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Commonly Asked Weathervane Questions

Weathervane F.A.Q.

Weathervane Basics

A weathervane points into the wind. When you look at a weathervane, remember that the wind is coming from the direction in which it is pointed.

According to folklore,
  • When clouds look like rocks and towers, the earth will have many showers.
  • A cow weathervane with its tail to the west makes weather the best. A cow with its tail to the east makes weather the least.
  • If the north wind doeth blow, and we shall have snow.
  • When the wind is from the east, it’s not good for man nor beast.

    Q. Which are the most popular weathervanes?
    A. Customer favorites include the eagle, rooster, and horse. These designs date back to early American colonial settlements.

    Q. Which weathervane should I buy?
    A. You should buy the weathervane that best reflects your personality or interests, or one that complements your home's style or the area in which you live.

    Q. What is included in the weathervane?
    A. All weathervanes, except cottage styles, include a copper figure, a brass and stainless steel rod, copper spacer balls, and solid brass directionals. Cottage weathervanes contain all of the above but come complete with a powder coated steel rod and either a roof mount or garden pole for display. Mounting and display options for all other weathervanes are sold separately.

    Q. What is the weathervane made of?
    A. The weathervane figure and spacer balls are made of pure copper. The directionals are made of solid brass, and the rod is brass and stainless steel. This ensures a rust-free, maintenance-free product.

    Q. What is the difference between the green and the polished finish?
    A. The green finish is referred to as "patina." This is an artificial finish applied to give the weathervane the appearance of an antique. To some people, the polished finish is more appealing. After assembly, these weathervane figures are placed on buffers to give them luster and shine.

    Q. How long will the polished finish last?
    A. The polished copper weathervanes are not treated. So, within a few months, the weathervanes will lose their polished look and start to tarnish naturally. At first, the finish will turn dark, like an old copper penny. Then, after several years, the surface will begin to bloom with a beautiful natural patina. If you desire to keep the polished finish looking new, we recommend using a clear lacquer or polyurethane. Good Directions offers the brand “Staybrite” an excellent way to protect and maintain the polished finish.

    Q. We live by the ocean and experience strong gusts of wind. Will the weathervane fall apart?
    A. It shouldn't - but as an extra precaution - we recommend that you apply a thread locker, like "Loctite," to bond the rod threads and screw threads.

    Q. Are the weathervanes easy to assemble?
    A. Yes, all you need is a screwdriver. Instructions are included. All the parts slide onto the rod and are secured by setscrews.

    Q. How do I mount the weathervane?
    A. The easiest and most affordable way to mount a weathervane is to use the 401AL or 401LG roof mounts. For mounting your weathervane in other areas, we also offer garden poles, display bases, eave mounts, and wall mounts.

    Q. Can weathervanes be used indoors?
    A. Yes. Our accessories include a variety of mantel bases and floor stands to help bring the beauty of our weathervanes into the home.

    Q. Where can weathervane figures be placed indoors?
    A. Weathervanes can be placed in many places, such as over fireplace mantels, on window sills, over kitchen cabinets, mounted on the wall, or on a display base on the floor or hearth. Good Directions' mounting and display options make it easy.

    Q. If the weathervane is pointing south, does this mean that the wind is blowing from the north?
    A. No! The weathervane figure will always point into the wind. In other words, the figure will always point in the direction from where the wind is blowing.

    Q. Should the N-E-S-W directionals on my weathervane turn in the wind?
    A. No, N-E-S-W represents the compass points of the earth and should stay fixed. If you see them moving in the wind, tighten the screws on each of the brass directionals.

    Q. Can we just buy the weathervane figure?
    A. Yes. These figures make beautiful decorative pieces in the home.