When the hot summer sun beats down on you, a simple way to get relief is to relax underneath the shade of a patio umbrella. However, not all patio umbrellas are created equal. Some patio umbrellas offer unique features that are designed to help you beat the heat. This article will show you what to look for when choosing a new patio umbrella that will help you make it through the dog days of summer.
Feature #1: A Built-In Vent
Have you ever noticed a strange hole in the top of a patio umbrella? If you have, don’t worry! It’s not a tear in the canopy or a design flaw. It’s actually a vent. This vent actually serves several purposes. The main purpose is to provide a place for air to escape. This can help relieve the heat that can get trapped beneath the canopy to keep the area underneath the umbrella cooler. It also helps prevent the umbrella from filling up with air and getting blown away from its base during windy days.
Feature #2: Multiple Tiers
Another option that can help improve air circulation and keep the area beneath your umbrella cooler is a multi-tiered umbrella. Multi-tier umbrellas feature several layers of canopy and a gap between each layer that allows for more airflow to help keep you cooler. Like a built-in vent, this design also helps prevent the canopy from filling up with wind and getting knocked over.
Feature #3: Adjustable Tilt
Traditional umbrellas used to feature a straight pole. However, some modern umbrellas feature an adjustable tilt feature. This allows a user to bend the pole near the top so the canopy is placed at an angle, making it easy to adjust the canopy and get the perfect amount of shade. This ensures that you can get cool, refreshing shade at any time of day, regardless of the sun’s position.
Feature #4: Light-Colored Canopy
Choosing the right color for a patio umbrella comes down to more than just what will complement your decor. For optimal heat relief, it is better to find a light, neutral color like white, beige, or a pastel color. Lighter colors have high reflectivity that allows sunlight to bounce off the canopy and keep heat from building up underneath the canopy.
For more advice on choosing the right umbrella color for your patio, check out the article, What is the Best Color for My Patio Umbrella?
Feature #5 UV Protection
When spending time outdoors during the summer, heat isn’t the only thing you need to consider. UV rays can be incredibly damaging to your skin and can also cause the color of your umbrella to fade. Look for an umbrella with a protective coating or a high UPF rating to help prevent UV rays from going through the canopy.
Feature #6 Cantilever Umbrellas
Unlike traditional market umbrellas which feature a center pole, cantilever umbrellas feature a pole that is positioned off to one side and an arm that stretches out so the canopy hangs over an area. This unique design coupled with a large canopy provides a larger shaded area that allows you to cover entire dining tables or seating areas.
Feature #7 Crank Handle
It may not seem very important in the grand scheme of things, but an easy to operate crank handle is very important. When the clouds clear and the sun comes out, you don’t want to spend a lot of time fumbling with an umbrella that requires manual opening. Simply turn the crank handle and get cool shade right away.
Knowing the right features to look for can help you find the perfect umbrella so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces all summer long.
