While umbrellas are perceived by many as a simple accessory that is meant to protect you from the sun, rain, and wind, it is important to keep in mind the quality of your umbrella because this will determine how long it will survive.
Many people believe that all the umbrellas are the same and don’t pay even half the attention that they do when purchasing anything else. However, you should not buy an umbrella just like you buy a pack of gum at the register. The bulk of umbrellas on the market are so fragile, having a poor resistance, and made with poor quality materials that can immediately rip, leaving you completely exposed. Pay close attention to the material of the umbrella as this is one of the most crucial components in order to avoid wasting money and experiencing disappointment from making an impulsive purchase of an umbrella that is just not suited for you.
The most important characteristic that the material from which the umbrella canopy is made must have is resistance to environmental factors. The best umbrella will have a canopy made of a waterproof, wind-resistant material that will protect you from UV radiation. Also, the material must breathe, for the umbrella to last in an environment with high humidity. And the density of the material is important so that the umbrella can protect properly. There are many options available when it comes to the material of your umbrella; you have many options available, such as nylon, pongee.
While all of these will definitely look good, they all have a downside that will put in danger the durability of your umbrella. While nylon has a high level of resistance to many chemicals, it has the drawback of shrinking when exposed to humidity in the air. That could prevent the umbrellas from opening or shutting and may even cause it to break or rip the material. Again, the pongee is stress and UV radiation resistant; yet, its main drawback is that it has low-temperature endurance, which means that the ‘thermal life’ of the pongee is short.
That is when polyester comes into play. The polyester canvas keeps its colour for a long time. Also, the material is resistant to mould and moisture. Polyester umbrellas are available in various colours and prints, as this material is particularly receptive to dye, making it simple for umbrella makers to produce bespoke colours from it. Polyester's synthetic fibres are both strong and light. The umbrellas can maintain their form even when wet or exposed to intense sunlight. Polyester is a low-maintenance fabric, making it simple to wash and dry the umbrellas. It is quick and simple to open and close a polyester umbrella because, unlike nylon, it does not shrink or expand when exposed to higher air humidity.
Today, umbrellas have a variety of uses, from rain and UV protection to even fashionable accessories. The umbrella material determines its life span, so be informed next time you make a purchase.
