Weathervanes

Weathervanes

Weathervanes, once practical, now add personality and beauty to any home. It subtly distinguishes buildings so visitors can identify them, even from a distance.

Are you interested in adding this unique home décor item to your outdoor landscaping?

Explore décor tips and FAQs about choosing and installing the best weathervanes so they are sturdy and stunning.

What is a Weathervane?

The original purpose of a weathervane was to show the direction of the wind. The wind blows the vane, so the arrow points in the direction it is blowing. The oldest weathervanes were in China and were simple streamers that blew with the wind to show its strength and direction.

Today, weathervanes are primarily ornamental. They cannot accurately tell the weather. People also have more accurate ways of knowing the weather, making practical weathervanes obsolete but still leaving room for decorative vanes.

The traditional weathervane has a rooster on top, but homeowners now use a variety of décor items.

The weathervane goes on the highest part of the roof and acts as a decorative piece.

Weathervane Décor Ideas

How can you use weathervanes to spruce up your home’s appearance? Here are three tips to start your creativity flowing.

1. Choose a Weather-Friendly Material

The weather will be in direct sunlight, rain, and wind. It should be made from a material that can weather the elements while still looking stunning.

Walpole Outdoors offers pure copper weathervanes that age naturally over time without losing appeal. The material is durable yet light enough to move in the wind.

1. Select a Unique Design

While a rooster is a traditional weathervane design, homeowners don’t need to feel restricted to one idea.

Weathervanes are on top of homes, defining the house. They should be as unique as the people living inside. Choosing animals or designs that reflect interests and personal tastes helps customize the home.

It’s also one of the first elements visitors will see, as it is at the house's highest point. People may use it to find and identify the home, making finding a design that matches the homeowner’s taste even more essential.

Some designs that Walpole Outdoors offers include:

●    A whale weathervane for lovers of oceans and marine life

●    A freedom eagle weathervane for those showing their patriotic pride

●    A rooster for those who love the traditional look of weathervanes

1. Find a Decorative Location

Weathervanes can go on any roof around your home or property. If the homeowner would like the weathervane to spin in the wind, they will need to place it at the tallest place on the roof so the wind can move through the vane.

Some other ideal spots for weathervanes include:

●    Garages

●    Cupolas

●    Workshops

●    Barns

●    Gazebos

Check for areas that receive plenty of wind. Buildings behind taller buildings or hidden within trees may not receive enough wind to spin the weathervane.

1. Choose the Appropriate Accessories

Weathervanes come with accessories to secure it to the roof. Most weathervanes have an assembly rod and a globe. The rod in the globe helps the design spin easily in the wind. Without the accessories, the decorative piece would remain stationary on the roof.

Common FAQs Around Weathervanes

Before diving into weathervane installation, browse these frequently asked questions to ensure you understand all the details in purchasing and installing weathervanes so you can enjoy them for many years.

How Do You Display Weathervanes?

You will need a weathervane stand that matches the location of your choice to install a weathervane. Typically, homeowners choose roofs to display weathervanes to catch the wind and sparkle in the sun.

However, there are weathervane stands that support alternative locations. Garden poles can also hold weathervanes not connected to buildings. Garden poles allow you to display the weathervanes in a garden, in a large yard, or out front at eye level, where people can admire the fine details on your weathervane.

Homeowners can also use wall mounts to install the weathervane on the side of a building rather than on the roof. While a wall mount may reduce the wind the vane receives, you have more flexibility about where to install it.

How Do You Balance a Weathervane?

The weathervane must be balanced to withstand winds and move freely in the correct direction. The pointer side will be slightly heavier than the backside of the design, so the wind blows the heavier side forward. Just be sure not to have too much weight toward the front; otherwise, it won’t be able to move easily.

Follow the installation instructions for your weathervane and stand to ensure you attach it correctly and that it is balanced.

Spruce up Your Outdoors with a Unique Weathervane

Use weathervanes to turn your landscape into a reflection of your personality and style. Our handcrafted and quality weathervanes withstand years of weather exposure and will help your home stand out..

Connect with a design expert to find the best weathervanes for your home.