Weather Vane Materials

Modern weathervanes are not only used for indicating direction of the wind but also to enhance home décor. Weathervanes were traditionally mounted on rooftops but are now placed on walls, kitchen stands, fireplace mantles and garden fences for decorative purposes. Evolution of weathervanes has introduced a large variety of materials used to manufacture them.

The most traditional and ancient material used for weathervanes is wood. Wooden weathervanes were carved out from wood, and painted with natural paints to preserve its natural color and look. Wood had its own drawbacks of not being long lasting. This led to use of metals as they are sturdier than wood. So, brass, copper steel and cast aluminum have also been used to make modern weathervanes apart from wood.

Metal weathervanes are very popular for their look and shine while aluminum weathervanes are renowned for their longevity and wrought iron look. These materials are hand hammered or custom made to build weathervanes and embellished with gold, rust, bronze or verdigris finishings to add to the beauty of the finished product. Various color paints and natural paints are also used to decorate weathervanes. Copper and brass weathervanes are often accentuated by using other metals.

Various designing kits containing specific material are also available and can be assembled by customers. Some wooden kits have accessories that give a metallic look to the external appearance of wooden weathervanes. Some accessories provide a look of antiquity or make the wood visible through a veil of transparent colors and varnish.

Buyers may find details of materials used to make a weathervane online also. Names of these materials including colors and embellishments used could be listed along with a picture of the weathervanes. Choice of material will generally depend on the kind of look the customer has in mind and amount of money that can be invested.

By Ross Bainbridge

How to Protect Weathervanes

As today's crime world gets more and more inventive, you can bet that someone has their eye on anything that's not tied down. One of the latest heist targets? Old, authentic antique or heavy metal weather vanes. That's right, the old rooster on top of your barn could just get up and walk away. And in a lot of cases, you'll never know, because thieves often place replicas to delay awareness of the crime.
Instructions
Step 1:Get a dog. A good guard dog is among the best ways to protect any home. Of course, you'll have to spend time and money on your canine friend, but it could end up being well worth it.
Step 2:Don't be an absentee homeowner. Maintain a definite presence at your property and advertise that presence. Thieves are attracted when they can ascertain that nobody's home. When you leave on vacation, use televisions, lights or misinformation to get people to think you're still around.
Step 3:Enlist help from friends or neighbors. Loyal neighbors can be particularly helpful in watching your property.
Step 4:Keep uninvited guests off of the property, including shared roadways, waterways, etc. Be assertive with uninvited drive-throughs. Let them know it is private property and it's yours. The innocent drive-through can be a thief casing the property.
Step 5:Mark your weather vane. Put a small piece of brightly colored tape on the weather vane at a certain spot, so that you can check for it on a regular basis. If you see that the tape has been moved, or is gone, you know something's up.

Tips & Warnings
Don't get violent. Using violence against suspected criminals or trespassers is not a good idea. Way too often, violent tactics boomerang back on the property owner as legal technicalities intrude on common sense. Do the investigative and preventative work, but let the police handle the catch.