I will try to answer them the best I can.
1. metal vs wood- which has fewer issues.
I prefer metal. I get alot of snow in a year and one less roof to shovel is a bonus. What alot of people do is put a base of wood under it to help stop the rain in the sugarhouse.
2. Cupola - definitely want one, but again don't know about working with the metal if I go that way.
You definately are going to need one with no hood and I think it is what sets apart a sugarhouse from just a building. Frame it with wood and just use the metal on the roof of the cupola just like you would on the rest of your sugarhouse.
3. Does a cupola just need to be over the evap, or run the length of the roof.
A good rule of thumb is to make the cupola size tha same as the arch size. A 2x8 evaporator and a 2x8 coulpla would be a good match, however if you are planning on a bigger evap in the future with no hood on it make the coupla bigger now instead of doing it over later.
4. Does a cupola come close to eliminating the condensation issue?
Well thats a loaded question lol. Without it wheres the steam going to exit the building? It definately helps alot but will not eliminate the irritating drops hitting you on the head. Remeber you need makeup air to replace the air going out the coupla. An open door or window will help.
5. Roof pitch - would a steeper pitch allow condensation to run down the inside and drain under the eave?
Well it will allow the snow to slide off easier for sure but the condensation is still going to follow every rafter and everytime it hits a board under the steel it will buildup and drip.
6. I'll eventually want to sell syrup, so does roof type factor in to the food issue- inspections, ect?
Not currently that Im aware of, however you will see in the near future that if you are selling any syrup to a bulk packer you will be required to run a hood over the pans, I am guessing what will follow shortly after this happens the inspectors will put it in place as well for retail sellers. Im not from Ohio though so your regs might be different than NY's
Last edited by 3rdgen.maple; 07-01-2011 at 10:49 PM.
2X6 deluxe Phanuef
Adding 200 more every year
27 years left of building a Hobby into a retirement time burner.