How to Patch a Bounce House, and When Not To
Can I patch a bounce house myself?
Yes, you can patch a small hole or puncture on a flat area of a bounce house yourself with a vinyl patch and vinyl adhesive. Find the leak, clean and dry the area, cut a rounded patch larger than the damage, glue it on, and let it cure fully before inflating. Split seams, torn mesh, and tears near corners or anchor points should go to a professional, and Funtastic Events repairs them at our Longview, TX shop. Call 214-679-3356.
Patching a Small Hole, Step by Step
This works for a puncture or a short tear on a flat surface away from seams. If your damage does not fit that description, skip to the next section.
Find the leak
Inflate the unit and listen and feel for escaping air. If you cannot find it, brush soapy water over suspect areas and watch for bubbles. Mark the spot with a marker or tape.
Deflate, clean, and dry
Let the air out, then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Dirt, sunscreen, and moisture stop adhesive from bonding.
Cut a rounded patch
Use vinyl material or a patch from a repair kit. Cut it so it extends at least an inch beyond the damage on every side, and round the corners so they do not catch and peel.
Glue and let it cure
Apply vinyl adhesive to the patch and the surface, follow the directions on the adhesive, press the patch down firmly from the center out, and let it cure fully before you inflate. Rushing this step is the most common reason a patch fails.
When a Patch Is Not Enough
Some damage cannot be fixed with a patch. Bring these to a professional.
Split or failing seams
Seams hold the unit together, and stitching carries the load. A glued patch over a split seam will not hold for long. Seams need to be sewn.
Tears near corners or anchor points
These areas take the most strain. A repair here needs to be sewn and reinforced, or it will tear again.
Mesh and velcro
Torn mesh is a safety hazard because a child can catch a hand or foot, and worn velcro lets panels come loose. Both need to be replaced, not patched.
Why Not Just Use Tape?
Tape is fine to get through an event, but it is not made to last. It peels in heat and moisture, it hides damage that keeps growing, and pulling a tear together to tape it can create new stress points beside the damage. For anything you plan to keep using, a patch or a sewn repair is the way to go. And remember that an inflatable that is not repaired properly can put a child at risk, so if you are not sure, do not use it until it has been checked.
More Inflatable Repair Help
Anthony handles every kind of inflatable repair, and each topic has its own page. Start with the one that fits your problem, or see the main inflatable repair page.
Bounce House Repair
Holes, split seams, torn mesh, and worn velcro on bounce houses, sewn to last.
Read more →Water Slide Repair
Seam splits, leaks, and lane or pool damage on inflatable water slides.
Read more →Commercial Inflatable Repair
Obstacle courses, combos, and slides for rental companies that need units back earning.
Read more →How Repairs Work
Call, drop off at our Longview shop, and pick up. What to expect from quote to pickup.
Read more →Where Our Repair Customers Come From
People drive to our Longview shop from across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana because few shops repair inflatables well. Pick your area for travel details.
Need a Bounce House for Your Event?
If yours is out of commission, we rent bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses and handle delivery and setup.
Bounce House Rentals
Need a unit while yours is in the shop? Browse our bounce houses and combos.
Browse bounce houses →Water Slide Rentals
Water slides and wet and dry combos for backyard and event rentals.
Browse water slides →Obstacle Course Rentals
Inflatable obstacle courses for schools, churches, and company events.
Browse obstacle courses →Questions or Ready To Start?
Call 214-679-3356 and describe the damage. You can also read the frequently asked questions or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deposits, setup, power, and safety questions about our rentals, answered in plain language.
Read the FAQ →Contact Funtastic Events
Call 214-679-3356 or send a message and we will get back to you about your repair.
Contact us →Patching Questions, Answered
What do I need to patch a bounce house?
A vinyl patch or vinyl material, vinyl adhesive, a clean cloth, scissors, and a marker. Many repair kits include these.
How long does a patch take to cure?
Follow the directions on the adhesive you use. Many need a day or more to cure fully, and inflating too soon is the most common reason a patch fails.
Can I patch a seam?
A seam that has split needs to be sewn, not just glued. Bring it to a professional.
How do I find a small leak?
Inflate the unit and brush soapy water over suspect areas. Bubbles show where air is escaping.
When should I bring it to a professional?
Bring it in for split seams, tears near corners or anchor points, torn mesh, worn velcro, or any damage you are not sure about. See our bounce house repair page.
Where can I get my bounce house professionally repaired?
Funtastic Events repairs bounce houses at our Longview, TX shop, and customers bring their units from across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Call 214-679-3356.
Need a Professional Repair?
If the damage is more than a small patch, call us and bring it to our Longview shop.
Visit our shop at 1200 W Loop 281 #7, Longview, TX 75604. Open daily, 8 AM to 6 PM.