Umbrella sleeves in concrete decking NJ bad idea?

[Liz315]

So our concrete pad was framed up today and they will pour tomorrow. I asked the contractor if we can do umbrella sleeves and he said yes but he doesn’t recommend them because if water gets in there and freezes it will crack the concrete. I’m sure he’s right but how big of a problem is it? I don’t want to regret not putting them in if it’s not a huge worry.
I’m in NJ so we do have a freeze and thaw cycle. Are the caps pretty water tight? Do they even hold the umbrellas tight or will they blow away, do u need special ones to fit in there. I never had any so I have no reference. I just know I hate trying to find something to weigh down regular ones and they aren’t very pretty.

 

[kimkats]

There is a very real fear of the freeze and thaw cycle where you live. I would not take the chance. There are some pretty cantilever umbrellas out there. I would use one of them instead.

 

[PoolGate]

I have 2 umbrella sleeves on my 14" deep sundeck. Both are around 6" deep. They hold umbrellas well but a strong gust has lifted them out before. I have never had an issue with cracking due to freeze. They do get full of junk though and if you don't run a hose in them to flush them out, you'll end up with a super stinky mess. The screw tops are not water tight and you will frequently need plyers to get the tops off (well at least getting them started) as they tend to stick when all the way on. We like them a lot and like having an umbrella right in the sundeck.