Parasol spring check in Exeter
Professional parasol spring check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Garden parasol checked over, mechanism serviced, fabric cleaned, and base secured ready for summer. One less thing to discover is broken when you've got guests coming over.
Get Your Garden Summer-Ready
First sunny weekend of the year and you drag the parasol out of the shed to discover the mechanism's seized, the fabric's mouldy, and you've no idea where the base weights went.
💡 Pro tip: Parasols left in sheds over winter always need attention. The mechanisms get stiff, fabric gets damp, and parts go walkabout. A spring check means it's ready when you need it, not when it's convenient to fix it.
Why A Spring Check Matters
Here's the difference between a parasol that works all summer and one that's a constant frustration:
| ✅ Checked Properly | ❌ Left To Chance |
|---|---|
| Smooth opening mechanism | Stiff, awkward, sometimes jams |
| Clean fresh fabric | Dusty, musty, possibly mouldy |
| Stable weighted base | Wobbles or falls over in wind |
| Minor repairs done early | Small problems become big ones |
What You Get
☂️ The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Inspect | Mechanism checked, fabric examined, base assessed |
| Service | Moving parts lubricated, stiff sections freed up |
| Clean | Fabric cleaned (or advice given for deep cleaning) |
| Secure | Base properly weighted, positioned where you want it |
📦 You're Left With
- Parasol ready to use immediately
- Smooth opening and closing
- Clean, fresh-looking fabric
- Stable base that'll handle Devon breezes
Pricing Guide
| Parasol Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard centre-pole parasol | 30 mins | £60 |
| Large or cantilever parasol | 45 mins | £60 |
| Multiple parasols same visit | Add 20 mins each | +£25 each |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour). Additional parts or repairs quoted separately if needed.
Perfect For Your Garden If...
✅ Been stored all winter - mechanisms always need attention
✅ High-end parasol - worth maintaining properly
✅ Busy summer ahead - garden parties, BBQs, family visits
✅ Elderly or mobility issues - those mechanisms can be stiff to operate
Why Choose Us for Parasol spring check in Exeter?
Mechanism checked and lubricated
Fabric cleaned and treated
Base secured and weighted properly
Repairs identified before they're urgent
What to Expect
Step 1: Get It Out & Inspect
I'll retrieve the parasol from wherever you've stored it, open it up, and check the full mechanism. Looking for stiff sections, damaged cord, wobbly joints, rust on the pole. Also checking the canopy for tears, mould, or UV damage.
Step 2: Service & Clean
Any stiff parts get lubricated, seized sections freed up, loose screws tightened. The fabric gets a clean with appropriate cleaner - or if it needs machine washing, I'll advise you on that. Not much point me wiping it down if it really needs a proper wash.
Step 3: Base & Position
Check the base is stable - often they need more weight added, or the weights have gone missing over winter. Position it where you want it for the summer, make sure it opens and closes smoothly, and you're done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to service your garden parasol yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- WD-40 or similar lubricant
- Soft brush and bucket of warm soapy water
- Cloth for wiping down
- Weights for base (sandbags, water weights, or purpose-made)
- Allen keys (often needed for adjustments)
🔩 Mechanism maintenance
- Open and close it a few times to identify stiff points
- Spray moving parts with lubricant - joints, cord pulleys, tilt mechanisms
- Work it back and forth to distribute the lube
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts you find
- Check the opening cord isn't frayed or damaged
🧼 Cleaning the canopy
- Brush off loose dirt and cobwebs first
- Warm water and mild detergent (nothing harsh)
- Soft brush or sponge - don't scrub too hard
- Rinse thoroughly - soap residue attracts dirt
- Let it dry FULLY before closing or storing
- For mould: weak bleach solution (test on hidden area first)
⚓ Base stability
- Parasol bases need serious weight - 15-25kg minimum for standard parasols
- Cantilever parasols need even more - 50kg+
- Water weights are convenient but freeze in winter (bring inside)
- Sand or gravel in hollow bases works well
- Purpose-made weight plates are best but pricey
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Forcing stiff mechanisms without lubrication (breaks things)
- Using harsh cleaners that damage water-resistant coating
- Closing parasol while fabric is still damp (mould heaven)
- Under-weighting the base (first breeze sends it flying)
- Ignoring small tears (they get bigger fast)
💡 Pro trick: If you've got a cantilever parasol, the rotation mechanism is usually the first thing to seize. Give it a good spray with penetrating oil, leave it 10 minutes, then work it back and forth. Much easier than trying to force it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🌤️ Garden furniture too? If you want tables, chairs, and benches checked and cleaned at the same time, let me know when booking. Doing it all together is much more efficient than separate visits.
Replacement canopies? If yours is beyond saving, I can measure up and advise on replacements. Some manufacturers sell canopies separately, which is cheaper than a whole new parasol. Not all though - depends on the brand.
Autumn storage service? I also offer autumn pack-down - clean it, dry it properly, store it correctly so it's not a disaster next spring. Most people who use the spring check service book the autumn one too.
Broken or damaged? Sometimes parasols aren't worth repairing - the frame's rusted through or the mechanism's completely gone. I'll be honest with you about whether it's fixable or if you need a new one. No point me taking your money for a bodge job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a parasol spring check involve?
I check the opening/closing mechanism works smoothly, lubricate any stiff parts, clean the fabric (or advise if it needs proper washing), check the base is stable and weighted correctly, and spot any damage that needs fixing. Basically making sure it's ready for a summer of use rather than finding problems when guests are over.
My parasol has been in the shed all winter - does it need this?
Probably, yeah. They get stiff mechanisms from sitting unused, fabric gets dusty or mouldy in sheds, and bases often need re-weighting. It's like getting your garden furniture out - it's been sat there for months and needs a once-over before you can actually use it properly.
Can you repair parasols that are damaged?
Depends what's wrong. Stiff mechanisms, broken cord, wobbly pole - yes, usually fixable on the spot or with parts ordered. Ripped canopy - I can advise but you're often better replacing it. Snapped ribs - sometimes repairable, sometimes it's end of life. I'll be honest about what's worth fixing.
Do I need to have the parasol out already?
No - most people still have them packed away when I arrive. I'll get it out of storage, check it over, and position it where you want it for summer. That's part of what you're paying for - not wrestling with it yourself.
How long does it take?
Usually 30-45 minutes for a standard parasol. A bit longer if you've got one of those big cantilever ones with complex mechanisms, or if I find issues that need sorting. I'll let you know on the day if anything needs extra time.
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