How and when to repair a rectangle trampoline mat

All you need to know about repairing a rectangle trampoline mat

• The rule of thumb when the mat on a rectangle trampoline is damaged in the majority of cases is it is time to replace it.
• However, there are situations when you may have some chances to repair the mat and as a result, delay the purchase time a little or get through that birthday party.
• All tips provided are for a standard black Tencate polypropylene mat in mind. However, if you have a two string mat please read below. 

Two string Olympic style trampoline mat

• You will need to contact a manufacturer via email with photos and see what might be done to repair it for you
• Do not just put a two string mat in the bin, they're expensive and can most often be saved through a repair.

When you should buy a new mat

• Time to buy a new mat when it is torn clean through the middle (as per the photo at the top of the page). There is no way to repair this type of damage.
• If you have had storm damage from the trampoline blowing away or having something sharp and heavy land on it eg branch and the result is multiple cuts and gashes in the mat.
• When the mat suddenly gives way from either age, overload or being too small for the frame.
• Your next step then should be to read this article on how to measure a rectangle trampoline mat
• If you know where you bought your trampoline from and you know they stock spare parts, get onto them and get one on its way or check if we have a mat to fit (best to read the article linked above first: Rectangle Trampoline Mats).

When you can repair or prolong purchasing another mat

If you have noticed a small hole, tear, pulled threads etc read on.

Small hole in the mat

• If the hole is the size of or less than a ten cent piece, you will be able to delay purchasing a new mat for a week or possibly more.
• If it has been caused by a force like a tree branch stabbing into it and making it a little jagged this is ok. What you can do is get something like a soldering iron and poke it in the hole or run the hot point around the edge of the hole.
• From personal experience, we have found burn holes will last a very long time on the trampoline particularly if they are not directly in the middle of the mat.
• If you have a hole caused by a stab with a "vegetable knife" by an 8 yo then, (unfortunately) from experience I know it won't hold, definitely, a way to create a full-length tear in your mat!

Pulled threads

• This isn't something I have seen other than out of the box as a manufacturing issue.
• Minor loops I have seen caused by pets on or even under a trampoline mat are not known to have caused the mat to give way.
• If you do have a misbehaving puppy it might be worth having a safety skirt fitted around the base of the trampoline.

Burn marks

• Burn marks/holes are the best holes to have. They may have been caused by embers from a fire, sparklers or cigarettes.
• Take a close look and if the hole(s) are melted all the way around then just leave them.
• If not get out a soldering iron or mini blow torch, ie one used in the kitchen, and completely seal the holes edges.
• Again, the hole isn't right in the middle of the mat and it is more off to the side these will hold for some time.
• If a sparkler has landed flat and burnt a long hole through even if the mat is fully melted in, it has essentially created a hole that is more likely to give way.

Webbing damage

• In cases where the damage is located around the webbed tabs (where the mat is sewn in), there may be other, less expensive solutions to buying a new mat.
• You are best to take a few photos of the damage and either email or take and show an upholsterer or some type of canvas/saddle/sail repairer. They will be best to advise you whether your trampoline mat can be repaired or not.
• You may be surprised what they can do when you think there is no other solution than buying a new mat.

When it is time to take the mat to the repair person please take note of the next couple of tips

• Before removing the mat from the frame take note of all the damaged areas and mark or highlight in some way so it is easy for the repairer to find them all.
• Take note which way the mat is positioned on the frame and mark the mat and frame alike so you know which way it was when you put it back on the frame.
• When taking the mat off the frame and undoing the springs, leave all existing springs in the frame holes so that they will align correctly when the mat is returned.
• It is important to place the repaired mat in the same position as it was in before being repaired because the mat shape has a memory of how it was aligned and with what spring. If this isn't done you can expect your mat life to be significantly reduced when the trampoline has been up for more than 1.5 years.

A disclaimer

• With the above repair suggestions, they are not clear cut. If you think that the repair won't work for your trampoline due to the size or position of the damage on the mat and the age of the mat then please do not put your kids or any friends at risk of falling straight through the mat.
• Repairing the mat for a rectangle trampoline is not difficult to do if you have the right problem.
• Keep in mind you need to find the right person for the job and take extra care when disassembling and reassembling the mat.

If you are still unsure if you can or can't repair your mat please feel free to send us an email to Julie with photos and we will be happy to advise you on what to do.