1. Determine Your Roof Pitch
Nail two boards together at on end. Lay the boards along each side of the peak of the roof letting them intersect at the peak as shown. Mark pencil lines along the boards where they cross each other or hold the angle firm with a "C" clamp.

2. Mark The Cupola Base
Draw a vertical centerline on the two opposite sides of the cupola base. After checking to be sure you have not changed the angle, carefully lay the board on the base. They must meet at the lower corners of the base and also meet at the center line where they cross as shown. Draw the cutting line on the base and cut out from each corner to the center line. When both opposite sides have been cut the cupola is ready to install.

Note: For roof pitch steeper than 9" rise per foot, the extension can be site built.

3. Prepare Your Roof - Decorative
Cut and remove the portion of your ridge cap that would normally be under the cupola. This allows the cupola to fit more snugly against the roof between the two cut ends of the ridge cap. If your cupola is for decoration only, your roof is ready for the cupola.

Ventilation
If your cupola is to be used for ventilation -- cut an opening in the roof along the peak 6" smaller than the width of the cupola shingles and sheathing only. Do not cut ridge or rafters. Then cut down each side from the peak maintaining a 3" minimum border inside cupola base.

4. Install The Cupola
Set the cupola in place on the roof. Be sure that it is sitting level. Drill holes at least 3" from the corners (see drawing) in both of the uncut sides of the cupola base. Fasten cupola to the roof with #10 or #12 wood screws of sufficient length to penetrate the roof boards. Caulk where the base and the roof meet on the angle sides only. Fill the screw holes and apply one or two coats of a good latex or oil base house paint.

Your cupola will now provide you with maintenance free pleasure and efficient year-round ventilation for many years to come.