Patio umbrellas provide an atmosphere of serenity and add a layer of beauty to your surrounding. There are several types available, but how you use them will determine how long they stay.
One of the most pressing questions that most patio enthusiasts have revolves around closing or opening the umbrellas a night, when not in use. Here’s what I know:
Yes, it’s best to close patio umbrellas at night especially when it’s not in use. This is the best way to extend the lifespan of your umbrella and prevent cracking or falling over due to strong breeze. So close your patio umbrellas and secure it to a sturdy structure when not in use.
That said, let’s see another reason why you might want to close your outdoor umbrellas:
Safety
A good reason that it’s smart to close your patio umbrellas during the night is safety. If you have kids who tend to wander off in the middle of the night, having patio fixtures that are out in the open is a recipe for disaster.
Even if they happen to find an unoccupied patio umbrella, running inside to grab it is only going to chase them away.
So they’ll go running after anything that’s near. This is especially true if it’s hot outside and you have no place to run to.
When you think about all of these issues, it becomes clear why you should keep your patio fixtures closed at night.
What about the Patio doors and windows?
And that brings us to another important question: Should patio doors and windows be kept open during the day as well?
Well, there’s really no good answer to that, because all kinds of people have different needs, and some people will always be safer in a dark environment than others.
For instance, if you have a patio that’s right next to your home, perhaps a little too close for comfort, keeping it closed when everyone leaves for the night can help keep you safe from stray animals and road rage. Or what about those people who like to cook on their patio fireplaces.
They should keep them closed because a quick spark could easily start a fire. There are even people who like to store extra firewood in their outdoor fireplaces, so that they can use it all year round.
In the end, the decision comes down to your individual needs.
Should you cover outdoor umbrella?
When purchasing an umbrella for your patio or garden, you might have several questions that need some answers. If you have a screened-in patio that receives full sun during the summer months and then partially exposed to the elements such as wind and rain, an umbrella will provide much-needed shade.
But if you live in a part of the country that occasionally experiences extreme temperatures in the spring or fall, you will find that an umbrella is not always enough to provide protection from the elements.
In these situations, you may want to consider how to adequately cover the outdoor umbrella to protect it from damage caused by wind, rain, and snow.
When should you cover outdoor umbrella?
If you are going to spend time outside in the hot sun on a daily basis, you will want to protect it from wind, rain, and snow.
If you do not cover the top of the umbrella with a canopy, you may find that it becomes a dangerous place for you to be when the temperature suddenly drops. If you decide to cover the top of your umbrella, the first place you should check is the grommets on the edges of the canopy. If there is rust, dirt, or evidence of mildew, you may want to remove and replace these grommets.
When you decide that you want to cover outdoor umbrella properly, you should also check the frame. If you find loose hardware, dents, or other damage, you may want to replace this piece.
A poor quality frame can easily break under the weight of the umbrella, causing it to become unstable and unsafe. Before purchasing your next cover, you should make sure that the frame is sturdy and will not fall apart soon after you purchase it.
Consider an umbrella cover
If you use your umbrella for direct sunlight all the time, you may want to consider investing in a cover that is designed to withstand strong sun rays.
A cover that is designed for direct sunlight may provide protection against excessive heat, especially if you live in an area where the sun is frequently shining. If you spend a lot of time in your car on hot days, you may want to invest in a cover that will block the sun from coming into your vehicle. This will allow you to fully enjoy your sunny car for hours on end.
Another consideration is how the cover will be viewed in your yard. Do you only want your umbrella to be used during the day? Then you may want to opt for a simple cover that is fully enclosed.
This will ensure that your umbrella will be protected from any kind of wind damage. If you have a large garden, you may want to invest in a cover that offers both UV protection and added security. These covers are often referred to as a ‘green cover’.
When you are choosing the best cover for your outdoor umbrella, you will want to consider several factors.
The primary consideration is how much you are willing to spend. In addition to the cost of the cover, you will need to factor in the time necessary to clean your umbrella.
Most of the covers will offer a reasonable amount of protection against dust and dirt. However, if you want additional security, you may want to purchase a custom-fitted umbrella that has a locking mechanism.
The best patio umbrella to buy
It is really a matter of personal choice as to which patio umbrella to buy. The umbrella can either be bought to protect you from the sun, as in a solar one, or to give shade, as in an electric one.
But in the latter case, you need to take care of the batteries, since they are prone to wear out and you might lose the shading provided by them.
Patio umbrellas (different shapes and sizes)
Patio umbrellas come in different shapes and sizes. You can go for a round-shaped umbrella, one with the pole in the middle, or you can go for a square or rectangular shape ones. The umbrella stands tall and hence it is easier to store.
Many of these umbrellas also come with wheels, so that you can move them around if necessary. This ease of storage is another advantage, allowing you to have your patio umbrella where you need it most.
Functionality
Another factor that needs consideration is functionality. You need to think about how often you use the patio umbrella. If you use it only once in a while, then a portable umbrella might be just what you need.
But if you are a regular user of the patio umbrella, buying one that is large, durable, and easy to carry would be more beneficial to you. You might want to consider buying one that comes with a carrying case as well.
Material used
The material from which the umbrella is made has a lot to do with its durability and quality. You should consider buying one made from a durable material, such as:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Wrought iron
- Vinyl
- Other metal alloys.
They are very sturdy and can last for years. However, they can be a little expensive but considering the maintenance and safety you get with them, the extra money is well worth it.
Maintenance
When looking at the different types of patio umbrellas, you should also consider the maintenance that you would have to do after buying it.
Some people prefer to leave their umbrellas outdoors all year round, and you should consider doing the same. But if you have an umbrella that rains heavily all the time, or you live in a place where the climate is quite unpredictable, then you will have to protect your umbrella properly.
This is where buying a patio cover would be more beneficial to you, and would be the best patio umbrella to buy if you have a budget to spend.
There are many ways to find the best patio umbrella to buy if you are looking for one.
But you should remember that the umbrella is going to be with you most of the time, so it pays to make sure that you know exactly what it is you want before you start shopping.
Conclusion
The umbrella is one of the most important things that you should consider when buying furniture for your patio, so make sure that you choose it carefully.
And remember, there are many places where you can get this type of furniture.
So take the time to compare the different prices and models until you make the perfect choice for your needs.
