pre-made cupola purchase

[berkshires]

Hi Folks,

My family built a little cabin that we used as a sauna for many years, but then fell into disrepair. I've been fixing it up and using it as my sugar shack. For the first few years I just had a little home-built evaporator, and with all the windows and door wide open, there was (barely) enough ventilation for the steam to escape (but it was still a bit of a steam sauna!) Now I've purchased a proper 2 x 3 Mason evaporator, and done a few boils in it. I tried putting a fan in an upper window, but that just was not adequate.

So I realize I need to chop open the roof and put a cupola in. I do not have the time to build one myself. Would a pre-made one like this: https://cupolasdirect.com/amish-cupolas/square-cupolas/gulfport-cupolas-mcb4ss.html be adequate? Or is there something about a sugar-shack cupola that is different, that I have to look for?

Thanks!

Gabe O

[Pdiamond]

You are going to want one that will open on the sides. Should be the same size as your pan 2 x 3. I had mine made by the amish and it is an opening of 2 x 4 inside dimensions for my sugar house and it was only $125.00. All I had to do was cut the opening and set it in place on the roof.

[jrgagne99]

I agree with diamond. It needs to have doors that flop down to open nice and wide. I can't see buying one though. I think it would probably take just as long to build one in-situ as it would to install a pre-made one.

[berkshires]

So it sounds like the common wisdom is that these standard ones with slats that open and shut on all four sides will not let out enough steam? Or am I misunderstanding?

Pdiamond: Would you mind sharing the details (you can send me a message here if you want) about who you worked with, and what plans you gave them to build it?

jrgagne99: While building it in situ might be fun, it's just not an option for me. I live two hours from my sugarbush, and any time I'm there is at a premium: if I'm not actively boiling, I'm playing with my daughter and helping my wife. I occasionally find some time to cut and split wood in advance of the season. And that's about it. So I can get a roofer to cut open the roof and install a pre-made cupola, but I don't think I can find a local roofer who would know how (or be interested) to make one.

Thanks everyone for your input,

GO

[maple flats]

If you can't or don't chose to do it, I'm quite certain any roofer or most carpenters would be able to do it. Just draw out a sketch, let them know you want the opening to be 6 sq feet minimum and that both sides should open. It's best if each side open equals the 6 sf in case a breeze from the wrong directions makes you open just 1 side.
I don't think the one you referenced would be a good choice.

[Zucker Lager]

Just a thought for somewhere to go and have one built and possibly designed too. Check with your local high school trade classes some have carpentry classes. One of the high schools near hear builds complete houses that are auctioned off at the end of each year and the kids do a great job under the supervision of the teachers of course. Jay

[berkshires]

If you can't or don't chose to do it, I'm quite certain any roofer or most carpenters would be able to do it.

I called a dozen or more roofers in the area, and none were interested in the job. Too involved I guess, and they have their hands full with the storms recently - doing roofing repair and such.

I needed to get it done this fall before the winter hits, so I wound up doing a quick-and dirty job of it. I cut through the roof and put two shutters on the roof that I can open when I'm boiling. I didn't touch the one exposed rafter on either side, or the ridge beam. So I'll probably get some condensation on them. Oh well. Hopefully over the course of next summer I can get someone to come in and build a proper cupola.

Gabe

[berkshires]

Check with your local high school trade classes some have carpentry classes. One of the high schools near hear builds complete houses that are auctioned off at the end of each year and the kids do a great job under the supervision of the teachers of course. Jay

That was a great idea. A friend of mine did that for a shed he had built. Unfortunately, the local high schools around me don't seem to have that.

GO