Besides gazebos and pergolas, another structure that is popular nowadays is cantilever umbrellas. You might have known them with the name offset umbrellas. These versatile structures serve to offer shade against sunlight but the twist is that there is no central pole that obstructs the space.
Before you go to buy a cantilever umbrella for your backyard, deck or patio, you should know about its engineering and their benefits. Read the article till the end to know all about them.
The engineering behind Cantilever Umbrella
Cantilever umbrellas or offset umbrellas also known as patio umbrellas, are the outdoor structures that are creatively designed to provide shade and protection from harsh environmental conditions. The engineering principle behind their creation is the balance of structural integrity, weight distribution and ease of usage.
The main feature of a cantilever umbrella is its offset design. This is where the umbrella canopy is suspended on an arm extending from a sturdy base. The idea behind this configuration is to allow flexible placement of structure and unobstructed space under the canopy. The engineering challenge lies in making it sure that the umbrella remains stable regardless of the uneven weight distribution.
The manufacturers create a robust support structure to address the challenges in stability of this structure. So, the base of the umbrella is often made from sturdy materials like steel or aluminium that could provide stability and durability. These materials are chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio that is crucial to support the extended arm and the canopy. Additionally, the base might include mechanisms such as weights, bolts or sturdy stands to secure it to the ground.
The most critical element in a cantilever umbrella is the arm. It is designed to be strong enough to withstand the forces of winds and rain. It is made from aluminium or fibreglass to keep it lightweight and sturdy at the same time. There are some internal support structures like ribs or struts to support the canopy and prevent sagging.
Moreover, the canopy is made from weather-resistant materials like polyester, acrylic, or specialised outdoor fabrics. These materials are treated to be UV-resistant, water-repellent and fade-resistant to ensure the longevity of the umbrella even when the outdoor conditions are harsh.
The entire cantilever umbrella engineering allows the user to adjust the angle and height of the canopy without adding any extra effort. Moreover, the umbrellas now being made are supported with cranks, pulleys and motorised systems to easily deploy and retract the canopy and adjust the heights with just a click.
Benefits of Cantilever Umbrella
There are many benefits of an outdoor cantilever umbrella as compared to the traditional umbrellas. They are unique in style and have an upscale appearance to offer many functional advantages. Here are the four main benefits of the cantilever umbrella that would make you want to purchase it to have a smart shady structure in your patio or pool area.
Placement Flexibility
There are many structures in your outdoor area that cannot hold a traditional market umbrella because there is no support to fix it in the centre. For example, a bathtub has no space in the centre to fix a traditional umbrella. So, in the places where a traditional umbrella fails to fit, a cantilever umbrella comes into action.
So, if you want to enjoy the bathtub you can place a cantilever umbrella next to its base and extend the canopy over the area where you need sun protection. Similarly, if you want to have lunch outdoors but your table has no hole to support an ordinary umbrella. In this situation, a cantilever umbrella can be your saviour. Just place it next to the table and have the complete coverage with shade.
Significant Coverage and Sun Protection
If you ever had a traditional umbrella you might know that they need to be adjusted throughout the day for sun protection. As the sun moves over the sky the shadow of the umbrella moves it. So, the spots are left vulnerable to the heat and sunlight. So, you have to move the umbrella or switch the seating to have a place in the shade. No matter how much adjustments you make you will end up being in the heat.
However, with an outdoor cantilever umbrella life is much easier. These umbrellas are famous for having 360 degrees shade so you need to relax more and adjust less to have a beautiful day. These umbrellas have a projectile arm that supports the umbrella from the sides and makes it easy to manoeuvre, tilt or move horizontally. So, you would never find yourself in trouble again.
Moreover, you don’t have to deal with the cranking of an adjustable arm that the traditional umbrella offers you. Cantilever also allows angle adjustment to avoid the heat from blistering sun.
Durability
Traditional umbrellas allow you to have a shade when the weather is pleasant but the real trouble begins when the clouds start raining and winds invade the atmosphere. So, you need to shelter and move the umbrella which is not only time consuming but also stressful. Moreover, if you leave an umbrella as it is, you have to risk its existence or get ready for complete destruction.
However, a cantilever umbrella has a sturdy base that offers a durable fixture. It is heavier than the traditional umbrella which means that they withstand fast winds and harsh weather conditions. Moreover, they are made from fabric that is UV resistant and rain proof, so protection is guaranteed along with longevity.
Save the space
Cantilever umbrella saves space in your outdoor area. It means that you can freely place your lounge chairs and accommodate your feet without banging your legs with the pole. Moreover, you can arrange the furniture according to your choice and feature anything in the centre. Cantilever umbrella also allows you to have a fire table or ottoman because there is no more bulky base in the centre.
Final Words
Now you don’t have to worry about harsh weather or rains that could uproot your umbrella. Cantilever umbrella is a sturdy base and extended arms to allow hassle free enjoyment at your patio or backyard. You can buy the best Cantilever umbrellas and patio umbrellas at Purple Leaf.
