If you've been around inflatables for long at all, you know giant cold-air and sealed inflatables need some apparatus to hold them upright. Because of their height and other physical attributes, these types of inflatables require stabilization. In addition, if used outdoors on sidewalks or rooftops, cold-air and sealed inflatables have to have a way to battle back against the elements.
Once you take sheets out of their plastic bag or electronics out of all that Styrofoam, they never want to go back in! Some have said the same thing about advertising inflatables. If you promise not to tell, we'll share our finely tuned packing process with you so you, too, can repackage your inflatables with ease.
Summer brings its own set of challenges when it comes to inflatables. Heat isn't a problem for inflatables, but storms of various sorts can certainly do major damage. The most common threat to your inflatable during the summer months however, is wind!
During a storm, lightning can stop your inflatable in its tracks in several ways. If the power goes out so will your blower, which means your balloon will deflate. The high winds that often come with storms can tear tether straps or anchor points on your inflatable. Unsecured objects can also hit your inflatable tearing or otherwise damaging the material.
Often when people call Landmark they ask how difficult inflatables are to set up. We usually tell them that basic advertising balloon installations require one to two people. Now, I'm not a large woman and I was able to do these setups and takedowns with minimum assistance.
Easy to Use and Comfortable to Wear, Inflatable Costumes Bring Energy and Life to EventsThey swing. They sway. They walk up and hug you! Most people are familiar with cold-air inflatables that are tethered to the ground. Many are also familiar with newer dynamic inflatables that are still tethered, but can flap and wiggle in the wind. Making their way up on the popularity list are inflatable costumes. What's the difference? Inflatable costumes let your character move around freely wherever he wants.
Annual maintenance is a must to keep your inflatable working properly and looking its best. For those balloons that are used frequently, more regular cleanings are recommended. Keeping your inflatable clean will not only increase its life by preventing mold, mildew and the general stink factor, but it will do wonders for its appearance as well. We've seen amazing transformations of older, dirty inflatables after professional cleaning, both by hand washing and commercial machines. The question is, when do you clean your inflatable by hand, and when do you have it washed in a commercial machine?
Staking cold-air inflatables down for ground installations is an important part of a successful setup. While it may seem like an easy enough task, there are a lot of factors to be considered: Which stakes are best? Are there utility lines buried at your site? Are the weather conditions windy? Will the inflatable be safe from vandalism?
How long will it take me to set up my inflatable mascot or character? Only a few minutes!
Add Years To Your Cold-Air Inflatables
Want to extend the life of your cold-air inflatables? Here's a tip that seasoned installers use to extend the life of their rental fleets:
Apply a coating of vinyl protectant, i.e. Meguiar's Natural Shine, after every use. Just spray on and wipe with a clean cloth. This will prevent cracking, give added protection against UV rays, and add years to your investment!
"We had a very positive experience working with Landmark Creations and were very impressed with their service and how quickly we were able to receive our inflatable. The product is high quality and super easy to use, which makes a huge difference when setting up."
- Missy Keiper, Avera McKennan Foundation
"We are able to directly track customer traffic caused by the boot, so we know the inflatable boot paid for itself within the first year."
- Jerry Kavsh, Renton Western Wear