About Vinyl Cupolas

Vinyl, as reported by the industry, is known as the “world’s most versatile plastic,” having been discovered by a rubber scientist in the 1920s. Soon after its discovery, PVC products such as industrial wire, raincoats and shower curtains hit the market. By the 1930s, vinyl was being used in dozens of applications, both commercial and industrial. During World War II, vinyl was used aboard ships to coat wires, as opposed to using rubber. PVC soon became a staple of the construction trades. Around that same time, post WWII, Vinyl cupolas came into fashion as an adornment to roofs on houses and a variety of other structures. Today, vinyl is reported as the second largest selling plastic in the world.

Vinyl cupolas are constructed of “solid expanded rigid vinyl” or PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Vinyl cupolas do not rot, absorb moisture, cup, craze, weather split or delaminate. Vinyl cupolas are not affected by weather, humidity or insects -- an important consideration when deciding what type of material to use.

Key Information

• When considering a Vinyl cupola, it is important to measure at least one inch of cupola base width for each foot of unbroken roofline on the building or structure.

• Vinyl cupolas sport roofs made of copper to add to the beauty of the structure.

• The body or center section of the cupola may have windows, portals or louvers. Depending on the type of building on which the Vinyl cupola is mounted, the cupola may provide as a means to stand up inside, on a stairway for example, and view the surrounding area.

• Vinyl cupolas mount directly to the roof, rather than to a base and then to the roof.

• Vinyl cupolas are made in one piece, thus eliminating the need for an internal structure. In addition, because they are normally about 3/16” to 1/4” thick, they are much lighter when compared to cupolas made of other materials;