures job to help you select the cupola that best fits your vision, providing balance and proportion. The goal is to find one that fits the roof enhancing the look without overpowering it.

3. Handmade by Quality Craftsman. Built of the finest weather resistant materials by skilled craftsman. Cupolas have grown synonymous with quality and craftsmanship that makes them durable year after year. An example of American heritage is a cupola painted white with a copper roof.

4. Offer you the freedom of choice. To meet your needs their are numerous designs to choose from. Whatever your preference, there is a cupola for you. When one wants natural light the cupola can be constructed with windows or a large cupola can form a whole floor. Providing a great view, or high altitude solitude to read a good book. They can also be built with louvers to provide attic ventilation. Whatever the choice they will add height and beauty to your roof.

5. Cupolas are constructed of durable materials. Built only of the finest weather resistant materials a reputable manufacture will know the appropriate material for the cupola... wood, metal or vinyl. The choice of the best materials and design will prove a long term investment. Quality construction and elegant design will age gracefully, instead of becoming dated.

6. Cut to fit the pitch of the roof. Roof pitch is a ratio for every inch a roof drops over every inch it extends horizontally. Typically a cupola will fit a six to twelve degree pitch. The bases of cupolas are cut to fit the pitch of the roof and must conform to the pitch to fit properly.

7. Installed for decorative purposes. After the pitch has been cut in the base of the cupola it is simply placed on the roof and caulked. They provide an ornamental structure often with windows and are wired to transmit light over the environment. Window cupolas will always appear smaller then the same sized louvered cupola on any building.

8. Functional Cupola. They are designed to naturally ventilate the structure it fits on. By placing cupolas on the roof, the hot stagnant air is released through the louvered sides. A functional cupola requires a hole be cut in the roof at least six inches less then the width and length of the base. Do not cut the supporting rafters or the ridge.

9. Create Exterior Decorative Accent. Custom features are a great way to achieve a one-of-a kind look. Cupolas can be built small enough to grace the roofline of a gazebo to large ones that form a top floor that one enters from the inside via stairs. A cupola gives a focal point and draws the eye to them, and when gazed upon they project beauty.

10. Cupolas are built to last. The size of a cupola is determined by the wall height, length and width of the building they are to be placed on. For longevity it is important that they be sealed properly to provide durability, strength and workability. How much they weigh is important as there can be load stress on the buildings frame, especially with large ones. Cupolas are built to last and often serve as a landmark. 

Serenity and beauty of the past---a cupola is designed to last, with character to capture the spirit of early American architecture. Placed in a prominent position on the roof, cupolas are a decorative architectural accent.

Have you ever wondered what those small buildings are that are perched on top of a building? It is a cupola! They can also be called a pavilion when they take the form of a small, round Roman temple.

Cupolas were originally designed for functionality, as a ventilating system. Now they are placed on the roof tops of houses, garages and businesses for decoration giving the buildings antique appeal. Cupolas beautify any structure. They draw the eye upward and create curb appeal with their Early American architecture.

When thinking of purchasing a cupola, one needs to be careful not to purchase without thought of size and the architectural style of the building it will be perched upon. One wants the cupola to add balance to create the appearance that it was not just add on, but to create an asymmetrical appeal that gives your buildings to look their absolute bests.

In order to look their best, cupolas need to be sized proportionately to the building it will be placed on. The size of the cupola is determined by the height, length, and width of the building it will be placed upon.

In selecting the right size for the building, a good rule of thumb is at least 1 inch of cupola base for every foot of unbroken horizontal roof line. Example:  An unbroken roof line of 30 feet would require at least a 30 inch cupola base.

If the building is higher than 1 story or the roof is steep, it is recommended one increase the size of the cupola. A too small cupola could have the appearance of a bird house. Not creating the curb appeal a properly sized cupola would provide.

The cupola straddles the roof much like a horse back rider straddles the back of a horse. Because of this, cupolas are designed to accommodate different roof pitches of the structure it will sit upon.

Window cupolas will always appear smaller than the same sized louvered cupola on any building. How the cupola looks when seen on the ground will change once placed on the roof. Therefore, it is very important to measure appropriately to obtain the high quality results one wishes when creating curb appeal.

If the building is greater than 100 feet long use multiple cupolas. A solution would be to have a large cupola in the middle with smaller ones at each end or place two cupolas one at each end.

It is extremely important to properly seal the cupola against the elements. When looking to purchasing a cupola find out if it comes in a box to be built and sealed once received or if it arrives completely sealed by skilled professional craftsman.

Looking to update your exterior buildings without breaking the bank? A properly sealed, well proportioned cupola will add a finishing touch to both new construction and existing buildings. Cupolas are a timeless masterpiece, a great way for adding curb appeal. Serenity and beauty of the past--- a cupola is designed to last with functional performance and character of tradition, to capture the spirit of early American architecture. 

    

Hamblen County Courthouse

Not many counties can say they still have their very first courthouse still in use, but Hamblrn County can. The county was formed in 1870 and for a few years court met in a Morris town store.

The courthouse was designed by architect A.C. Bruce of Knoxville. He drew up three plans, costing from ,000 to ,000, and county leaders chose the most expensive plan. The final construction cost came in at ,750 and was finished in 1874.

The original main entrance faces south and includes a double balcony for speakers at rallies. The courtroom is on the second floor. Originally, there were two ground floor rooms without windows called "The Dungeons."

The building is three stories, but since it is built on a slope, today’s entrance on the north side makes it appear two stories. it is built with a tall central pavilion with slightly lower wings flanking the center, all of which are embellished with corner quoins. A tall, mansard-roofed cupola is atop the center of the roof. The rest of the roof is a combination of low hip and gable construction with mansard roof components.

An expansion was made in the early 1950′s as matching wings were added to either side, matching the original design. An interior redesign was complete in 1968. Today, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.