Care & Maintenance

Shade

How to purchase Spare Parts

Shelta has sold spare parts for all of their umbrellas for the past 100 years, and we’re not about to stop this service any time soon. We still have some stock of spare parts for umbrellas built in the 90’s.

Firstly, Identify what model of umbrella you have here How to identify your cantilever Umbrella

How to identify your centre post Umbrella

Once you have identified your model, you can go to our shop or email us at repairs@shelta.com.au or phone us on (02) 8863 0400

Installation

Shelta takes great care to emphasise to purchasers that umbrellas should not be left up unattended or in anything more than a mild breeze. Closing the umbrella, tying it against the mast by securing the fabric tie (around the umbrella and mast) takes but a few seconds. To keep it in new condition, use the protective cover (supplied in the box).

All Shelta engineer WIND testing is done using the Bolt Down to the Ground method – Click to see these instructions
Engineered Wind testing is done specifically to test the engineering endurance of the materials in different wind conditions. Wind ratings are not an indication of what ballasts are required to keep your Shade Umbrella from being blown over.

You can find specific installation methods for our cantilever range here, alternatively, all the instructions are included inside the carton and can be downloaded here.
Clearance measurements to help select the perfect installation area can be found here.

Safety

Our range of Shade Umbrellas are designed to help protect from the harsh Australian Sun.

They are not weather umbrellas and as such should not be left open while unattended

They should not be open when raining as this would damage the canopy and wind release vent at the top of our umbrellas.

The Umbrellas are designed to withstand a light wind, but in general, should not be left open in windy conditions. The Umbrella canopy can act a wind sail and catch any upward gust causing the umbrella to fall over.

All our Umbrellas come with detailed base recommendations however we strongly recommend the inground solution for our Cantilever range as the best possible mounting to withstand any surprise gust of wind.

Care

Close the dry Shade Umbrella and cover it with the Protective Sleeve between uses.

Store in a dry, and enclosed location if not used for long periods.

The umbrella should be hosed regularly with fresh water if exposed to salt spray, in the vicinity of chlorine or any pollutants.

Soiling of the canopy can be minimised by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric or spot cleaning soon after stains occur If spot cleaning is required, use a diluted neutral PH laundry detergent and rinse it well with fresh water. Allow it to dry with the umbrella partially open or completely extended. Fabrics may be treated with a fabric protector such as ‘Scotchguard’ for additional protection.

Do not close or store the umbrella when wet; if it is necessary to close a wet umbrella in stormy weather, remember to open and dry the canopy as soon as weather conditions allow.

Every 6 months spray the Rotate Bearing and Ballast Block Frame with WD40 or deodorised fish-oil.

It is important to regularly check that the base of the umbrella is properly secured and check the whole umbrella for any loose or missing bolts and nuts.

Shade UV Rating

Please see individual product swing tickets for information about abuse, wind damage and normal wear and tear guarantee exclusions. Also product care, cleaning, service and return instructions.

Furniture

Safety

Our range of furniture is designed to be used as simple use furniture – chairs are for sitting on, not standing on, tables are for placing meals, banquettes and drinks, not persons. When placing multiple or heavy items on the table always try to place them balanced (from the centre out) depending on the leg design, placing heavy items on one side of the table may cause it to fall over.

Please follow care instructions carefully and do not use any item of furniture that shows signs of rust or (in cases of timber products) any timber splitting. It is important to maintain the furniture to keep it in a functional state.

Aluminium tables and chair frames should be hosed regularly with fresh water to remove dust, salt and contaminants such as chlorine. Avoid contact with water from swimming pools as salt and chlorine can cause corrosion of metal components even when in close proximity.

Care

All outdoor furniture will deteriorate if exposed to sunlight for long periods. A little extra care will allow you to get the best performance from your Shelta furniture and umbrellas. When not in use, we recommend that you cover chairs and tables with a Protective Cover. If possible, store your furniture in a dry, shaded location.

While aluminium will take a long time to wear, in a lot of cases, Decades, Cushions need special care if they are to last as long. But no need to throw out your furniture because of worn, faded or outdated cushions. Cushions can be replaced.

Aluminium tables and chair frames should be hosed regularly with fresh water to remove dust, salt and contaminants. Avoid contact with water from swimming pools as salt and chlorine can cause corrosion of metal components.

Textmesh slings and synthetic wicker can be washed with a mixture of PH Neutral detergent and warm water using a soft brush; then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Olefin cushions can be gently hand washed using detergent and warm water; then rinse and allow to dry. Soiling can be minimised by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

Shelta has used many different types of timbers for our range of Umbrellas and our Furniture range.

Most of our timbers are treated with either a varnish or a sealer that should stop the natural process of TANNIN Leaching or Bleeding. However, it is not always possible to prevent this even with treatment. Also, the natural process of rotting where timber is exposed to the elements for periods of time is unavoidable. Timbers fade in colour if they are not preserved so treating your timber with a varnish or a sealer is always a good idea especially if you plan to leave it in the elements.

Some timbers people want that weathered look; Such as Teak.

Teak is a natural timber that contains Tannin. Tannin; also called tannic acids, are a group of phenolic compounds in wood that gives it colour. Teak also has Tannins that can leach or bleed from the ends of the timbers during periods of water absorption. This is perfectly natural and even with the best sealers, if water gets into the fibres, they will bleed the tannin onto whatever is under the timber.

Teak starts out with a natural Honey colour to it.

Depending on how much tannin is bleached out through the process of a) water absorption and drying which causes bleeding and b) bleaching caused by exposure to UV; the Teak takes on a more silvery colour (or Natural weathered look).

Some people like the Honey look, and some people like the weathered look. Fortunately, with Teak, you can have it however you want it.

To keep the new look Teak simply purchase and apply a good quality teak sealer to your furniture once a year. This is the same process you would need to use to rejuvenate an old teak wooden deck. Do not use store-bought teak oils. For best results speak to the paint sections specialists at your hardware store.

First – Clean the teak with a nylon scrubbing brush, some mild washing detergent in water (about 1ml per Litre). This will remove any surface contaminants that would prevent the product from being absorbed by the timber.

Then – Let the timber dry in the sun.

Finally – Apply the sealer as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not use Teak oil. This will not be effective on outdoor furniture.
Do not use steel wool. Fibres will embed in the wood and cause later staining through rust.

To make your Teak look like it has been weathered you can simply leave it out in the weather and let mother nature do all the hard work for you. Just keep in mind that materials under the furniture will wear some of the leached tannin, this may pose a staining risk.

If you want your timber weathered faster you could apply some bleach to the teak. Be careful not to get the bleach anywhere near any ferrous materials (metal) because bleach and chlorine are strong oxidisers and will rust anything that comes into contact with it. Best to lay down a tarp to protect your pavers or floor.

First – Clean the teak with a nylon scrubbing brush and detergent and water.
Do not use steel wool. Fibres will embed in the wood and rust when you apply bleach

Next – Apply a concentration of bleach 1:20 – of course, retail purchased bleaches do vary in strength.

Then – Leave it for about 2 hours in the sun and hose it off. (Leave it longer if it’s not so sunny)

After – In a weeks time (after the sun has worked some magic) you can repeat these steps. Each time you do it will lighten the wood.

Fibres of wood can sometimes stand up after being wet. You can use a piece of 180-220 grit sandpaper (rubbing with the grain, not against it) to remove these burs – while the wood is dry.

Furniture UV Rating

Please see individual product swing tickets for information about abuse, wind damage and normal wear and tear guarantee exclusions. Also product care, cleaning, service and return instructions.

Rain

Safety

All Shelta Umbrellas are designed to last and protect from rain. While they will withstand windy conditions they should not be used in strong wind conditions as the umbrella can act as a wind sail and pull over the person holding it.
Make sure the umbrella is allowed to dry after use.

Care

Rain Umbrellas require little care.
Your Shelta Umbrella will last years without oil, without any maintenance as long as you follow these simple steps.
When wet, allow it to dry before storing the umbrella into its sleave.
After use, allow the umbrella to dry while open before storing it again.
It can be dangerous to use a rain umbrella in a gale. The fore of the wind in the umbrella canopy can act as a wind sail and blow over the person holding it.

UV Rating

Please see individual product swing tickets for information about abuse, wind damage and normal wear and tear guarantee exclusions. Also product care, cleaning, service and return instructions.