What is the Point of a Double Top or Vented Umbrella?

A vented umbrella is a cash-saving (and stress-reducing) investment for any outdoor space because it resists and endures wind more effectively. You’ve probably seen one before. A vented umbrella looks like a normal umbrella with a little mini-umbrella sitting at its peak. (That’s why they’re also called double top umbrellas.) That second little umbrella-piece on top improves the umbrella’s air resistance and air flow. Golfers use them. They’re a great option for a rainy-day umbrella if you live in a windy area. And a lot of high-quality patio umbrellas use the vented design. You want to protect that investment, right?

How a Vented Umbrella is Different

• Vented umbrellas have openings in the canopy to allow wind to pass through, reducing wind resistance and preventing the umbrella from blowing away.
• The vents help dissipate wind pressure, making the umbrella easier to control in challenging weather.
• Vented umbrellas provide better stability and durability in windy conditions compared to non-vented umbrellas.
• The vents also improve air circulation, preventing stagnant, muggy conditions under the umbrella on hot days.

Let me put it this way. Have you ever been out on a wet and blustery day when the wind picked up? There’s like at 50/50 chance that one strong gust of wind yanks your umbrella sideways and flips it inside-out. Like one of those cones a dog has to wear after surgery, so it doesn’t lick its stitches. Then you’re stuck walking around with a useless martini-glass-shaped umbrella. Or even worse. Have you ever walked out onto your back porch and found your big, beautiful patio umbrella crashed onto its side? Now the fabric’s all inverted with some bent-up, ruined arms? Vented umbrellas are specifically made to save you from this kind of frustration.

Understanding Vented Umbrellas

So, let’s break it down. What is a vented umbrella (also known as a double top umbrella)? Basically, it’s an umbrella with openings or vents in the canopy. These vents allow wind to pass through. The vents make the umbrella less likely fly out of your hand or have the canopy flip inside-out. Or, if you’re a cartoon or Mary Poppins, less likely for you to fly away. I didn’t want to leave anyone out.

Photo: the Octagon Quick Ship Auto Tilt Umbrella by Treasure Garden, available at patioproductions.com

How Vented Umbrellas Work

So, how do these magical wind-defying umbrellas actually work? Bust out your pocket-protectors because we’re going all science. When wind hits a traditional umbrella, it creates pressure on the surface, causing it to flip inside out or even break. But with a vented umbrella, the wind passes through the openings, equalizing the pressure and keeping your umbrella intact.

Think of it like a parachute. Air flows through the vents. This prevents the canopy from catching too much wind and dragging you (or your patio furniture) away. It’s like a built-in safety valve for your umbrella!

Benefits of Vented Umbrellas for Your Patio

• Enhanced wind resistance
• Improved air circulation
• Reduced risk of inverting
• UV protection
• Heat dissipation
• Durability and longevity

I’ve seen a lot of people buying umbrellas for their outdoor spaces. A vented umbrella is absolutely the way to go for your patio. They often cost a little more, but you also get more seasons of use because of the way it’s crafted. Plus, the practical benefits of a vented umbrella are so good they showed up in a 2023 New York Times “Best Umbrella” article¹.

Vented Umbrellas Are Crafted With Enhanced Wind Resistance

Better wind resistance is the defining feature of the vented umbrella. There’s less stress on the umbrella’s canopy and pole because the wind is breaking both over and through the vents. This means your umbrella lasts longer. And you can enjoy your patio or backyard without constantly chasing after your umbrella or dealing with the embarrassment of a inside-out canopy. Or fishing it out of your neighbor’s pool. (Sorry, Eric.)

Improved Air Circulation of Vented Umbrellas

Another benefit of vented umbrellas is improved air circulation. You know what’s not great on still, hot days? Trapping that hot air in the space you were hoping to use a refuge from the sun. The vents let that hot air and moisture move and escape. So no more of that muggy, stagnant feeling under your umbrella. It’s like having a built-in fan to keep you cool and comfortable.

Reduced Risk of Inverting

I mentioned this earlier. It’s definitely worth repeating. Having a strong gust of wind inverting your umbrella is the worst. Trying to wrench your canopy back into a working shape while getting drenched or overheated is the worst. A vented umbrella greatly reduces the risk of this happening to you. Better air-flow = less inversion potential.

UV Protection of Patio Umbrellas

I realize this isn’t specifically a feature solely of vented umbrellas. But most high-quality outdoor vented patio umbrellas will also offer some additional benefits. Many vented umbrellas have UV protective coatings, providing better sun protection. For example, you’ll find great UV-resistant materials used in the outdoor umbrellas here at Patio Productions. That means they’re better at protecting your skin from UV damage while ALSO improving its own ability to survive harsh sunlight season after season. That feels like a great double value to me.

Photo: the 13ft Cantilever Octagon Umbrella in Henna by Treasure Garden, available at PatioProductions.com

Durability and Longevity

Vented umbrellas are often more durable and long-lasting compared to non-vented umbrellas. Those vents help reduce stress on the frame and canopy. Those high winds just don’t end up damaging your umbrella over time. The longer your patio umbrella lasts, the more value you’re getting from your purchase. Plus, I hate having to replace a piece of furniture once I’ve spent the time finding just the right one for my patio design.

Style and Design Options

There are a TON of great design options for outdoor vented umbrella these days. You’ll be blown away! (See what I did there?) You can find circular umbrellas. Square options. Big ones. Small ones. Simple, sleek designs. Brightly-colored, striped and cantilevered ones! Whatever your desired style, we can help you can find it. We even have an outdoor umbrella buying guide to simplify your decision.

Care and Maintenance Tips

I’ve talked a lot about how vented umbrellas are great investments. I want to help you protect that investment.

Here’s an article describing how to clean a patio umbrella. Also, here are a few simple care and maintenance tips for you. It’s nothing too hard. But these can make a huge difference for your umbrella’s performance and beauty.

1. Always leave the umbrella open (at least for a while) to dry after use to prevent rust and mildew.
2. Wipe the canopy and frame with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
3. Store the umbrella in a protective cover when not in use.
4. Inspect the frame and canopy regularly for signs of wear and tear.
5. Repair or replace damaged parts promptly to extend the umbrella’s life.

Closing Down Our Vented Umbrella Chat

The point of a vented umbrella is to cause you less stress by just letting that wind pass right on by. I’m surprised there was so much to talk about today. But I hope it makes your umbrella decisions a breeze. Vented umbrellas are definitely a wise investment in any outdoor space. So why not toss a vented umbrella into your backyard design? Your patio (and your sanity) will thank you.

If you still have questions, the experts here at Patio Productions love to chat with you. And make sure to shop our extensive range of outdoor vented umbrellas, or any other outdoor furniture and accessories.