It’s easy to think that outdoor umbrellas should be built tough, given they spend their lives under the elements. That’s accurate in a way; an outdoor umbrella that can’t keep heads cool or dry can’t really be called one. It should also be made to shrug off sudden gusts of wind, especially in Brisbane where sea breezes blow inland.

The problem is that Mother Nature will always have it her way, and not even the sturdiest giant outdoor umbrella in the market can deny her that. We at Brisbane Giant Umbrellas always advise folding the umbrella in anticipation of strong winds or an incoming cyclone. If the wind doesn’t blow the canopy away, it’ll most certainly mess up the frame and fabric.

It begs the question: “How much wind is too much for an outdoor umbrella?” That’s what we’ll be finding out in this post.

Wind Resistance Ratings Explained

An outdoor umbrella’s wind rating is based on the manufacturer’s method for testing for wind resistance, which can be any or a combination of the following:

• Software modelling: The umbrella’s design is run through advanced software that simulates various windy conditions.
• Wind tunnel test: The umbrella is placed inside a closed chamber with a giant fan that generates sustained winds based on the testing requirements.
• Real-world test: The umbrella is set up on various climate zones all over Australia to assess their performance under real-world environmental factors.

Wind ratings are generally expressed in km/h, but you may find some that use the Beaufort Wind Force Scale. Below is the scale in its entirety for reference.

As convincing as such figures may seem, it’s worth considering that these are derived from tests done in controlled conditions. Even data from real-world testing isn’t 100% accurate because of uncontrolled variables and the like.

That said, we can say with certainty that an outdoor umbrella in Brisbane that’s bolted to the ground resists stronger winds than a freestanding one. Even so, they’re only ideal for use up to near-gale conditions.

Factors Affecting Wind Resistance

A specific outdoor umbrella model can have varying wind ratings due to factors like:

Canopy Shape and Size

If you browse our selections, you may notice that an umbrella’s wind rating goes down the bigger it gets. An octagonal canopy 5.0 metres in diameter only has half the wind rating as one that’s half the size. Square canopies also exhibit this trend.

A larger surface area catches more wind on its underside, increasing the risk of bending and tearing the canopy fabric. You can settle for a smaller umbrella, but it might not meet your coverage needs.

The only advantage octagonal canopies have going for them is that they have 30% less coverage than square ones. Their lack of corners may be a drawback in terms of coverage, but having more ribs lets them remain stable at higher wind speeds.

Frame Material

Steel is a popular choice for building the outdoor umbrella’s frame, not just due to its toughness but also its weight. A steel frame possesses enough weight to stay upright under non-gale winds. When the canopy is in the closed position, the frame can be left alone even in the middle of a cyclone.

Lightweight materials like aluminium and fibreglass aren’t ideal, as they may bend in high-wind situations. The latter also has the drawback of being more expensive than steel.

Wind Safety Tips

At this point, we’ve established that closing the umbrella during storms and cyclones is a must to avoid damage. However, the unpredictability of nature is worth considering. Severe weather ranks high on the list of conditions that can produce strong gusts, which may damage outdoor umbrellas.

As a general rule, regardless of the weather, we advise keeping the umbrella in the closed position when not in use. Market umbrellas can be closed the same way as regular umbrellas, whereas cantilever umbrellas feature a convenient mechanism for retracting and closing. Don’t forget to tie up the canopy to prevent it from fluttering.

Once the storm or strong winds have passed, consider checking the outdoor umbrella for signs of damage. Even when in the down position, the umbrella is still prone to debris and turbulence. You can invest in an umbrella cover for extra protection when closed.

The Wrap-Up

Leaving your outdoor umbrella open during a storm or cyclone risks costly damage. Even if the umbrella is rated to withstand high wind speeds, it doesn’t mean it’ll weather the storm unscathed. Make it last longer by keeping it closed when not in use; otherwise, it’s safe to open it up to near-gale winds.