Parasol Guidance: Usage & Care
Usage
Please ensure your parasol is located on a flat and even surface.
It is vital that you close and open your parasol at the right time. See below for the correct guidance.
Always close your parasol when not in use.
If the parasol is collapsed and outside, make sure that the ties are used to ensure the canopy is not flapping around.
Ideally store your parasols inside when not in use. This should be in a dry room.
Remove leaves and insect / bird dirt regularly – see Cleaning section
WIND HAZARDS
Whilst our parasols are robust, all parasols should be taken down in windy conditions. Do not leave any parasol in the open position in winds of excess of 15mph without being fitted and bolted to the ground by a licensed contractor. We recommend that parasols are used in conjunction with a table for optimum stability in wind.
FIRE HAZARDS
Be cautious of placing your parasol close to heaters which can cause a fire hazard. Lighting can also be a potential hazard as electricity carries the risk of fire. You should ensure any energy-consuming products meet the restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) standards. We do offer a Fire Retardant treatment to our canopies as an optional upgrade – please enquire for further information.
BASE
Make sure you have the adequate base weight for the size of canopy, location and position. Please ask your supplier to recommend the most compliant bases for your parasol. We advise that you use your parasol in conjunction with a table for the optimum stability.
SUN EXPOSURE
Too much sun exposure over a matter of time will have a damaging effect of the fabric and printing. We are proud to offer an ISO light fastness 6-7 for our parasol canopies. However, please be aware that over time, fading can occur.
Storage
Make sure your parasol is completely dry before closing it to prevent mould or rotting. If the weather forces you to close the parasol temporarily in a damp state, open the parasol again as soon as possible to let dry.
When storing for long periods e.g. over winter please clean your parasol before storing and ensure that it is completely dry.
Ideally store your parasols inside when not in use. This should be in a dry room.
Storing outdoors in winter is not recommended.
Cleaning
As parasols are used outside, some soiling is inevitable throughout the seasons. Over time a layer of dirt can form on the canopy which can be ‘burnt’ into the coating of the parasol by solar radiation. Therefore, cleaning your parasol’s canopy is paramount to extend the life of your parasol.
- Soiling is best removed using a dry brush
- For general cleaning, use a soft sponge and a gentle cleaning agent such a mild detergent and water
- Or you can use a high-grade cleaning glove made of special microfibre material Do not scrub the canopy
- Also use cold water (not warm or hot water)
Please note that when it comes to stains, the fresher they are, the easier they will be to remove.
Bases
You should choice the base appropriate to the size of the parasol, the position of the parasol (free standing / with table etc) and the location (exposed / sheltered etc). Always fully secure your parasol with a heavy base, please always ask for advice from your reseller when choosing the appropriate base weight.
Please be aware that our parasols are designed to be used in conjunction with a base through a table. Whilst they don’t have to be used in this way, with the British weather we cannot offer a guarantee should they be used free standing or in any other way.
REPLACEMENT PARTS: The majority of our parasols have easy-fit replacement parts available e.g. ribs. Please contact your reseller to find out more.
REPLACEMENT CANOPIES: Our canopies are also very easy to fit so if yours becomes damaged, faded or even if you change your branding, please contact your reseller for a quote. Full instructions will be provided for removing and attaching the new canopy; this is a simple 10 minute task.