How To Keep a Patio Umbrella From Falling Over
Wondering how to keep a patio umbrella from falling over? Relaxing under a good patio umbrella is one of the best ways to enjoy a sunny day. Even if you’re doing some work on your laptop or if you just want to enjoy the outdoors, patio umbrellas are a brilliant addition to your outdoor space.
They provide excellent protection from the scorching sun — be it the garden or at any poolside. A major problem that you might come across is the fact they can be prone to falling over if strong winds hit. For that, we’ve got you covered.
How To Keep a Patio Umbrella From Falling Over
To help you solve this issue, we have a few preventive measures that you can carry out to help. We very much hope that these ideas will help you overcome this very common problem that all of patio umbrella owners experience.
- Keep the Unused Umbrella Closed
If you aren’t using it, it’s better to keep your patio umbrella closed. In this way, you can decrease the risk of damage to the umbrella and also its surroundings if it does fall over. Tie the cord tightly around the fabric so it can’t open by itself in strong winds.
Some patio umbrellas come with a Velcro strap while others have a separate cover. If your umbrella has a cover, use it, use it, use it! You will also be able to prolong the life of the umbrella by sheltering it from the elements.
- Use a Heavy Base
A heavy and sturdy base provides maximum support to your patio umbrella. Those that are made up of granite or cement are the best ones to use. Some umbrellas come with a base, while for others, you may need to buy them separately. If you cannot easily get your hands on a heavy enough base, we suggest buying a sandbag if you live in a windy area.
- Know the Correct Base’s Weight
The weight of the base depends on the size of your umbrella. For the umbrellas that are somewhere between 1.82 to 2.3 meters in diameter, then use a base that weighs no less than 16 kg.
On the other hand, for umbrellas that measure 2.3 to 2.8 meters, a base that weighs 18 to 25 kg is better. If the size is 2.8 to 3.35 meters, use a base that weighs 30 to 35 kg. Lastly, if your umbrella is positioned in an area that receives a lot of gusts, then it’s better to use a base of 45 to 100 kg.
- Strengthen the Ribs
Although wooden ribs can give a classy look to your umbrella, they can break more easily in strong winds or a storm when compared to their metal alternatives. If you’re fond of wood, eucalyptus wood is a great one to get as it is known for its durability.
On the other hand, you can get metal frames such as aluminum or steel which are stronger when compared to wood or plastic. These are more reliable and have a longer shelf life.
- Be Proactive Against Wind
Wind is the biggest enemy of your patio umbrella. If you are living in an area that receives a lot of wind and experiences a lot of storms, try to be proactive in a couple of ways. Firstly, locate the umbrella in a area closer to fences and buildings that provide shelter from the gusts. Secondly, keep track of the wind and storm cycles, then you can close the umbrella well in advance of the windy weather.
- Look for Air Vents
Some patio umbrellas have an air vent at the top of the canopy. The purpose of this vent is to allow for enhanced air flow through the canopy which regulates gusts and holds the canopy firmer in place. If you’re going to buy a new umbrella, buying the one that has air vents is a wise move.
- Buy Durable Tables
Depending upon the umbrella design you have, a table can also provide great support to it. Here we are not referring to offset designs, we are referring to patio umbrellas that have a shaft down the centre of the frame. Then the shaft can be placed right through the middle of the table adding superb stability to the umbrella. Heavier and metal tables are more superior for this purpose.
- Strengthen the Base
There are many techniques you can choose in order to add weight to the base and strengthen the umbrella. Here are some of these options:
1. Supplemental Weight Bags. If the diameter of the umbrella is more than nine feet, you should try using a supplemental weight bag. It adds additional weight to the base and therefore gives strength to the umbrella. These bags are placed on the base of the umbrella and can add up to a hundred pounds of weight.
2. Use a Cantilever Umbrella Base. These bases can add up to 125 lbs of weight to your umbrella. The cantilever bases involve a modest purchase, however are highly functional. The bases come in various designs, so you can choose the most suitable one for your umbrella.
3. Use DIY Sand Bags. If you do not want to go for the supplemental weight bags or any other base, then you might like to use a DIY solution. Easy-to-make and easy-to-install sandbags can provide support to the umbrella. You can also design your own sandbags that can complement the umbrella.
Summing it Up
If you like to enjoy time outside, a patio umbrella can really enhance the experience. The key to having a durable umbrella is to ensure it is constructed from sturdy materials, usually metal and that it is kept safe by using it cover and ensuring it is weighted well at the base. The stronger the base is, the longer your umbrella can sustain winds, then the longer you can enjoy your favorite outdoor spaces.
We really hope that these measures can solve your query about how to keep a patio umbrella from falling over. If you’re looking to buy a new patio umbrella, we have some superb models below for you to consider. We’ve been designing and testing umbrellas for many years and have five Top Picks below to make choosing easy. Happy windy days!
