Wind Guidance

Poggesi Umbrellas are built to be robust, even in strong winds.

Our largest canopies (4m square and 4.5m x 3.5m) have larger masts and arms, designed to match our guidance below. More regular sizes benefit from all other components being identical to larger canopy sizes - and therefore derive greater performance. 

The main strength derives from:

  • An elliptical shaped mast and arm which also have an in-built conduit for additional strength (and optional cabling)
  • Raised anti-wind bellows
  • The main arm being below the canopy – enabling a unique tilting / levelling device that provides significant strength
  • All 'ribs' are made from 35mm x 20mm aluminium profile - a key comparator for many clients when seeking a well-built product
Poggesi Piazza Garden Parasol - Cantilever

The ‘common sense guidance’ is to suggest that when the weather is so gusty and uncomfortable that you would not generally wish to be outside in those conditions – it is wise to close and secure your umbrella.

Our Umbrellas
& The Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Scale can be helpful as a guide – but a Scale number can seldom give a definitive assurance of performance for any single umbrella in any particular location. See Wikipedia for full information on the Beaufort Scale.

For instance, performance in wind will surely vary;

  • From a sheltered courtyard to a penthouse roof-garden
  • If the canopy is set at its lowest level, as is uniquely possible on model Piazza
  • When using an in-ground base in comparison with a surface base and blocks
  • When winds are gusting - it is not unusual for ‘Force 7’ gusts to occur in Force 5 winds for example
  • When ‘local micro-climates’ occur - as we have witnessed at sites such as the wide-open spaces of Silverstone Race Circuit – or the areas of high-rise buildings such as Canary Wharf - wind can reach enormous speeds within a few hundred meters of relative calm

Scale 1 - 5

Winds up to 38 kph / 24 mph

In typical gardens you should expect your Poggesi ‘Piazza’ umbrella to cope well and without concern. Remember though – do not leave it open while away from home overnight (and of course on longer trips) – unless you are confident that weather forecasts are giving sure messages about stable conditions. If in doubt, just close the umbrella - it only takes a minute, and conditions can change significantly in our increasingly volatile climate.

Clients whose umbrellas are in exposed / elevated / roof terrace / coastal situations should ALWAYS close their umbrella when not in use.  

You will find separate guidance below regarding ”GUIDANCE FOR ROOF TERRACES, COASTAL AND OTHER EXPOSED LOCATIONS ”

Scale 6

Winds up to 49 kph / 30 mph

“Large branches in motion; whistling heard in telegraph wires; (handheld) umbrellas used with difficulty”.

In such winds you would most likely be keeping the umbrella open only for ‘convenience’ such as keeping cushions dry. When the main canopy starts to sway you would be wise to close the umbrella. However, if your umbrella is in an enclosed / protected position you should use your experience to determine your action. If the umbrella is installed on a rooftop, it MUST BE CLOSED in these conditions.

Scale 7

Winds up to 61 kph / 40 mph

“High wind / near gale. Whole trees in motion; inconvenience felt when walking against the wind”.

In these circumstances all umbrellas should be closed regardless of the extent of protection. Such wind will almost certainly be putting pressure on components of all umbrellas and damage can occur.

Scale 8 - 9

Gales strong / severe gales

“winds generally impeding progress” and references “possible structural damage / chimney pots falling” 

Surely your umbrella should be closed and protected by putting on the supplied storage bag.

Scale 10

Storm

"Seldom experienced inland; trees uprooted; considerable structural damage".

Now referred to as ‘named storms’, such as Desmond. Your umbrella should certainly be closed as early as possible.

Scale 11 - 12

Violent storm / hurricane

"Very rarely experienced; accompanied by widespread damage".

At these levels you would certainly have your umbrella closed and possibly even removed from the base. Failure to do so could certainly lead to your umbrella being damaged.

When damage does occur. Poggesi UK we will do our very best to help make your umbrella safe. We are committed to repairing our umbrellas. Seldom is repair impossible. Our record over 20 years is supportive and evidenced by kind words from those clients who were unfortunate to be caught out.

WIND ALERTS TO YOUR SMART PHONE ARE AVAILABLE BY DOWNLOADING APPS INCLUDING MET OFFICE / WINDY / CLIME

Guidance for roof terraces, coastal and other exposed locations

Positioning

Positioning the umbrella in exposed locations.

At Poggesi UK we take pride in offering a complimentary site survey, during which we can discuss all aspects of your parasol including where to position the base. When considering the base position, we look at;

  • Flooring type
  • Base type
  • The space to be covered by the canopy
  • Surrounding aspects of the house – windows, doors etc.
  • Elevation and exposure
Poggesi Garden Parasol - Alton Hampshire

If we deem the space to be elevated and / or exposed, we may well recommend that the parasol be positioned facing towards the building. The umbrella is at its strongest when facing away from the prevailing wind – as in the image above.