In these days of instant weather readings
by radio, the role of the weather vane siting
on top of a house's cupola is less to show
the wind direction than it is to add a charming
touch of ornamentation. If you are considering
a weather vane for your own home or as a
house warming gift for a friend, you'll find
you'll need to know only a few simple facts
before you can let your imagination take
charge of the decision.
The physics of a weather vane is simple.
In order to work properly, weather vanes
have to have unequal surface area on opposite
sides (so the wind can catch and steer the
vane) but equal mass either side of the center
pole (so the vane can rotate unencumbered).
Provided that a weather vane meets these
tests, you can pick virtually any weather
proof material, shape, or design.
Weather vane materials
Weather vanes, especially antique vanes,
are in high demand today, and are usually
made out copper, but also cast iron, steel,
zinc, or even wood. It is not unusual to
see brass or other finishes on top of basic
metals.
Styles and prices
Whether antique or new, weather
vanes are
increasing in popularity as a
housewarming
gift because of their longevity
and relatively
low cost. The vanes can come
in many different
styles from very basic and functional
to
ornamental, with many styles
personalized
to the home and homeowner:
- Arrow, scrolls and banners with wording or
house numbering
- Silhouettes (such as an eagle, horse or other
animal)
- Swell-bodied (a 2D silhouette pounded out
by hand to a slight 3D shape)
- Full-bodied (a 3D casting or carving of an
animal or figure)
Size
Determining the right size weather
vane for
your house is a matter of taste.
Work from
a photo or sketch of your house
and play
around with different sizes and
shapes (since
smaller, bulky designs will be
more noticeable
than larger, leaner designs)
until you find
one that is noticeable but not
overpowering.
Then, find a weathervane design
that fits
within that size. |
