Are you looking for smart ways to keep your patio umbrella from spinning? Well, installing an umbrella on your patio is an excellent way to add some shades to the area and make the place look and feel cozy.
What’s more, installing an umbrella also provides protection against environmental elements. If you’re someone who likes to read outdoors, having an Umbrella in place can help you achieve the best from your patio without having the harsh sun beating down on you ceaselessly.
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How To Fix Patio Umbrella Tilt?
That said, while there are different types of patio umbrellas to choose from, it’s also important to learn how to fix patio umbrella tilt, as the umbrella may start spinning or may get completely uprooted.
A common problem that many people experience is that their patio umbrella starts spinning. This can be a serious distraction, especially when you’re sitting outside and trying to enjoy your time Alone or with your loved ones.
Besides, a spinning umbrella can be risky because you never know when it will pop out of its socket and fall over on someone.
Why Do Patio Umbrellas Spin so Frequently?
The hole on the bottom is probably the main reason these umbrellas spin. Consider whether the hole is too huge if your patio umbrella is installed inside.
If the umbrella pole is smaller than the hole in which it is inserted, the space between the hole and the shaft will cause the umbrella to droop at an undesired angle. It may also scratch the table and damage its polish.
Spinning umbrellas also make really annoying noises every time they rub against the surface of the table. While patio umbrellas can be a fantastic visual addition to your place, constant spinning will be a distraction.
You’ll also have to make sure that the umbrella is firmly fixed to the ground to withstand the wind when it starts blowing. There have been numerous cases when the wind manages to blow a patio umbrella out altogether.
So, how can you fix the patio umbrella tilt and ensure that it stops spinning? Below we’ve provided a few strategies that might help do the trick.
Locate and Tighten the Bolt Securing the Umbrella
One simple way to resolve the issue of an umbrella spinning is to find the bolt that keeps the umbrella in its place. All you need to do is locate the bolt and check if it’s loose.
As time passes, the constant forces may cause the bolt to become loose, leaving more space for the umbrella to move longer in its socket. You might want to take a look at the bolt underneath, especially if you have had the umbrella for a longer period of time, or you reside in an ear that receives constant high winds.
Another reason why the bolt might become loose over time is that it was not tightened properly during installation. Eventually, this will cause the umbrella to start moving and it might even topple over at some point.
Pick The Right Base
If you want to evade the hassle of having to tighten the nut every now and then, then be sure to opt for a better, more secure base. The base in which the patio umbrella is secured is perhaps the most crucial component of the entire structure as it provides support for the umbrella.
When looking for a base for your umbrella, make sure that you get the one that is heavy and has a properly sized hole. This will help to keep the umbrella firmly fixed in place despite heavy winds.
Opt for a Cone Wedge
A tiny rubber cone wedge secures a spinning umbrella. This little device is linked to the table and umbrella and wedged between the gap. The wedge holds the umbrella in place by covering the gap that spun it. The umbrella’s long shaft may need a stabilizer.
Cone wedges are cheaper and prevent umbrella spinning due to rubber-pole friction.
Keep it Closed
If there’s a lot of wind, the best thing to do is to make sure your umbrella is firmly closed. You may want to check through the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
They recommend that you keep the umbrella firmly closed in windy conditions. If possible, you should play it safe and keep your umbrella closed at night so that it does not blow over.
Also, make sure to inspect the strap used for keeping the umbrella closed. It should remain closed when the winds are high and strong.
Drill and Secure the Base in the Patio
If you’re planning to use an external base to keep the patio umbrella firmly secured, you might want to consider drilling the base and securing it firmly in the patio. Note that there are various bases that come with holes and screws already in the package.
You can align these holes with the ones on the floor and then secure the base tightly by drilling it in the floor. Moreover, you can mount it on the deck if you want.
This does not only ensure greater safety, but it also provides greater aesthetic appeal. Perhaps the only downside here is that you’ll have to make holes in the patio floor.
Inspect the Table Rings
Most patio umbrellas today have plastic rings around the hole. Unfortunately, package stock rings are usually low-quality and wear out rapidly. The umbrella’s plastic rings will deteriorate if kept in the sun. If that happens, the umbrella will spin in place. These rings are easy to change, but some advocate a cone wedge.
Get a Sturdier Frame
Lastly, if you’re not willing to go through the hassle involved in buying a cone and all other stuff, you should simply consider getting a steadier frame.
A strong frame is going to be more expensive, but it’s definitely a worthy investment in the long run. With it, you won’t have to worry about the umbrella topping over either.
When choosing a frame, look for one that has a painted coat to prevent any kind of rusting in the future. This will also make it easier for you to clean the frame from time to time.
