The hospitality industry relies on umbrellas to bring shade. They’re so ubiquitous with shade, comfort and the Australian lifestyle that big metro’s have rules about how they can be used! However, cantilever umbrellas best strength is their wind resistance. Strength, safety and style are all core design principles of cantilever umbrellas—but are cantilever umbrellas good in wind? Yes, it makes them the best umbrella for wind in Australia.
If you’re on the look out for a Cantilever umbrella that can handle the wind in Australia we’ve put together this guide for you. An umbrella that can stand up to the elements is an essential piece of outdoor furniture and will improve your outdoor area.
- You don’t want to be replacing your umbrellas every couple of years
- You’ll lose the use of your space when it’s broken
- Makes your space look cheap and dilapidated
It’s no wonder that Cantilever Umbrella companies in Australia look to push their wind rating to the top of their messaging. Some claim to have engineered their umbrellas up to 140kmph / 85 mph and as many disappointed umbrella owners who trusted those rating find out, wind ratings don’t always cut the mustard.
What’s Wrong with Wind Ratings?
Wind ratings aren’t bad, they’re an informative arrow in your quiver of decision making. Wind ratings however, tend to be calculated through software or controlled environments such as a wind tunnel. The issue with these methods is, they’re designed for aerodynamics not wind power. Slow build ups of wind aren’t real world applications for outdoor furniture and cantilever umbrellas.
These limitations are well known by engineers and umbrella companies tend to lead hard on them to market their umbrellas.
Shadowspec Unity™ umbrella withstands Sydney Harbour conditions
Why are Shadowspec Umbrellas Different?
At Shadowspec, we test our made in New Zealand Umbrellas, the Shadowspec Unity and Shadowspec Serenity in real world conditions. Our umbrellas are made in Whangarei, and we test them in and around our factory to get the best indications on wind, strength and resistance.
Overall, our design team aims for a wind rating of Beaufort 5. This is the ideal level of resistance for cantilever umbrellas, which are a temporary shade soluti0on to be used with discretion and common sense. So, what does that mean? Beaufort 5 is regarded as a rand of 33-14kph / 21-25 mph. This measures wind speed in observed conditions, not a specific wind speed, which again is why wind tunnels don’t make sense for outdoor furniture and cantilever umbrellas.
Trees, building and undulating hills can effect wind speed and Beaufort takes that into account. At Beaufort 5, wine glasses will tip over so there is no point staying outside.
At Shadowspec we have designed our umbrellas for the Australian weather and they’re easy to use, quick to deploy and efficient shade systems.
Are Shade Sails and Awnings Good for Australian Conditions?
Like any popular outdoor furniture choice, shade sails and awnings have their pros and cons. Shade sails are permanent structures that require poles and permanent fixings, they also struggle in weather, blowing around and making an awful racket. Awnings are very susceptible to wind. The high-end versions have wind sensors, this is a sure-fire way to know they’re no good in a stiff breeze.
Cantilever Umbrellas solve these issues by being robust in design and easy to put up and down.
Wind ratings are important for Australians to discover the best cantilever umbrella for their backyard and at Shadowspec we’re proud of our range of Cantilever Umbrellas and their wind ratings.
Hope you enjoyed reading Are Cantilever Umbrellas Good in Wind? View Shadowspec's 'Made in New Zealand' cantilever umbrellas.
Shadowspec Serenity™ Shadowspec Unity™