Why Aren't Traditional Plastic Frames Good for Outdoor Umbrellas?
Outdoor umbrellas withstand different types of weather and seasonal changes, and getting a solid weather-resistant frame is advisable.
It can be very annoying when your umbrellas break during the storm or generally don't have longevity. That happens when you opt for plastic frames. It is a cheaper option, but cost-effectiveness isn't a good deal when it comes to umbrella frames.
The frames are meant to go through harsh wind, humid climate, types of air, extreme heat, etc. It makes plastic a poor choice, as it gets brittle quickly. Exposing it to too much heat also leads it to lose its strength slowly, and in case you live at the seaside, the salt in the air can also damage it.
Read further to understand why traditional plastic frames aren't suitable for outdoor umbrellas.
Why Do People Choose Plastic Frames?
People always look at cheaper options and think it is an alternative to products of a higher quality. The thing about plastic frames is that, though they are cost-effective, they cannot be a substitute for something more substantial. So, why do people choose them?
- Plastic is kid-friendly; thus, families choose plastic as they are lighter and softer, unlike metals. If the umbrella falls or any incident happens, there is little to no chance of serious injuries with a plastic frame.
- We all love variety, and plastic frames offer that. Metal frames come in limited shapes and colors, while plastic being easy to mold, is available in several colors with different variations. That makes it an attractive choice.
- A plastic frame umbrella is easy to install; thus, people choose the apparent easy alternative.
What are the disadvantages of using a plastic frame for your umbrella?
To discuss this, you cannot entirely say plastic frames are useless. They are helpful for various reasons, but outdoor umbrellas must avoid plastic frames to last longer.
Let's look at the disadvantages.
Windy Day
Plastic frames trip easily and fall on a windy day since plastic is a lightweight material. When storms come swiping in, they stand no chance; it isn't safe to leave them out on the patio during such weather. In the case of hurricanes, you best believe they aren't coming back once they get blown away.
Salty Wind
If you have lived in beach houses or anywhere near the sea, you must have seen the salt settling on the plastic containers or the bathroom's plastic amenities. The same thing happens with plastic umbrella frames. The wind and the sun slowly eat the plastic, resulting in faster damage.
Summer Sun
We are all aware that heat and plastic aren't a good combination. The purpose of outdoor umbrellas is to provide shade and be left outside, but plastic frames cannot support this notion in heat. The plastic begins to melt slowly, even if not vigorously, but it could lead to bending issues or broken frames.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Umbrellas from Falling?
Outdoor umbrellas falling off can be a reoccurring problem, especially with plastic frames; hence here are a few suggestions to stop it from happening.
Hard Patio Table
A complex patio table can help you hold your umbrella in place. Ensure that your patio table is made from durable material to keep your umbrella firm. It is not only for supporting your umbrella but also as a valuable accessory for serving food.
Heavy-Duty Base
A good base is another great option to keep your umbrella in place. A good base keeps your umbrella from floating away during windy days.
Air Vents
Most of the outdoor umbrellas have air vents. This could be common knowledge, but there are also models available without air vents, so it's always wise to keep a check on this feature. Air vents let the air come through and ensure the umbrella is secure without fighting the force of the wind.
No Plastic and Wooden Frames
Plastic and wooden frames come at a much lower price than other material frames, making them tempting for buyers. Investing in them may not be the most brilliant move, especially if you live in a windy area or other calamity-prone zones.
What Material to Use Instead of Plastic Frames?
Midtown uses metal and fiberglass in the construction of our outdoor umbrella frames. Here's why.
Metal Frames
Stainless steel and aluminum are modern choices of frames that prove to be more durable than plastic frames. Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant metal in itself; thus, it makes a great combination with outdoor umbrellas. That makes it a superb choice for coastal areas.
Aluminum is another clever choice for umbrella frames. The umbrella frames made from it are usually powder coated or anodized to prevent corrosion. This way, it can also resist the weather, making it a durable frame.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most robust frame choice available in the market as it is stronger than aluminum. Fiberglass is a strong and highly durable material that can withstand strong winds and rain. It also comes in various designs; thus, variety isn't a limitation in its case.
To Conclude
An outdoor umbrella requires a tough material to hold out against all the weather thrown at it. Plastic isn't certainly an intelligent choice as it is only the brittle side. It is a good option for places that don't have windy days or for people who use it only for a few hours outdoors.
The best options are metal and fiberglass; they are an investment you won't regret. They might be a little on the costlier side but will last for years to come.
