Can a Trampoline Be Repaired? (5 Helpful Patching Tips)

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Repairing a torn trampoline mat doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Discover easy and cost-effective ways to put your trampoline back into shape for bouncier jumps.

Every machine has a lifespan and a trampoline is no exception. An outdoor trampoline can last anywhere between 3 to 8 years, but top-grade models can exceed this.

A trampoline’s lifespan mostly depends on the level of maintenance and care you give it over time. It depends on the material quality too.

After continued use, trampolines are bound to undergo wear and tear.

Springs and the frame may rust, the jumping mat may get torn, the screws might get loose, and you’re likely to hear noises when using the trampoline.

The good news is, you can troubleshoot most of these issues on your own and inexpensively.

Below are 5 helpful ways to repair a torn jumping mat (and a couple of other trampoline maintenance tricks) for safer and blissful bouncing.

1. Quick Sew Method

Sewing is one of the most effective options to fix a trampoline mat.

Don’t buy individual supplies to fix your trampoline; it will cost more.

Instead, get a repair kit. It includes two sizeable patches of strong trampoline material, a needle strong enough to pierce through a trampoline mat, and a heavy UV-resistant thread.

Steps for Sewing a Torn Mat in Under 20 Minutes

  • A helping hand will be much needed here when sewing as you will have to pass the needle from the bottom side of the trampoline to the upper side.
  • Cut the patch in the repair kit to a circular shape. Ensure its diameter is 2″ larger than your tear. This will provide some overlap.
  • You might want to run a lighter or match around the edges of the patch to prevent future fraying.
  • Pin the patch to keep it in place throughout the sewing process.
  • Now you can go on and start sewing. You can choose to use either a whip stitch or a cross-stitch to patch your mat.

Why You’ll Like It

  • Holes up to 4″ wide can be repaired using this method. 
  • The quick fix takes less than twenty minutes but can last for years.
  • It’s affordable.

2. No-Sew Method

If sewing is not your strong suit, this method is for you.

It’s a permanent fix and a piece of cake. 

So, what do you need? Just a patch kit, a cleaner, and isopropyl alcohol.

Steps to Patch up the Mat Real Quick

  • Thoroughly clean the top and bottom of the mat where the adhesive will be applied.
  • Put the patch on the bottom side of the mat.
  • Apply the adhesive glue on the top mat and let the one underneath absorb it for 10-12 hours.

Why You’ll Like It

  • It’s inexpensive.
  • It’s easy to undertake.

The no-sew method has some drawbacks, though:

  • It only works for 3-inch holes or smaller as this is the size of the patch.
  • It takes a little longer because the glue has to cure upon application.
  • The glue requires temperatures of over 41-degrees Fahrenheit to cure correctly, so it might not work well in colder places.

3. The Next-Level Sew Method

Some tears cannot be fixed with just simple patching. We refer to tears larger than 4″ or holes located in problematic areas such as the edge of a trampoline.

You’ll require next-level tools to fix these next-level tears. They include: 

  • A sewing machine with a powerful motor that can handle thick fabric
  • A strong sewing machine needle
  • A UV-resistant upholstery-strength thread.

Follow These Steps to Make Your Mat as Good as New

  • Take the mat off the trampoline and into the sewing room.
  • Place the UV-resistant upholstery thread into the sewing machine and thread your needle. This sets up the machine.
  • Run a strong stitch over the tear in the trampoline mat. Whether you go for cross-stitch or zig-zag stitch, ensure you run it as tight as you can. Then repeat the process because at least twice because two redundant layers of stitching are more effective.
  • Place the mat back on the trampoline frame.

This method has some drawbacks:

1. It is time-consuming. Setting the machine up and repeating the process all over could eat up a lot of time.

2. It requires many tools that could be expensive if you did not own them previously.

3. It is potentially tenuous. You need to protect your thread from the sun, or else the latter will eat through the former and make it brittle. You may find it necessary to apply UV-resistant spray seasonally to prevent the sun from causing that much damage.

4. The Flex-Tape Method

This method involves a super rubberized solid and waterproof tape that bonds, patches, and repairs virtually anything.

The tape comes in 4″ wide and 5′ long rolls, primarily black, which is the color of most trampoline mats.

The tapes, according to the manufacturer, can be applied on both wet and dry surfaces. They also claim that the bond with the tape grows more firmly with time and pressure and that the tape can endure the extremes of weather conditions.

Follow These Steps to Permanently Patch up the Mat Tear:

  • Apply flex-tape to the hole or tear and the underside of the mat.
  • Seal the tape using flex seal rubber sealant spray. (You may have to buy the spray separately)
  • Allow the spray to dry as per the directions on the can.

Why You’ll Like This Method

  • It lasts and is weatherproof. This is according to the manufacturer.
  • Super quick; your mat will be all patched up before a cup of coffee brews up
  • It’s affordable. 

5. Hire a Trampoline Repair Professional

You may have tried the above methods without success. Or maybe, you don’t just have the time to do it. That’s where pros come in.

They take the mat with them and return it, looking fabulous.

All you have to do is find a trampoline center near you and choose between the repair plans they offer. 

Hiring professionals could be expensive, but not as much as buying a new mat. You can also be guaranteed well-done work.

To prevent wear and tear and keep the trampoline’s repair costs low, be vigilant with how you maintain your equipment. Here are ways to do that.

10 Ways to Maintain Your Trampoline (So It Serves You for More Years)

1. Don’t exceed the trampoline’s weight capacity.

2. Don’t smoke while jumping (it’s good both for the trampoline and you)

3. Clean the trampoline mat routinely to remove dirt and bird poop.

4. Replace overstretched or rusty springs immediately.

5. Don’t jump with shoes on.

6. Repair tears immediately you notice them.

7. Use the correct spring size for your trampoline.

8. Consider using safety nets.

9. Take your mat inside during winter.

10. Apply UV-resistant spray on the sunniest days.

Final Thoughts

Can a trampoline mat be repaired? Absolutely!

If you follow the methods above, you should fix it in no time. It’s, however, advisable to replace instead of repairing a mat badly torn or mats that have been in use for 10 years or more.

Once done with all the patching, let’s get back to what matters most: jumping and bouncing.

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I like to jump, as high as I can, so what else I can do in these days? in these quarantine days? to jump on my large-sized trampoline! (an extreme jumper)