How outdoor displays are prepared for every weather Posted on: April 27, 2017 by Gemma Russo The weather. It’s the one thing that we can’t ever plan for when organising an outdoor event. For this reason, it’s really important that you can trust in your outdoor displays to make sure it will blow your visitors away and not itself. It can be tempting to use a cheaper, indoor display outdoors – what’s the difference right? Well, when the great British weather comes your way, you’ll be glad that you invested in the right kit that can withstand most elements. Don’t be blown away When the wind gets a bit breezy remember that most indoor displays are practically sails. A bit of wind will have them fall over faster than you can say “Wind in the Willows”. You really don’t want to have to spend your time propping up a stand, or securing with string to the detriment of your passing potential customers. Outdoor Displays are rated against the Beaufort scale, which is a commonly used wind measuring scale. The below table illustrates which force of wind you may be up against at your event and which of our products can withstand such a battering. Beaufort NumberDescriptionWind speedLand conditionsProduct 0Calm< 1mphcalm. Smoke rises verticallyAll outdoor products 1Light air1-3 mphSmoke drift indicated wind direction. Leaves and wine vanes are stationary.All outdoor products 2Light breeze4-7 mphWind felt on exposed skin. Leaves rustle. Wind vanes begin to move.All outdoor products 3Gentle breeze8-12 mphLeaves and small twigs constantly moving, light flags extended.All outdoor products 4Moderate breeze13-17 mphDust and loose paper raised. Small branches begin to move.Freestanding flags and freestanding outdoor banner stands 5Fresh breeze18-24 mphBranches of a moderate size move. Small trees in leaf begin to sway.Pegged flags, pegged outdoor banner stand and A frame banner stands (excluding A frame pavement signs). 6Strong breeze25-30 mphLarge branches in motion. Whistling heard in overhead wires. Umbrella use becomes difficult. Empty plastic bins tip over. No products - take down and go inside (perhaps get a cup of tea). 7High wind, moderate gale, near gale31-38 mphWhole trees in motion. Effort needed to walk against the wind. No products. Upgrade tea to coffee or perhaps something stronger. Rain, rain go away Rain is a key part of the British weather, we have seen summers where festival goers have been knee high in mud and events have been cancelled. Boo. As such, suppliers should print outdoor products on PVC substrates. These are waterproof and can withstand the odd shower which will leave you singing in the rain. Although we would recommend you bring your display in during a heavy down pour! Sunshine A rare commodity in the UK but I promise that it does sometimes happen. Repeated expose to sun can made a display fade. Make sure your supplier prints using UV stable inks which makes them fade resistant. For you, this will mean that your displays will last as long as you need them to. So come wind, rain or shine your outdoor display will be ready to face the elements. You’ll love these: