Can I install a cantilever umbrella on the top floor of a building?

"I want to install a cantilever umbrella on the third floor, the top of our building. What do you suggest?"

Customer, Dubai

We don't recommend cantilever umbrellas on high floors. The higher you go up a building, the stronger the wind, and cantilever umbrellas can be unstable in high wind. For a roof terrace or upper floor we suggest a centre pole umbrella such as the Fortero, Fortello or Gastrofit.

Why wind matters more on a roof

Wind speed increases with height. At ground level, walls, trees and other buildings slow it down; on a roof or a top floor terrace there is nothing in the way, and the edges of a building can channel and speed up gusts. Read more in how wind around buildings affects shades.

Why a cantilever is less stable

On a cantilever umbrella the canopy hangs off to one side of the pole. When the wind catches it, all that force acts on one arm and pulls on the base unevenly, which is why cantilevers need much heavier bases and have lower wind ratings. Higher up, those limits are reached much more often.

What we suggest instead

A centre pole umbrella has its pole in the middle of the canopy, so the wind load is spread evenly over the pole and base. The models we suggest for roofs and upper floors:

• Fortello: a large 400 cm umbrella rated to 70 km/h, for homes, hotels and restaurants. Also available with LED lighting.
• Fortero: a sturdy umbrella rated to 60 km/h in the 300x300 cm size and 50 km/h in the 350x350 cm size.
• Gastrofit: a large 350x350 or 400x400 cm umbrella for restaurants and terraces, on a 120 or 180 kg base.

On a roof, the umbrella can stand on a heavy base or be fixed to the floor with a ground socket, depending on the roof surface.

Whichever umbrella you choose, close it when the wind picks up and whenever nobody is using it. See the Shamal wind for when strong winds are expected in the UAE.

Planning a roof terrace? Send us a photo of the space and tell us the floor, and we'll recommend the model, size and fixing. You can also see these umbrellas at our Al Quoz display.