Composition of a Weather Vane

Weather vane or wind vane is a meteorology tool that rotates in the wind to show the direction from which the wind is blowing. This wind direction device is usually mounted on roof tops or post where only unobstructed wind will affect the weather vane showing. Ancient weather vanes were as simple as a strip of cloth or pennant on a stick. Modern weather vanes can be very ornate and detailed with hand painted figurines such as farm animals or birds. Elaborate or simple, the purpose of the wind vane is to always rotate freely showing any change in wind direction.

The basic weather vane is made up of three parts, the vane, mast and base. The vane usually resembles an arrow shape, will rotate freely and point into the direction of the wind. The mast is the vertical portion of the weather vane. The mast runs through the center of the vane allowing it to rotate freely in the wind. The base secures the weather vane to a roof. There are two styles of base, flat or clutch. The flat base mounts a weather vane on a post or a flat roof. The clutch base is “V” shaped and adjustable to accommodate the pitch of a roof. Weather vanes are usually mounted on a cupola or pitched roof making the clutch base the most popular. A very useful upgrade to the basic wind vane design is to add a compass rose or “directional” to the mast. The directional displays the four points of the compass North, South, East and West. The vane rotates above the directional showing what point on the compass the wind is blowing from. As a final touch, weather vanes can be individualize with a decorative ornament or figurine on top of the vane. Some weather vanes now look more like architectural ornaments than tools of meteorology! In Canada a full size Douglas DC-3 airplane is being used as the vane for an airports wind vane!

Customary wind vane ornaments are bald eagles, horses, sailboats and roosters traditionally known as weathercocks. There are many more choices of weather vane ornaments to suite your individual taste. When choosing a weather vane make sure you select the recommended size for your building. A weather vane suited for a shed or small garage would be lost on a large house or barn. Do yourself a big favor by purchasing a rust proof aluminum weather vane. You will spend more time under the roof than on top of it. No nasty rust stains to clean off roof tiles or wasted time trying to free up a rusty steal weather vane. Buythesign.com offers weather vane in three popular sizes. All are fully functional wind vanes that are perfectly balanced to indicate the slightest change in wind direction. Price range from economy, ornate to deluxe all can be purchased with or without a decorative ornament. Whether remodeling or building new improve the looks of your home or garden today by adding a decorative aluminum weather vane.

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