Weathervanes - shape, function and curb appeal

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In home design, it is not uncommon for functional objects into something decorative or ornamental be reinvented. An example is the weather vane, a device which originally meant to tell the direction of the wind. Once a practical tool for anyone who works out of doors is now so much is a form of art as it a weather instrument. If you look, adding style and value to your home, possibly Weathervanes exactly what you need.

History

The word "Weathervane" comes from the old English Fane, i.e. banner or flag. Weathervanes have been in use since man learned to say weather patterns by the wind. The earliest known use was in 48 BC, a life-size statue of the Greek God Triton above placed the Greeks on the Tower of the winds in Athens.

At the time, the new world was discovered, has Weathervanes colonists on the highest towers symbolize the cities new identity appears. First used the same old numbers just as their European ancestors, but eventually changed the pointer better reflect nearby city (known as the "ornament" in the industry). Coastal towns used figures of fish and ships; rural houses were crowned with sculpted animals. Weathervanes remain one of the most popular items for outdoor living today.

Materials

Copper is the most popular material for Weathervanes. Its distinctive color and extreme durability make it ideal for long-term outdoor use. Copper can come with a natural or bronze finish are equally attractive. Natural copper makes green or brown in the course of time a beautiful dark while a protective surface retains the original color. Iron and zinc coatings can also be applied.

For the more practical, vinyl offers great value. Very weather-resistant and require virtually no maintenance. Vinyl, a plastic-based synthetic material will rise for all types of weather and recent years. It is not as stylish as copper, but if it does the job definitely function and quality.

Wood Weathervanes are mostly craftsmen craft and are too sensitive for outdoor use. See shelves, table tops and Mantels usually you adorning. As such, durability is not always a priority so that several types of wood can be used. The most common types are cherry, cedar and pine trees.

Styles

You can also swell-bodied, full bodied, and silhouette Weathervanes. The swell body type is by far the most common because you have some dimension, but are still thin enough to move with the wind. As the name implies, the decoration swells just a bit in the middle. You can deploy it on your roof or a free standing pole in your garden.

The full-bodied weathervane has a fully three-dimensional sculpture as its pointer. Due to the bulky size, they are more resistant to wind and weather. However, you also need more support from the base and are harder to balance. They are recommended for roofs in areas with strong winds and rough weather.

Silhouette types have been cut out from a flat sheet. There is little to no detail so that the numbers are usually the ones with an identifiable profile. Cocks and arrows are the most common examples. Since you have not much structural integrity, they are used to mount bars in gardens and pavilions.

Buying tips

The most important thing when buying a weather vane is its size. How domes have you a proportionate in size to your home. As a general rule ornaments that are 8 to 15 inches ideal is 12 to 20 inches for the installation of the poles for cottage, gazebo or small roof work and 20-inch is roofs for full size.

Next, balance should be on your list. It should be designed so that the weight evenly on both halves. Otherwise, the wind vane is heavier side tip over.
Finally, consider your installation options. Is it a garden bar or atop a dome install? If it's the latter, be sure the dome is weathervane-ready, so you don't have to get mounts to roof. For pole mounting the best height of 5 to 8 M high is enough visible but not too high to allow access.

The most important is to ensure that your personality and style reflected. As long as you know the basics and choose wisely, your weathervane of one of the best additions to your home or garden may.

Samuel Francis is an avid collector of furniture, enjoys special outdoor furniture and outdoor decor. Visit http://www.outdoorgardenfurniture.net supplier of high-quality Home exterior highlights, including the pictures for more of his articles on garden furniture.