As we head into Autumn and embrace the changing season with frequent downpours and unpredictable temperatures, venues are looking for ways to shelter their outdoor seating areas so the end of summer does not mean the enjoyment of these outdoor spaces have to end.
Showpiece Design’s external cover solutions come in a range of shape and sizes so we can be sure to find the right fit for your venue. This series of blogs will delve into the different types of cover solutions, including awnings, jumbo umbrellas, pergolas and roof systems and we will explain the benefits and limitations of each so you can decide which cover solution would best be suited to you. This blog will explore the huge range of jumbo umbrellas available and some FAQ’s we often get asked.
What are jumbo umbrellas?
At Showpiece Design we refer to 'parasols' and 'umbrellas'. Parasols typically sit through the centre of a table and come in set sizes (we stock 2.1m and 2.5m octagonal parasols). When we talk umbrellas, we are referring to the large, made to order umbrellas with a heavy-duty aluminium central mast that are typically ground anchored, or have very heavy supporting bases.
How do they operate?
Our jumbo umbrellas are manually operated using a Stainless Steel winding handle. Bevelled gears operating inside the mast ensure high precision and effortless operation, even after years of use.
Will I have to move the tables and chairs when I close the umbrella?
During the site survey, we will take into account the height of your terrace furniture and if required we will extend the central mast to ensure the umbrellas can be closed without you having to move any furniture. Also, most of our jumbo umbrellas are telescopic meaning that they extend upwards when they are being closed so all furniture can be left in place.
What sizes do they come in?
Our umbrellas come in 72 different sizes from 2m to 7m. There is a choice of round, square or rectangular canopies depending on the shape and size of your patio. We can also extend or shorten the height of the central mast to ensure the canopies are best placed as to not obstruct views.
Do they provide shade from the sun and protection from the rain?
The fabric used on the umbrellas is made from high performance solution dyed acrylic which filter high percentages of UV rays and therefore provide excellent protection from the sun and have a UV protection factor of 80+.
The acrylic fabrics have a special coating applied which gives it a level of water repellancy and will keep you dry during short and light periods of rain. Overtime, the coating can wear off so we would recommended re-applying a waterproof treatment annually, which we can advise you on. There are also 100% waterproof PVC fabrics that can be used and rain gutters can be added to ensure there are no gaps in between umbrellas.
Are umbrellas suitable for coastal areas or areas exposed to high winds?
For those particularly windy areas, we have an ultra strong umbrella known as the Force 10 or Albatros. The mast measures 110mm (compared to 76mm on a standard umbrella), has reinforced spokes and marine grade fittings. It has been wind tunnel tested and stood the test of time in winds over 120km/hr.
What is the warranty on the Showpiece jumbo umbrellas?
Whilst the frame comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty, you can expect your umbrella to last for many years if well maintained. Each part on your umbrella is replaceable so it can be refurbished whenever required and even the smallest part can be replaced if damaged. What's more, we offer a yearly maintenance service to keep your umbrella in top condition.
The fabric on your umbrella comes with a 10 year warranty against colour fastness and it's rot-proof properties.
What does your yearly maintenance service involve and how much does it cost?
We will collect, remove, return and reinstall your umbrella/s. The umbrellas are serviced at our workshop (an on-site service can also be arranged), cleaned and repaired if necessary. The service will include greasing all moving parts, replacing any hardware required, re-tensioning the membrane, tightening all bolts, jet-washing and cleaning the frame and laundering the membrane, re-impregnating it with Scotch Guard. We also have the capacity to store your umbrellas over the winter period if required. Our winter service cost starts from £495 + VAT.
Click below to see what is included and the costs of this service.
How often would I expect to replace the canopy of my jumbo umbrella?
This is very dependent on environmental factors but to give a guideline, we would expect a canopy to be replaced every 5-10 years depending on how well looked after they are. We recommend they are laundered during this time and re-impregnated with Scotch Guard (we offer this service as part of our winter service). We have recently serviced the umbrellas below and replaced the canopy after 10 years.
Do the umbrellas have to be cemented underground?
Where possible, we recommend the umbrella bases are cemented underground as this ensures you are getting the strongest and most wind resistant version of your umbrella. However there are plenty of options available if this is not possible. We have deck plates that can be secured to joists under decking and free-standing bases which consist of a steel frame filled with paving slabs. We typically then cover this base with a timber seat box, which can be painted and accessorised with a cushion so it can be used as extra seating.
What groundwork is involved for the in-ground anchors?
We will send you the in-ground sleeve/s 2 weeks prior to the install date. We recommend this is set into 80cm3 of concrete below the patio. An example of installation instructions can be downloaded here:
Can the umbrellas be branded?
Yes - they can be a great branding opportunity for your venue. They are completely customisable with over 100 fabrics to choose from and can be printed with your company name and logo.
What colour options do I have?
The frames come as standard in white, black or anthracite. If you are looking for a specific colour to match your brand colours, they can also be powder coated to any RAL colour.
In terms of the canopy, we have over 100 fabric choices to choose from in both plain and stripes.
Can I specify a particular fabric for the canopy?
Yes you can, we have worked on a number of projects where the client has specified a certain fabric. Please note that it is important to ensure the fabric has good enough weather, fade and rot resistant properties to withstand the UK climate.
We can also screen print fabric to match a certain colour or design. It is important to note here that screen printed fabric does have limitations; it is a Polyester fabric, rather than a solution dyed Acrylic so is not as strong or fade resistant so we would expect the canopy to need replacing every 2-3 years.
Can I add lights and heat to my umbrella?
Yes! We can add LED strip lighting along the umbrella spokes in either warm white or RGB, meaning you can change them to any colour you wish.
Infrared heaters can be added around the central mast on folding arms, or on the end of the corner spokes, on swivel brackets. You then have the option for us to fit a 'push-for-heat' timer switch to the central mast so the heaters automatically turn off after 15 minutes (this time can be altered) and can be controlled by your guests.
What electrical supply is required for an umbrella?
We would require access to a 5amp supply if you add lights, and a 32amp c-rated supply if you add heaters per umbrella.
What other accessories are available for my umbrellas?
Alongside light and heat, you can add a phone charging station and outdoor speakers to your jumbo umbrellas.
Can I add sides to my umbrella?
Yes we can add side sheets to your umbrella/s giving a gazebo-like effect and to provide some protection from the wind. The side sheets are made in the same acrylic fabric as the canopy, and can have clear PVC windows added to let light into the space.
Will I need planning permission for a jumbo umbrella?
In most cases, you won't need to get planning permission on free standing umbrellas that can be moved and taken down if needed. However, if you're planning to permanently fix an umbrella using an in-ground sleeve, especially if it's going to cover a pavement or public area, you may need planning permission. This is because permanent fixtures can be considered building works. Please check with your local council as they will be able to advise whether planning permission will be required, and if it will likely be granted.
What is the process of ordering an umbrella?
We will come and visit you to carry out a site survey to measure up and decide which size umbrella/s will work best at your venue and which base is best. We will also bring along our fabric swatches for you to decide on the colour of the membranes. If you want the membrane branded, we will require a high res logo to be sent to us. Once the quote is approved, you will be sent a design proof to be signed off.
What is the lead time?
Once signed off, we will begin manufacture and this usually takes between 6-8 weeks. We will then be in touch to arrange installation with yourselves. We would require any obstructions such as signage, hanging baskets etc to be removed prior to us installing. If using an in-ground anchor, this will be sent to site approximately 2 weeks prior to install.
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