How to change the canopy on your parasol?
A must-have for outdoor living
In the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable and often harsh, a parasol is an essential item for outdoor living. It provides vital protection against UV rays on sunny days, creating a significant shaded area on your patio or garden. Ideal for relaxing or entertaining friends and family, a parasol is more than just a functional item; it's a part of your outdoor decor.
However, like all outdoor furniture, the parasol's structure needs maintenance, and its canopy often requires attention. Exposed to the elements, the canopy can wear out over time, depending on the fabric and its quality.
Perhaps you're also looking to refresh the look of your cantilever or centre pole parasol with a new colour or pattern!
Knowing how to replace your parasol canopy is crucial for maintaining optimal protection. At Belveo, our cantilever parasols and centre pole parasols are designed to perfectly harmonise with our interchangeable canopies.
When to replace your parasol canopy ?
If you frequently use your parasol and live in areas affected by severe weather, typical in the UK, it's necessary to replace your canopy more often. Having a spare canopy on hand is advisable.
When not using your parasol, we strongly recommend protecting the canopy with a protective cover to prevent damage. This precaution ensures an intact canopy, thus effective protection from solar rays and optimal shading for your terrace or balcony. In case of damage, wear, or tears, replacing the canopy is advisable.
Choosing your replacement canopy
Here are some factors to consider when selecting your replacement canopy :
Quality of the canopy :
Opt for an olefin or acrylic canopy. Not all parasol canopies offer the same durability. It's recommended to choose a resistant model, both in terms of canopy and structure, during the initial purchase and any subsequent replacements. Olefin and acrylic canopies are water-repellent, anti-mould, and fade-resistant, and they're more durable than polyester, making them suitable for intensive use.
Colour and pattern :
Select a canopy that complements your outdoor decor. For a sophisticated, elegant look, choose neutral colours like beige or taupe. Belveo offers a range of colours in interchangeable canopies.
Size of the canopy :
Ensure the canopies you purchase are large enough to cover your entire parasol. Measure your parasol and verify that the dimensions match the canopy. The size of our parasols is available in each product description and technical sheet.
Price of the canopy :
Explore various types of canopies and choose one that best meets your needs. Remember, the canopy is a crucial element, so this investment should not be overlooked.
Acrylic or olefin canopies have a higher cost due to their exceptional properties, such as increased durability, weather resistance, and the ability to maintain vibrant colours over time, offering superior quality and longevity that justify their higher price. Conversely, the more affordable polyester canopy offers less resistance and limited durability.
How to replace your parasol canopy ?
To renew the canopy of your Belveo cantilever or centre pole parasol, you only need a new canopy and a stepladder.
Step 1: Remove the old canopy
Start by removing the cap at the top of your parasol. Then, remove each of the flexible ribs from the ends of the canopy.
For a cantilever parasol : remove the canopy from the arm notch.
For a centre pole parasol : skip the above step.
Finally, slide the canopy off your parasol.
Step 2: Install the new canopy
For a cantilever parasol : reinstall the arm notch into the new canopy.
For a centre pole parasol : skip the above step.
Then, reattach all the flexible ribs to the ends of the canopy and the cap at the top of the parasol.
For a step-by-step guide, watch our tutorial video.
Protecting your parasol canopy
Now that you know how to change the canopy of your cantilever or centre pole parasol, it's wise to avoid problems by adequately protecting the canopy.
Remember, when a parasol canopy is in place, it's exposed to various aggressions that can prematurely damage it : debris, strong winds, bird droppings, sun exposure, rain, mould, mildew, etc. That's why it's essential to protect the canopy during periods of non-use. By preserving your parasol's canopy, its lifespan will be extended.
So, how do you protect the canopy of your parasol ? It's simple; equip yourself with a protective cover for cantilever or centre pole parasols to ensure optimal protection of your canopy, such as during extended absences like holidays. For longer-lasting protection, especially during winter, it's advised to store the entire parasol in a sheltered area, using the cover. This prevents moisture stains and mould formation while keeping the canopy dust-free.
At Belveo, we offer a range of protective covers for cantilever and centre pole parasols in polyester. These covers effectively protect your parasol from weather elements and sunlight when not in use. They are also water-repellent.
Minimising wear on your parasol : proper folding techniques
To maximise the lifespan of your cantilever or centre pole parasol, it's recommended to fold it at the first signs of strong winds. Moreover, it's essential to detach it from the mast foot and store it flat as frequently as possible.
If you encounter resistance when using the crank or if it seems to be pulled by the weight of the canopy, avoid forcing it. In this case, disassemble the mechanism, as it's likely that the rope has become detached from the mechanism due to an undone knot.
Reassemble carefully, and enjoy the shade from your cantilever or centre pole parasol once again!
Conclusion
Renewing the canopy of your parasol is a simple operation that effectively protects your outdoor space. It's recommended to renew your parasol's canopy depending on its use and exposure to the weather.
Choosing the replacement canopy for your parasol involves considering the fabric quality, material (acrylic, olefin, or polyester), colour, size, price, and the year of manufacture.
Ensure you select a canopy that meets your needs in terms of durability and weather resistance.
By following these tips and steps for changing your parasol's canopy, you'll fully enjoy your parasol, come rain or shine!
