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Should Patio Umbrellas Be Closed at Night?

Should Patio Umbrellas Be Closed at Night
Patio umbrellas are an investment in the atmosphere of your outdoor space. They can give a beautiful, serene feel to the areas they are placed in and provide cooling shade to relax in. While high-quality outdoor umbrellas are made to be durable, the better you maintain your umbrella, the longer it will last.  One of the most common questions when it comes to protecting your patio umbrella is, “Should I close my umbrella at night?” That is why we have put together this small guide on what to do with your patio umbrella when it is not in use. 

Why You Should Close Your Umbrella at Night

The short answer is yes, it is a good practice to close your umbrella at night or any time that you are not using it. Like most outdoor furniture, your patio umbrella is likely weather-resistant and made with durable materials, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is indestructible.  Inclement weather is one of the most common causes of damage to outdoor umbrellas, and, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. When you close your patio umbrella, it helps to protect the fabric from harsh, direct sunlight and strong weather conditions, increasing its lifespan and helping it maintain a better look for longer. It will also help to keep the tilt mechanism or crank functioning properly if you close your umbrella when not in use. Overall, making it a habit to close your umbrella will do more good than bad in the long run. 

Bad Weather

Why You Should Close Your Umbrella at Night In an ideal world, we would have pleasant weather year-round, but, unfortunately, that is wishful thinking. Even areas that maintain good weather for most of the year will have days with strong winds, heavy rains, freezing temperatures, or even snow. So, how does strong weather affect the longevity of your patio umbrella?  Constant exposure to direct sunlight will eventually lead to the degradation of the umbrella canopy. The umbrella fabric takes the brunt of the scorching heat and damaging UV rays, which is why buying an umbrella with a good quality fabric is essential. High-quality fabric will be able to withstand the effects of direct sunlight a lot more effectively than cheaper fabrics. Still, no matter how good the fabric is, it can still be damaged.  Leaving your umbrella open all the time will mean that it is being exposed to harsh sunlight a lot more than it should be. This leads to unsightly fading and, especially in lower-quality umbrellas, may even degenerate the fabric to the point where it becomes prone to rips and tears.  Heavy rains and strong winds can be damaging in many ways. Even though the fabric is usually water resistant, it can still degrade over time from prolonged exposure to moisture. The more frequently you leave the umbrella open, especially in the rain, the more likely the fabric is to become brittle and tear (especially if it is storming or there are strong winds as well).  Rainstorms and strong winds also frequently lead to umbrellas falling over, which can bend, dent, or even break the pole and can damage the umbrella’s ribs. If the umbrella isn’t properly secured, it could even be swept up by the wind and damage things in its path. Plus, if you leave the umbrella open and water pools in the canopy, it can seep into other components of the umbrella and cause mold and rust to form. Closing your umbrella in a deadlock position and even covering it is the best way to reduce the risk of weather damage. If you know there are severe storms coming, you can even take your caution one step further and bring the umbrella inside. 

Can You Leave Your Umbrella Open?

While you can leave high-quality umbrellas open, it is a good maintenance practice to close them when not in use. Keep in mind that patio umbrellas are an investment, and more often than not, you get what you pay for. Looking for a manufacturer that can guarantee quality is a great way to ensure that you are getting the most out of your money.  For example, Poggesi umbrellas are crafted in Italy and made from materials of the highest quality for durability and longevity. The canopies of Poggesi umbrellas are manufactured with Sunbrella canvas fabric. This fabric is water-repellant, meaning that rain will just run off the fabric and not soak through the canvas. This fabric also has a high ultraviolet protection factor and is weather, stain, and fade-resistant.   We also stock two patio umbrella models that have been through severe wind resistance tests (the central pole Magnum and Dehor models). However, the rule of thumb for any umbrella is “if it’s so windy that you or your guests cannot be outdoors, close the umbrellas.” A lifetime of durability and beauty is ensured by the 100% acrylic weather-resistant awning grade canvas, aluminum powder-coated structure, and stainless-steel cables and bolts. Decorate your backyard with Poggesi, the world’s best patio umbrella. Contact us today!