- Does a weathervane
need to be grounded against lightning?
- What is the exact
size of the weathervane figure?
- I see that only the
length of the weathervane figure is listed.
- Is there anything
that can be applied to the copper to prevent it from
tarnishing?
- Are the weathervane
figures three-dimensional or are they flat?
- What does N/B/V
mean? I see it all over the web site
- What is included
with the weathervane?
- Are the Compass
Points included in the price?
- Is the post
included in the price?
- Are the globe(s)
included in the price?
- Are wrought
iron style weathervanes actually painted copper?
- Can the copper
figures be painted?
- How long before
the copper changes color?
- Why don't all
weathervanes have arrows?
- Can I add an arrow
to a weathervane if it is not shown with one?
- Does the height of
the cupola make a difference?
- What is roof
pitch?
- What is the
difference between imported and hand-sculpted copper
weathervanes?
- Should my
weathervane come down if a storm is on the way?
- Can a roof cap be
used to mount a finial or weathervane?
- Do I need to have
a cupola to install a weathervane?
- Why is a roof
bracket not included in the price of copper weathervanes?
- What is the price
range on weathervanes and how much should I spend for my
application?
- How do I size a
cupola and weathervane to my application?
- Do the
weathervanes need to be assembled; is it easy?
- Which figures are
the most popular; your selection is so extensive I don't know
which one to pick?
- How do I read my
weathervane; what makes it turn?
|
| Q: |
Does
a weathervane need to be grounded against lightning? |
| A: |
If there is
a fully bonded system installed on the building, you should add
the weathervane to that system. (A fully bonded system is not
considered grounding your fuse box.) If there is no bonded system,
DO NOT ground your weathervane which will actually
attract lightning. Click
Here for a detailed explanation by lightning protection expert
Alexander Easley.
|
|
| Q: |
What
is the exact size of the weathervane figure? I see that only the
length of the weathervane figure is listed.
|
| A: |
Ferro
Weathervanes automatically proportions the weathervane figure to the
arrow. You will automatically have the correct size figure by using
the arrow length to size the weathervane to your application. If you
still need more detailed measurements please call us at 401-396-9280
|
|
| Q: |
Is
there anything that can be applied to the copper to prevent it
from tarnishing?
|
| A: |
There are
clear coat products for metal used outdoors. We do not recommend
these. They require periodic maintenance and the lofty location of
weathervanes and cupolas make them extremely difficult to
maintain. Copper does not rust. The oxidation does not effect the
integrity of the metal. If it is a shiny metal surface that is
desired, the only metal that will not tarnish is pure gold. Gold
leafing is available on most of our copper products.
|
|
| Q: |
Are
the weathervane figures three-dimensional or are they flat?
|
| A: |
Most of our
weathervane figures are known as swell-bodied. Click
Here for a detailed explanation of the different styles
available.
|
|
| Q: |
What
does "N/B/V" mean? I see it all over the web site
and in the printed catalog.
|
| A: |
Handcrafted
weathervanes with this symbol appearing before the price are
available in your choice of finish of Natural, Bronze,
or Verdigris copper. Natural copper is like a penny, a
pinkish-tan color. This will darken to a chocolate brown for the
first 2 to 10 years. The Bronze finish is a result of hand-rubbing
chemicals in our special process to create a classic golden-brown
color on the copper. The realistic greenish-gray Verdigris finish
on our products is a result of a custom formulated chemical
treatment that is hand rubbed for an authentic look. Over time,
the elements will work their magic and turn the Natural and the
chemically treated Bronze and Verdigris finishes to an authentic
weathered Verdigris. Confused?
Click
here for a color chart.
|
|
| Q |
What
is included with the weathervane? |
| A |
All of our
weathervanes are priced complete. They include figure, compass
points, and a post, with most designs including globes.
- The compass points' style
depends on the weathervane being purchased. Most come with a
standard set, but you can swap the standard set with a
different design at an additional cost. (Click
here for our compass options.)
- All weathervanes also include a
mounting post.
Copper weathervanes are available with either steel or brass
posts. Weathervanes available with a steel post can be
upgraded to a non-rusting brass or stainless steel post at a
small additional charge.
- Globes are included with most
weathervanes. Copper Globes can also be purchased
HERE, and Glass Globes
HERE.
|
|
| Q |
Are
the compass points included in the price? |
| A |
The compass
points' style depends on the weathervane being purchased. Most
come with a standard set, but you can swap the standard set with a
different design at an additional cost. (Click
here for our compass options.) |
|
| Q: |
Is
the post included in the price? |
| A: |
All
weathervanes also include a mounting post. Copper weathervanes are available with
either steel or brass posts. Weathervanes available with a steel
post can be upgraded to a non-rusting brass or stainless steel
post at a small additional charge. |
|
| Q: |
Are
the globe(s) included in the price? |
| A: |
Globes are included with most
weathervanes. Copper Globes can also be purchased
HERE, and Glass Globes
HERE. |
|
| Q: |
Are wrought iron style weathervanes actually painted copper?
|
| A: |
No, the
wrought iron style weathervanes are actually cast aluminum enameled
black. The wrought iron look is due to the shape and texture
inherent on the mold the aluminum is poured into. They are
NOT long lasting and we no longer carry them. |
|
| Q: |
Can
the copper figures be painted?
|
| A: |
Yes, copper
must first be properly chemically and mechanically (Scotch-brite)cleaned. Zinc
chromate primer or lacquer paint should be used as a binder and
applied immediately after the cleaning process. There are several
quality paints that can be used at this point.
|
|
| Q: |
How
long before the copper changes color?
|
| A: |
Once bare
copper is exposed to the air, it immediately begins to tarnish.
Exposure to outdoor elements will expedite and increase this
tarnishing and oxidation. Copper does not rust. The oxidation does
not effect the integrity of the metal. Click
Here to see a color chart of the weathering process.
|
|
| Q: |
Why
don't all weathervanes have arrows?
|
| A: |
Traditional
weathervane designs only use arrows as part of the design when the
subject needed help to "rotate" or if the pointing
direction was not easily discernable. In most cases a horizontal
tube was used to indicate the subjects relationship to ground
level. E.g. a horse an inch or two above the horizontal tube would
give the horse the impression of speed. The direction the subject
is facing is the pointing objective.
|
|
| Q: |
Can I
add an arrow to a weathervane if it is not shown with one?
|
| A: |
Most
weathervanes can have an arrow added to the design. If you are
interested in having an arrow added and the option is not listed,
please call 401-396-9280 to check the feasibility of doing so on
that weathervane.
|
|
| Q |
Does
the height of the cupola make a difference? |
| A |
The height
of your cupola should not make a difference in installation. There
are unusual cases of height restrictions or obstructions. We will
work with you if anything similar arises. The builder designs the
height of each model proportionate to the width of the bases. |
|
| Q |
What
is roof pitch? |
| A |
Roof pitch
is the angle or 'steepness' of your roof. The larger the number
the steeper the roof pitch. |
|
| Q |
What
is the difference between imported and hand-sculpted weathervanes? |
| A |
Imported
weathervane designs are stamped into an existing mold.
Hand-sculpted weathervanes are created blow by hammer blow
yielding a more unique figure with individual character. Although
there are companies naming imported vanes as handmade, all they
mean is that the vanes were touched by hands during the
manufacturing process. It is not however, the traditional
definition Americans are accustomed to. We have started naming our
vanes as hand-sculpted; a title the imports can never claim. Most
imported weathervanes are soldered together by 'clam-shelling'
right half with left half resulting in a sharp uncraftsman-like
seam. The close attention to the soldered seam on hand-sculpted
vanes ensures a stronger and more attractive seam. The wall
thickness on imported tubing and sheet metal is metric and of a
thinner material than standard American thickness. Tube and sheet
metal strength and longevity will be less on imports. Imported
vanes are supplied standard with cold rolled steel posts that are
spray painted black. These posts are notorious for rusting
quickly. Ferro Weathervanes offers a brass post with a strong stainless
steel spindle as an option to those who purchase imports. They are
standard on hand-sculpted copper weathervanes. Also beware of
spindles that 'thread' into the post as they may 'unthread'. The
biggest benefit of imported weathervanes is their affordability,
although their prices have been creeping up recently. A
hand-sculpted weathervane will most likely last longer and with
fewer problems than the high production vanes of Taiwan and
Indonesia. The individual character and integrity of American-made
weathervanes invoke the satisfaction we feel for finely crafted
products and art. It is conceivable that these weathervanes may
increase in value with age and it is doubtful this will ever
happen with imported vanes. |
|
| Q |
Should
my weathervane come down if a storm is on the way? |
| A |
Most
weathervanes are designed to work in winds up to 60 miles per
hour. Quality hand-sculpted weathervanes may take up to 85 mile
per hour winds. Beyond these points it is best to remove the
figure and compass. Restore them after the storm or storm season
has past. If your weathervane has large horizontal surfaces like
wings, be sure that you install a retaining hook to keep it from
'flying' away. We recommend inspecting your weathervane
periodically to ensure the figure is spinning freely. |
|
| Q |
Can a
roof cap be used to mount a finial or weathervane? |
| A |
Our roof
caps are ornamental and it is not recommended using one to solely
support a finial or weathervane. Finials and weathervanes are
supplied with long posts. Drill a hole in the roof to properly
anchor the finial or weathervane separately from the cap. This
will ensure a long-lasting, trouble-free installation. Visit your
local sheet metal shop to custom fabricate a roof cap if it is
necessary that it support the weight and stress of the ornament.
Be sure 16 gauge or heavier sheet copper is used and the sections
are welded, not soldered. Most importantly, be sure that the tube
designed to accept the ornaments post is well braced. |
|
| Q |
Do I
need to have a cupola to install a weathervane? |
| A |
No,
weathervanes can be used with or without cupolas. A weathervane
can be installed almost anywhere you desire.
Click
Here for a variety of different mounting options. |
|
| Q |
Why
is a roof bracket not included in the price of copper
weathervanes? |
| A |
It is
impractical to include a roof bracket with the weathervane due to
the large variety of places a weathervane can be used. Some uses
may not require a roof bracket and others may need special
attention and prices can vary considerably. For these reasons
mounting options are left separate from the main weathervane
purchase. We will gladly work with you in determining the best and
most economical method for your unique application.
Click
Here for a variety of different mounting options. |
|
| Q |
What
is the price range on weathervanes and how much should I spend for
my application? |
| A |
Ferro Weathervanes is the only
Weathervane Company to focus on the broad range of customer needs.
Our weathervane prices range from as low as $75 and as high as
$25,000. We are the only company to offer a wide range of
accessories allowing you to personalize your weathervane. A good
benchmark most people use for their weathervane budget is
"one weeks pay". This includes both spouses pay for one
week. Chances are good that your home reflects your income and the
weathervane should be no exception. Now, with your budget set,
open up your imagination, and have some fun! |
|
| Q |
How
do I size a cupola and weathervane to my application? |
| A |
The 'rule
of thumb' is "one inch per ornament's size should equal one foot of
structure size below it". Most people find that adding a little
extra looks even better. Example: a 32 foot garage roof look best
with a 36" cupola (base width) and 36" weathervane (whichever
dimension is greater, height or width). A 14 foot roof looks best
with an 18" or even 20" cupola and weathervane. It is wise to select
'the next size up' if your application is greater than 3 stories.
When choosing your weathervane, be conscious of it's stature when
sizing it to your application. A simple 36" long arrow has less
stature than a 36" long Buffalo. Select the next size up if a
weathervane lacks stature. Feel free to call us at 401-396-9280 for sizing
assistance if needed. |
|
| Q |
Do
the weathervanes need to be assembled; Is it easy? |
| A |
Your
weathervane will be provided unassembled to save on shipping costs
or for ease of transportation. Most weathervanes only have 4
components to assemble. The figure, post, compass, and globes set.
A screwdriver is all that is needed in most cases. Click
Here for a preview of the assembly instructions that will be
included with your weathervane. |
|
| Q |
Which
figures are the most popular?; Your selection is so extensive I
don't know which one to pick. |
| A |
The rooster
is the most ubiquitous of all weathervanes dating back four
thousand years to ancient Mesopotamia. Historically, horses,
barnyard livestock, angels, whales, ships, arrows, and banner have
been popular. Americans also enjoy Indians, eagles and the country
doctor. Weathervane selection has always been linked to pride. It
may be religious or patriotic. Often it was pride in what was
contained within the building such as prized livestock, or a
business/ trade. Today individuals and companies use their
weathervane design to portray their personality more than ever.
Choose a weathervane that best portrays your interests and
hobbies. Use the design to tie into an area or theme such as
boating, history, or focus on an a single element like honoring
the Ospreys that come to nest each year. Weathervanes also
stimulate ch'i circulation and deflect the overbearing force of
roads and large driveways. Have fun and explore the possibilities
that only the Ferro Weathervanes Experience can offer. If you do not find
a particular design, ask us about it. Our archives have over 3,000
weathervane designs and if that fails to contain your idea we are
one of the few weathervane companies that can custom design and
make your idea a reality. |
|
| Q |
How
do I read my weathervane?; What makes it turn? |
| A |
The
assembly portion made up of the post, compass points and globes do
not turn. The figure/arrow is the only portion to turn. Most
weathervanes turn and point/face into the oncoming wind. They are
designed so that the greatest amount of mass is to one side of the
spindle. This causes resistance for the wind and it pushes that
part away until the slim front edge of the vane is facing into the
wind. If a weathervane is pointing towards the 'N', the wind is
coming out of the North and therefore a Northerly wind. |
