As a blanket rule, for a residential location, I would recommend the Tradewinds parasols because they have incredibly strong struts and frame. They also come with the appropriately heavy bases to stop parasols falling over and getting a break in the frame.

However, the answer to the question of what parasol to suit a windy location has to be cautious. The lawyer or the nervous would say that a site visit really out to be undertaken before any recommendation is made because wind direction, gustiness, local topography and building layout all play their part.

In truth, no parasol can be guaranteed to withstand a gale force breeze, even the strongest and biggest with the most serious inground base. The giant umbrellas we sell, equiped with integrated heat and light, still need to be made so that they are collapsible for periods of bad weather.

So the rule, with any parasol is that you do need to watch the weather and take it down before the gusty, swirling wind starts up. You will get to know what level of wind your particular parasol will withstand if you watch it carefully at first. Then you know when to run out and put in down.

Of course, some parasols withstand wind conditions much better than others. The stronger the frame and the struts, the heavier the base, then it will withstand much more. The Tradewinds parasols have all been wind tunnel tested and passed - but remember a wind tunnel is not a gusty storm!. They are still vulnerable.

One last element to consider - as all patio umbrellas are vulnerable to weather damage - is nvesting in one that has removeable and repairable parts. This wiill ensure that repais can be undertaken if a strut does get broken, rather than you having to replace the whole parasol.

All parasols should have a quality vent in the centre that allows the wind to pass through - this greatly adds to their stability. Don't buy one without a vent or you could have problems in even the lightest breeze!.