A weathervane or cupola can add a distinctive touch to your home. Weathervanes should be balanced or they will not function well. Cupolas can serve both as decorative architectural features as well as provide vital attic ventilation.

Installing a cupola is not the easiest task. Some cupolas come with great instructions, others not. You must match the roof pitch, center the cupola, add flashing and blocks, ... and take great care up on the roof!

Looking for weathervanes or a cupola to decorate or ventilate your home? Try lumber yards, home centers and the internet. I've listed some companies with amazing selections and information.

Continuous ventilation is extremely important to avoid roof rot, reduce heating and cooling costs, and to maintain warranties of some asphalt shingles. Why was attic ventilation never an issue in older homes? Building practices have changed. If you are building new or updating an older home, give your home "lungs" to breathe through air exchange in roof or ridge vents and soffit vents.

Proper ventilation depends upon the type you use. Attic ventilation should be in the ratio of 1:300 minimum per model code. Most of your vents should be in the lower venting area, and the remainder should be upper roof or ridge vents. Read on for clarification.

Determine the amount of ventilation needed for your home with this formula. Calculate the square footage of your attic and provide proper attic ventilation with the right number of roof vents, ridge vents or soffit vents.

Products for continuous ventilation of your home are made by these manufacturers. Attic vents, roof vents, ridge vents and soffit vents keep roof rot at bay. Find more attic ventilation information at these sources.

A whole house fan or ventilation with mechanical or solar powered roof ventilators have requirements different from those of static continuous ventilation mechanisms. Attic ventilation with powered devices needs adequate soffit vents -- or you will waste money!