Iron Rooster

Weathervanes – A Buyer’s Guide & Historical Information

Historically, weathervanes can be tracked all the way back to the days of the ancients. Overtime, the use of weathervanes has ebbed less towards pure utility and, nowadays, leans more towards decorative utility with shape and look being more a factor than its function to show the direction of the wind. Nevertheless, a weathervane can be one way to add some personality to the outside of just about any building.

The basic construction of a weathervane usually consists of some animal or object, most typically a rooster, and mounted directly below, a compass and arrow to indicate the direction of the wind. The only parts that move are the object on top and the arrow. Any compass letters or ornaments below the arrow will remain stationary and fixed to ensure accurate wind readings. Importantly, weathervanes will only work properly if all the elements are accurately designed. One of the most important factors in a weathervanes design is its surface area. The surface area of a weathervane must be off balance so that it will catch the wind and rotate. Most importantly, the back of the arrow is larger than the front which causes the weathervane to rotate. For the most part, the rest of the weathervane is symmetrically made.

One very nice thing about weathervanes is that they are very unique and can be found in many different shapes, sizes and finishes. One of the more interesting finishes on a weathervane is verdigris. Verdigris is when a greenish tint naturally takes over the copper and leaves an algae-like earth tone to the weathervane. Even though weathervanes will naturally verdigris with the environment, some people like this process pre-done for them and will order a weathervane with a verdigris finish. Other typical finishes included anything from a white or black, to an iron brown, to a rust-colored copper.

Finding a spot to place a weathervane can cause a headache. First off, the function of the weathervane should decide where it goes. If the weathervane is purely for direction, find a spot atop the building it will be attached that looks best. For the most part, this tends to be the far corners or the direct center of a building. Instead, if the weathervanes function is both an ornament and a wind catcher, place it in a spot on a roof with the lease amount of obstructions. If a tree or addition is filtering the wind, the weathervane will not give an accurate reading.

The next step, mounting the weathervane is very simple, but requires much caution and exactness to ensure safety and quality. Firstly, pick a spot on the fascia (any horizontal point on a building) that you would like the weathervane to go. After pinpointing the place the weathervane will be attached to, set up a sturdy ladder and make your way up. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the actually screw, drill a hole in the fascia and firmly secure the pole. All that is left is to slide the weathervane into the pole until it reaches the bottom, and tighten the cross screws to hold the weathervane in place.

With so many different ways to remodel a house, weathervanes can really add an exciting element to a house, barn, gazebo, etc… All it takes is finding the right one and soon the weathervane will become just another personal extension of the house.  

About the Author

Kohn Coleman born in Michigan – received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 2000 – currently leads several online companies and ventures.

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