Should Patio Umbrellas Be Closed at Night?

Patio umbrellas are an investment in the ambiance of your outdoor space. They can bring a beautiful, peaceful feel to the area where they are placed and provide cool shade for relaxation. While high-quality outdoor umbrellas are built to last, the better you take care of them, the longer your umbrella will last. One of the common questions when it comes to protecting your patio umbrella is, “Should I close my umbrella at night?” That’s why we’ve put together this little guide on what to do with a patio umbrella when it's not in use.

Why you should close your umbrella at nightIn short, the answer is yes, it is a good habit to close your umbrella at night or when you are not using it. Like outdoor furniture, your patio umbrella may be weather-resistant and made of durable materials, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's indestructible. Inclement weather is one of the common causes of outdoor umbrella damage, and as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. When you close your parasol, it helps protect the fabric from harsh, direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions, extending its lifespan and helping it look better for longer. It also helps keep the tilt mechanism or crank working properly if you close the umbrella when not in use. Overall, getting into the habit of closing your umbrella will do more good than harm in the long run.

In an ideal world, we would have great weather year-round, but unfortunately, that's wishful thinking. Even areas with good weather throughout the year can experience days of high winds, heavy rain, severe cold, and even snow. So, how does severe weather affect the lifespan of a parasol? Continuous exposure to direct sunlight will eventually cause the canopy to degrade. Umbrella fabrics bear the brunt of high temperatures and harmful UV rays, so it’s crucial to invest in an umbrella made from high-quality fabrics. High-quality fabrics can withstand the effects of direct sunlight more effectively than cheaper fabrics. However, no matter how good the fabric is, it can still get damaged. Keeping your umbrella open means it will be exposed to more intense sunlight than it should. This can cause unsightly fading, especially on lower-quality umbrellas, and may even degrade the fabric to the point where it tears easily. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause damage in many ways. Although this fabric is typically waterproof, it can still degrade over time due to prolonged exposure to moisture. The more times you open an umbrella, especially in the rain, the more likely it is that the fabric will become brittle and tear (especially in storms or strong winds). Heavy rain and strong winds also often cause umbrellas to tip over, causing them to bend, dent, or even break the pole and damage the ribs. If the umbrella is not secured properly, it can even get picked up by the wind and damage objects in its path. Also, if you leave your umbrella open and water accumulates in the umbrella, it can seep into other parts of the umbrella and cause mold and rust. Keeping your umbrella closed or even covered is a way to reduce the risk of weather damage. If you know a severe storm is coming, you can even be more cautious and bring your umbrella indoors.