Fiberglass Umbrellas

Fiberglass Umbrellas are used for many commercial applications because of their many advantages. They are stronger and more durable than their fabric and vinyl cousins. Most of these umbrellas are rated to withstand strong winds of up to fifty miles per hour and some models will withstand strong winds of up to seventy miles per hour. They are perfect for unattended areas because they need very little maintenance and are always attractive. They do not need to be sheltered during periods of harsh weather and can remain outside at all times. They are corrosion and mold resistant and the fiberglass will outlive the wood or aluminum umbrellas by a factor of four or five. They have various attractive designer looks and will last for years of constant outdoor use. These fiberglass topped umbrellas are very popular with residential applications as well as commercial applications such as outdoor cafes, restaurants, hotels, bistros, swimming pools, and parks.

Fiberglass Umbrellas are extremely durable and weather resistant. Most models measure approximately 7 1/2 feet in diameter and weigh 81 pounds. Usually they are mounted on a pole at a tilt and will swivel in a strong breeze. Usually the pole is 1 1/2 inches in diameter and is made of aluminum or galvanized steel. The fiberglass is coated with a material that is impregnated with UV inhibitors to prevent color fading from the sun’s rays. Usually this coating is up to 20 millimeters thick. The fiberglass is offered in various colors and includes hunter green, blue, red, white, shamrock green, and yellow.

Commercial umbrellas such as Fiberglass Umbrellas can create a comfortable kind of ambiance that make a location look and feel inviting. These umbrellas are “calling out” to people to sit down and relax and join a friendly community. They are a great touch to many establishments. However, these umbrellas must have certain qualities demanded by today’s buyers. Buyers want their umbrellas to be durable enough to last for at least 5 to 10 years. Therefore today’s umbrellas must be able to withstand both very cold and/or very hot conditions. And they must be able to withstand strong winds without suffering damage. Today’s umbrellas must also offer a wide range of designs, colors and materials for both residential and commercial buyers. The one color “fits all” strategy will not work in today’s market. In addition, buyers want their umbrellas imprinted with company names and logos. And they want to choose from several different structures such as center mounted, cantilevered, retractable, or portable.

Modern Fiberglass Umbrellas have an “umbrella history” that literally stretches back thousands of years. They actually appeared in many cultures before men began to write. We have historical etchings, stone carvings, and later written references to umbrellas. Usually these umbrellas were reserved for nobility or high ranking people. But in the seventeenth century an English traveler, John Hanway, brought the umbrella to England and began his one man campaign to popularize it. For many years the English, like the ancient Romans before them, thought that the umbrella was far too effeminate to be used by men. A delicate parasol evolved and was part of a European ladies’ attire. The delicate parasol was included in paintings created by the masters of the era. And given the time, the English improved on the umbrella and its performance. All of today’s umbrellas, including the Fiberglass Umbrella, share this history.