Finally, you have cleaned the patio, and it is time to relax after a long day doing the vacuuming in the house. Most likely, you will have some friends over much later to relax and talk about life. It has been a while since you have done that.
But barely ten minutes into your soliloquy, a huge gust of winds blows, and the patio umbrella falls over. Well, you think to yourself, the wind was a bit strong, so no worries. It is not until this umbrella falls over three to four times again that you get irritated and realize the hangout would be ruined if things continue like this.
Many times, people have had to cancel their hangouts or done away with the patio altogether because they cannot get the hang of making the umbrella stay regardless of the wind that blows. However, there are simple ways of preventing the constant irritation you feel when the umbrella tumbles over. And this article will discuss some of them.
How to Keep a Patio Umbrella From Falling Over
Buy an Umbrella with Air Vents
One method of keeping the umbrella in position is by having air vets in them. So instead of the wind blowing the umbrella right off, you can be assured that the wind will blow right through the vents.
Thus, your banners and the umbrella are safe from any sudden rush of wind in the area. Plus, the air vents will not ruin the shade; you can even create the vents yourself. All you need is a pocket knife, and you can make small openings on the umbrella.
Get a Solid Patio Table
If you get a counterfeit table, then the wind will not only take off the umbrella but the table and everything else. To save yourself from the anguish of watching food and other items fall off the table.
It would help if you got a solid, most preferably, wooden table. Once the table is firmly rooted to the ground, it will be harder for the umbrella to leave its position.
Close the umbrella when not in use
When you close the umbrella in between use, it tends to reduce its susceptibility to the wind. So, when you retire inside the house, make sure to close the umbrella to prevent the wind from blowing it away.
Have a strong base
Most of the time, the reason why the umbrella keeps going with the wind is that it lacks a formidable base to hold its entirety. Here are some additional ways you can strengthen the base of the umbrella.
- Cinder blocks: They are inexpensive but very effective as they are heavy and can weigh down the umbrella. You could stack them or place the base of the umbrella on the top of the cinder blocks.
- Gravel: Most people will prefer gravel in a bucket and put the umbrella inside. It is best to fill the bucket to the brim so that it remains firm.
- Sand: There are two types/ways of using sand to hold the umbrella. The first one is by filling the bucket with sand and putting the umbrella inside. Another way is getting sandbags and using them to hold the umbrella.
Use Fiberglass Umbrellas
It is best to use an umbrella with a fiberglass rib instead of the more fanciful wooden ribs. Aluminum ribs, too, are great for the patio umbrella. However, if you are bent on using the wooden Patio umbrella, you should consider the eucalyptus wood as it is more durable than the other types of wood.
Know your environment
A good understanding of how the wind blows at particular times of the day will give you the time to run and save the umbrella. It will enable you to be more proactive than reactive as you know the best times to come out on the patio to enjoy the serenity of your environment.
Ensure that the holes are perfect for the umbrella
Drilling a wide hole will affect the umbrella and the whole table. Therefore, know the proper dimensions to use when drilling holes into the umbrella base.
Put the umbrella inside a pole
Most times, some people get a new and stronger piper and put the umbrella inside. The umbrella then looks like it has a covering for its stem. This can also prevent the wind from blowing it over as long as the base is secure.
Try not to lean on the table
As weird as this might sound, some patio tables and umbrellas are not built for too much pressure. Therefore, avoid leaning on it as it can weaken the base as time goes on.
Bottom Line
It has been established that you need to pay attention to the base of your umbrella to stop it from being blown away. Ensure that it is not too light and not too heavy. You do not want the umbrella to fly off and break.
