How to Mount a Weather Vane
Nothing is more useful or charming than an old-fashioned weather vane. Across the country you can see them atop roofs, pointing attentively the direction of the wind, always informative. You can sometimes find an old weather vane at a country flea market. Hardware stores that boast upscale home décor departments are other promising locales to find a weather vane. And once you find that special one, it's just a matter of a little hardware and locating the perfect spot before it's swinging in the wind. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Weather vane
- Carpenter's pencil
- Bubble level
- Drill
- Drill bit
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Flagpole mount (optional)
Instructions
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1
Stabilize a ladder next to your house. Choose which corner of the fascia on which to mount the weather vane. If you want the weather vane for appearance, put it in front of the house. If you want it more for function, select the corner with the least obstruction from trees and other tall objects.
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2
Take the mounting tools, screws, pencil, level and a portable drill up the ladder to your chosen spot. Some weather vanes come as a kit and have the appropriate hardware. But if your weather vane is lacking hardware, use a flagpole mount, the kind used to mount a flag onto a house. Use your gear bag to hold the small tools.
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3
Hold the hardware mount onto to the fascia and, using the carpenter's pencil, mark the location of the screw holes onto the wood. Check the alignment using a bubble level to ensure the weather vane will line up straight when erected.
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4
Drill holes for the screws using a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the screws. When done, remove the drill bit from the drill and attach the screwdriver head.
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5
Line the hardware mount up to the drilled holes and attach screws using the drill. Tighten enough to be secure.
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6
Attach the weather vane to the mounted hardware. Slide the weather vane pole into the appropriate slot on the mount until it touches the bottom. Add and hand-tighten cross screws that go across and through the pole to hold it into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Lubricate a metal weather vane with oil if it no longer spins in the wind.
When performing carpentry work on a ladder, wear a gear fanny pack so your hands are free to use equipment.
Alternatively, the weather vane can be mounted on its own pole out in the open area.
Always take extra care when working on a ladder.
