In Australia, two types of outdoor umbrellas — patio umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas — are always in demand. While both these umbrellas provide you with shade on hot days, the major differentiator is the structure of the umbrellas. While a centre pole keeps the patio umbrellas upright, cantilever umbrellas feature an offset pole that suspends the umbrella from the side.
The structure of large cantilever umbrellas also makes them stronger and allows them to show more resistance when facing high winds. However, you must remember that strong gusts of wind or torrential downpours can easily wreck your umbrellas. So the best option is to store away your umbrellas during inclement weather conditions or even if the wind speed increases slightly.
But then, you can always relax and enjoy under the shade of a stable cantilever umbrella when a light breeze is blowing. Cantilever umbrellas are available in all kinds of shapes these days, including rectangular cantilever umbrellas, square cantilever umbrellas, etc.
In this post, we will tell you five crucial design elements that make a cantilever umbrella resistant to winds. Read on to find out how you can buy the best cantilever umbrella in Australia…
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- Tilt mechanism
Cantilever umbrellas feature a tilt or rotation mechanism that enables them to resist winds. Such is the functionality of the umbrellas that they can be raised or lowered and tilted to permit movement from left to right, forward and backward. In fact, a few umbrellas are even equipped with a full 360-degree rotation.
These options allow the umbrella to be flexible against winds. For instance, large cantilever umbrellas can be slanted into the wind in a way so that the wind pushes the umbrella down toward its base instead of lifting it. You can also tilt the umbrella according to the direction of the wind.
- Securing the umbrella
As already mentioned, you can choose the shape of your umbrella — a rectangular cantilever umbrella or a round one — according to your needs. But it is crucial to note how the umbrella is secured that’s why you need to shop here. If you are looking for a permanent set-up, we would advise you to secure your purchase to a wall or fasten it to the ground. You can either bolt the umbrella into a concrete mount or screw it securely to a patio floor. This way, the base of your umbrella will not only take up less space but also look neater. However, if you are using an umbrella temporarily, you can either mount it on the deck floor or use sandbags and other weighted items to keep it in place.
- Base Weight
A strong and sturdy base will only stabilise and help you in securing your umbrella but it doesn’t guarantee that your umbrella would be able to withstand strong winds. So you need to remain cautious while choosing the product.
At times, the umbrella’s design and materials also affect its weight. It’s also crucial to note that a heavier cantilever umbrella would need a heavier base than a center-pole umbrella.
So if you don’t feel like buying a large cantilever umbrella with a heavy base, you can also pair your umbrella with another weighted base to keep it secure. There are sandbags, metal weights and water weights that can be bought separately and added to existing umbrella stands that aren’t up to the job.
- Vents
Umbrellas that come with vents must be a priority if you are thinking about buying the best cantilever umbrellas in Australia. Vents allow wind to pass through with low resistance. This not only reduces the chances of the umbrella toppling over or swaying heavily in the wind but also allows heat to pass through the top of the marquee unhindered during the summer months.
- Design
As already mentioned, the suspended design of cantilever umbrellas makes them more resistant to winds. The umbrella has room to sway without putting a heavy strain on its structure. The material of an umbrella also impacts its functionality. This is because a high-quality umbrella can not only protect you from the sun and shelter you from the rain effectively but also last long. Popular options in cantilever umbrella fabrics include:
- Acrylic: Acrylic is a versatile material that can be dyed in different colours. The fabric helps in resisting wrinkling and harsh weather.
- Polyester: Polyester is a cost-effective fabric that helps you protect against the harsh rays of the sun.
- Olefin: This UV-resistant material is an excellent choice for umbrellas.
Conclusion
Australians love to enjoy themselves in outdoor settings throughout the year. While the idea of a sunny day with a light breeze sounds just perfect for an outdoor setting, inconsistent weather — be it a blazing sun or rain and storm — could also spoil your outdoor plans. At times, high winds can also spoil the spirit of an outdoor party. Under such circumstances, buying a cantilever umbrella is a good option that will shelter you from inclement weather.
However, we must warn you again that if the wind speed increases, you must immediately pack and fold your umbrella for safety purposes. At the same time, we are also certain that you can make an informed decision and buy the best cantilever umbrellas in Australia with the above-mentioned tips. Happy shopping!
