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Weathervane Installation Guide

So, you’ve found the perfect weathervane design and you just need some tips to position and install it? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’ve chosen a traditional cast iron design or an on-trend copper style, our weathervanes have been specifically designed for ease of installation. But, as with any of our product installations, we recommend seeking the advice of a qualified tradesperson. Before you begin the full installation process of your weathervane, we advise ensuring that all parts are clear of any dirt or debris. We also recommend applying a light engineering grease to the shaft and within the shaft sleeve/tube.

Due to their decorative nature and the materials used to create our weathervanes, they are not always suitable for coastal locations or locations which receive excessively high winds or storm-like conditions. We recommend inspecting your weathervane yearly, or following any adverse weather or windy conditions, to ensure any necessary maintenance is undertaken and completed in a timely manner. To properly care for your weathervane, please refer to our ‘Weathervane Care & Maintenance Guide’. 

Weathervane Installation Guide

CAST IRON WEATHERVANE POSITIONING

Before installing your weathervane in your chosen location, we recommend seeking the advice of a tradesperson who will assess your installation location for suitability. Our weathervanes come in three sizes – standard, miniature and large. The bracket supplied is adaptable and can be fitted either horizontally or vertically, depending on your desired weathervane placement. Which size is best for your property depends on a few factors, as well as the overall look you are aiming to achieve. 

CAST IRON WEATHERVANE INSTALATION

If your property features a cupola or a domed peak at the summit of a roof, the deep black of our cast iron designs would look ideal silhouetted against the open sky. A standard sized weathervane is perfect in this case, as it will easily be seen when fitted. If you are mounting your weathervane to a roof apex or side of a building, barn or shed, it is more likely that the weathervane may be lost in the background, particularly with dark brickwork or foliage behind it. A large size or hand-painted weathervane may be a better option in this scenario. You may also want to consider a copper weathervane as these are bright and reflective, but will oxidise and darken in finish over time to more antique look. If affixing to a ridged roof, you will need to purchase a ridged affix bracket.

Please note that, with many of our more elaborate weathervane concepts, design takes absolute precedent over functionality as achieving accurate readings in most urban areas can prove challenging regardless of design. With these iron weathervanes, you will not have the same level of accuracy or responsiveness you would achieve with the likes of a lighter sheet steel design due to the heavy, robust construction. For optimum functionality, the weathervane should be clear of hedges, trees, buildings or anything which may interfere or obstructed the wind blowing in a constant and consistent direction. If accuracy and responsiveness are of paramount importance, we would recommend the use of an wind sock or other measurement device as opposed to a cast iron weathervane.

If you are installing one of our traditional cast iron or hand-painted weathervane designs, the following information should help you. For mounting our weathervanes, we advise the use of a 12mm drill bit. Please note that the weathervane top is held on with a locking screw. The locking screw is there to secure the head from coming off but, equally as important, must be freed enough to allow the vane to spin.

1.) To help make installation as easy as possible, the mounting bracket can be fitted either vertically or horizontally to a gable end. Once you are happy with the orientation of the bracket, using a spirit level for guidance, mark out the fixing holes for the bracket at the installation site.
2.) Refit part B into part A (the bracket) and tighten the grub screws. Please check the bolts are suitable for your type of wall (i.e. stone or brick) before commencing. From this point, some may find it easier to assemble the weathervane on the ground before fitting it to the now installed bracket, but this is entirely down to personal preference.
3.) Fix part B (the pole) to the mounting bracket followed by the larger ball fitting.
4.) The directional arrows should interlock and be fixed in place by the two supplied screws. Using a compass, line up the North arrow in the correct position and then fit your finial to the top of the pole.
5.) The weathervane top is secured in place using a locking screw. It is vital that this screw remains tightly fitted to ensure the finial remains in place whilst being positioned correctly to allow the weathervane to turn freely in the wind.
6.) You are also supplied with a rubber bung which should be used to close off the part of the bracket that isn’t being used (as detailed in the diagram below).

Cast Iron Weathervane Installation & Positioning

Cast Iron Weathervanes

To improve the change of direction of your weathervane, grease can be applied to the pole component to facilitate a smoother, more responsive movement.

COPPER WEATHERVANES

Our range of copper weathervanes can be set up using the diagram pictured below. Please note that the following diagram refers to our copper weathervanes only. For further installation information about our standard and large cast iron weathervanes, please see the instructions above.

Installation & Positioning Guide For Copper Weathervanes

Copper Weathervanes

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us on 01691 610952 or email us at sales@blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk. Our team will be happy to help with your enquiry!

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