How to Repair a Bounce House: Ask a Professional

 

tiki_tovi_dual_lane_inflatable_waterslide

For many rental company startups, bounce houses are a big investment. You want your clients to be able to keep bouncing for a long time, have a great experience, and make memories. Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, damage can occur to the bounce house, either because of an overzealous bouncer who forgot about items in their pockets, simple wear and tear, or a surface with more dangers than you expected. 

 

Fortunately, your bounce house can be repaired! With these tips, you can quickly get your clients bouncing again. 

 

THE STEPS TO REPAIRING A BOUNCE HOUSE 

 

Has your bounce house been damaged? Follow these steps to get it fixed up.

 

Step One: Locate the Problem

 

If you have a smaller bounce house, you may quickly spot the problem. You may hear air escaping and quickly track it to its source. On the other hand, if you have a larger bounce house, you may need to inflate the bounce house and then check for areas that seem to deflate faster than others. Listen for the telltale hissing as you move around the house. 

 

Step Two: Clean the Affected Area

 

Make sure that the area with the hole is clean and dry before attempting to apply any patches. When you place a patch over dirt, it will peel off faster, leaving you in the same position you were in before. 

 

Step Three: Cut the Patch

 

When patching your bounce house, you want to use a vinyl patch. While duct tape might do for a short-term fix of a small hole, it won't fill your long-term repair needs, and you'll quickly need to patch it again. Instead, use a professional-quality vinyl patch that will adhere to the bounce house and prevent further damage. There are several things to keep in mind as you cut your patch.

 

  • Cut the patch at least two inches wider than the tear or hole since you'll need plenty of room for it to adhere to the bounce house
  • Make your patch rounded or circular since this will remove corners that are more likely to peel or snag
  • Check to make sure the edges are as smooth as possible for a secure fix

 

Test the patch over the hole to ensure it is the right size and shape before adhering. 

 

Step Four: Flatten the Patch

 

If the vinyl has curled or curved, take the time to flatten the patch under a book or heavy object. 

 

Step Five: Apply Glue

 

You should apply vinyl glue to the area where the leak occurred and the patch itself. Apply generously since you want the glue to adhere fully to the bounce house. If possible, apply the glue and patch to the inside of the bounce house, not the outside, so that the pressure from inflating the bounce house will push it into position rather than out away from it.

 

Step Five: Press and Hold

 

Press and hold the patch in position for several minutes. If the bounce house is flat and deflated, you may want to use a heavy object to hold the patch in place. This will give the glue time to adhere and ensure the patch does not bubble or slip out of position. 

 

Step Six: Check the Seal

 

Before using your bounce house, make sure the glue is completely dry and that there are no unsealed edges that will lift away. If necessary, reapply the glue. Always wait for the glue to dry completely before using the bounce house again.

 

NEED A BOUNCE HOUSE REPAIR? CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT BIG & BRIGHT INFLATABLES

 

At Big & Bright Inflatables, we have extensive experience with bounce houses and all that they need. If your bounce house has suffered damage, get in touch with us! We can help you make repairs and get it up and running again. 

 

Image Credit: Mario_d_chile / Shutterstock 

Back to blog