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Continue ShoppingWeathervane Installation & FAQs
Weather vane Installation and FAQs
How do I install the weather vane?
Fixing Options: A choice of fixings is included in the cost of your weathervane. Detailed descriptions and photos of our standard range of brackets are available on the weathervane fixings page, and bespoke brackets can be provided for specific installation needs.
Placement Tips: For accurate wind direction readings, mount the weather vane at the highest point available to avoid interference from trees or buildings . If you have chosen your weathervane for purely aesthetic reasons, then this is less important, but you will be able to see it more clearly if there is sky behind it rather than dark coloured trees or brickwork.
Accurate Weathervane Installation: Use a compass to set your North-South cardinal points, and double check which way up the letters are supposed to be.
Ensure the pole is completely vertical using a spirit level, and follow the instructions provided for your individual fixing. If you have any weathervane questions regarding your installation, feel free to ring on 01450 880380 and we'll be happy to give advice.
What size of weather vane do you recommend for my property?
There is often no definitive right answer, but it is worth considering the points below and using the graphic as a rough guide:
Personal Taste: The right size may depend on what looks best to you and your preferences - there is often no right or wrong answer.
Viewing Distance: Consider how far away you'll typically view the weathervane from – larger sizes are better for greater distances.
Design Details: If you are deciding between two sizes, it may be worth looking at how detailed your chosen weather vane design is - bolder designs may be fine in the smaller size, but if it is quite ornate it can often be worth going for the larger one.
Property Scale: A larger garden may benefit from a bigger weathervane for better visibility.
Ask Us for Advice: Simply send a photo of your intended location to jenny@blackfoxmetalcraft.co.uk or call us on 01450 880380.
Gilding Options
Cardinal Points (NSEW) and Sails: Black Fox’s weathervanes can be professionally gilded with 23.5 carat gold leaf for lasting brilliance. It is weather-resistant and superior to gold paint, which can dull over time.
Pricing: The standard rate for gilding cardinal points on any size of weathervane is an additional £110. Gilding areas of the sail varies by size and complexity, contact us for a bespoke quote.
Other Common Weathervane Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do weathervanes work?
A weathervane's arrow will point to where the wind is coming from if:
- There is equal weight at the front and back of the sail (either side of the tube).
- The sail has more surface area at the back than the front, so the wind has something to catch.
Do weathervanes spin on bearings?
Yes, Black Fox Metalcraft's weathervanes spin on a single greased ball bearing. Both the ball bearing and grease are provided.
Can weathervanes in the UK attract lightning?
- Weathervanes are no more likely to be struck by lightning than a TV aerial.
- Very tall buildings in high-risk lightning zones may be more susceptible.
- If your building doesn't already require a lightning protection system, adding a weathervane is unlikely to change that.
What maintenance do windvanes require?
Black Fox Metalcraft’s weathervanes do not require any maintenance. The electroplate/powder coat finish should last for many years without repainting.