Simple Inflatable Repairs For Inflatable Units
Your inflatable units will be used frequently, and after time, rips and tears are bound to happen. Luckily, small holes can easily be fixed with a simple vinyl repair kit. But even more important than knowing how to repair small holes, is knowing how to prevent them in the first place.
When setting up an inflatable unit on a cement surface, use a vinyl tarp (or ground covering) to protect it. This helps to shield your inflatable unit from rubbing against cement for several hours, which can wreak havoc on your investment. When setting up a wet inflatable unit on cement, don’t use a vinyl tarp. Instead, use a canvas tarp. Vinyl can become very slippery when wet, and this can cause a serious safety issue.
A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to further protecting your units. Sharp objects and toys shouldn’t be allowed inside, as this can potentially cause unwarranted holes.
When a small tear does occur, utilize your repair kit. A vinyl repair kit usually consists of two items: vinyl and vinyl cement. It is important to keep in mind that a vinyl repair kit will only work if the rip is in the vinyl itself. If a rip, tear, or hole occurs in the seam of your unit, you will need to send it to a repair center.
To repair a hole in the vinyl, follow these steps:
• Cut a circle or an oval out of your spare vinyl. Never cut a square, as this gives the patch corners, which could invite tugs/pulls to the area.
• Dot a small amount (a thin coat) of vinyl glue around the periphery of your vinyl piece, and onto the vinyl of the inflatable unit, around where the hole is present.
• Wait 30 seconds or so, until the glue becomes cloudy and tacky. Then, place the patch around the hole (never put glue in the hole itself).
• Always remember to glue the vinyl patch to the vinyl of your inflatable unit. Vinyl to vinyl.
It pays to purchase inflatable units with a constant air source, as this ensures that the unit is always at a safe and constant pressure while the unit is running. You’ll always want to check for holes after your inflatable has been used. If you notice a rip or a tear that is larger than a vinyl repair kit can fix, make sure your unit isn’t used again until it is properly repaired. You never want to sacrifice safety for profits, as this puts you in a dangerous situation as a business owner.
If you have any questions about setting up or growing your business, or questions about the equipment warranty (the best in the industry!) we have on our inflatable units, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-569-0719, or send us a message.
