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Continue ShoppingHow We Make Custom Weathervane Fixings — and Why They Matter
Why are custom weathervane fixings important?
Choosing a weathervane fixing that is tailored precisely to the intended mounting point can mean firstly that it functions better because it gets clearer airflow, and secondly you may be able to get a better view of it from the ground if it is fitted at the correct height for the building; both points meaning you get more chance to enjoy your weather vane.
Black Fox Metalcraft offers a range of the most commonly used brackets for weathervanes. For the sake of keeping things fairly simple and straightforward, we do not list each variation on these at the point of order on the website, however variations on the standard fixings are very easy for us to produce. We are happy to make and where needed, design, bespoke fixings for weathervanes as we know it helps our customers to get the most from their purchase. Most companies selling mass produced weathervanes won’t make you a bespoke fixing because it doesn’t make them enough money. This means you’ll be stuck with whatever fixing is easy for them to make quickly and cheaply. At Black Fox Metalcraft we can produce fixings to mount to pretty much any building or structure; we don’t mind an engineering challenge or spending a bit of time working things out!
Why choose Black Fox Metalcraft for custom weathervane fixings?
- Black Fox Metalcraft are happy to give advice on fixings, all you need to do is email over a photo of the intended mounting point for the weathervane, and we'll do the rest.
- We understand that, especially when you are buying a weathervane as a gift, it isn’t always possible to acquire the measurements of the roof overhang or the width of the ridge board. That's why we are happy to send out fixings, bespoke or otherwise, after the weathervane itself, once you’ve had chance to get someone to look at it.
- We are happy to swap fixings at a later date (as long as they are undamaged) if you change your mind about location, or if you accidently choose the wrong one and realise, for example that you need a longer pole.
- There is no additional charge for creating bespoke weathervane fixings.
When to choose a bespoke weathervane fixing bracket
- When the roof overhangs the gable by more than 6", a longer gable bracket can easily be produced.
- When the weather vane needs to be mounted where two barge boards meet (see photo below) Having the four holes means you won't have to push the bracket off centre, and it's secure because it's not mounted right on the end of a board.
- If your barge boards are very wide and the weathervane cannot be mounted to them, you may need a longer pole.
- If mounting through an existing wooden finial, a large screw can be welded to the bottom of the weathervane's pole. (See flying Pig weathervane below!)
- If your ridge board differs from the standard 2" wider, we'll need to a bracket to fit comfortably over it - again this is really straightforward.
- Where the weathervane is being mounted to your front fascia boards, and there is not enough space vertically for a gable style bracket we can make a back plate to follow the pitch of the roof. (See image below)
- If your roof has no overhang, the wind vane's pole can be welded directly to a square plate, and can have 2 or 4 holes depending on what you need. (see image below)
Black Fox Metalcraft's custom fixings extend to our outdoor metal signs as well; the photo below shows a double sided sign welded to a bracket that is fixed within a dry stone wall. It's the only one of these we've ever done, but great that we were able to produce exactly what the customer wanted without them having to compromise.
If you think you might need a custom fixing for a weathervane or sign but are not sure what would be the best option, feel free to send an email with a photo of the intended location to jenny@blackfoxmetalcraft.co.uk and we'll be happy to advise.