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Can Trampolines Break? Common Causes and How to Prevent

Whether or not your trampoline is used or new, there are going to be occasions when your trampoline is showing signs of breaking. This can leave you wondering whether a trampoline can break and what are some of the most common causes for them to break? How can these causes be prevented?

The most common reasons trampolines break is because the bouncing mat tears or rips overtime, the springs wear out and rust or snap, or the trampoline is on a slope and the frame bends or buckles over time.

There are other things that can cause a trampoline to break. These are included in the article and as you read, you can find out how to prevent this damage from happening.

Trampolines Break for Several Reasons.

There are several reasons why trampolines break. These can range from faulty frames to damaged springs. But what causes the damage and breaks to happen in the first place?

Trampolines have normal wear-and-tear especially after being used. However, this wear-and-tear can vary based on the type and material that the trampoline is made from.

Some ways to prevent this from happening is:

  • Ensure that the metals used for the frames are of excellent quality and not cheaply made.
  • Fix holes and any small tears when they are first noticed.
  • Checking the springs regularly can help aid in preventing rust and monitoring wear-and-tear and fixing any issues found before the springs get damaged.

Since there are many brands and manufacturers that create trampolines, the durability of the trampoline will vary. Purchasing a more heavy-duty frame and trampoline can help decrease the time it can take for a trampoline to break.

Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.

One of the biggest causes of a trampoline to break is the frame. This can be due to the cheaper materials used when the frame is made. An example of this is buying a trampoline that has galvanized frames. This is one of the sturdier metals and materials.

One thing to keep in mind is that trampolines are outside and are exposed to the elements. This can cause not only the frames but other parts to get damaged or warped from rust and severe winds.

  • Sometimes there are issues with the springs on a trampoline that can cause them to be useless.
  • Springs are what hold the mat up to help achieve that perfect bounce.
  • When springs rust, they can break.
  • This makes the mat unbalanced and can increase the chances that other springs break from the lack of balance throughout the mat.

In most cases, a new trampoline should come with padding that covers the springs. Padding helps protect the springs from the weather and can decrease the amount of rust to collect.

Unfortunately, it is quite common for a trampoline mat to rip or tear. Due to the amount of UV rays mixed with how often the trampoline is being used can alter whether the mat will be prone to ripping.

Rain and freezing weather also influence trampoline mats. Rain and wintry weather are known to cause the mat to deteriorate faster.

Here’s a video showing how easy it is for a trampoline to break while in use:

How Do I Fix or Prevent Breaks?

There are some different things to do to help prevent breaks when it comes to your trampoline. The main thing to do is do your research before you purchase a trampoline. Doing research helps with finding a high-quality brand as well as any parts that may need replacing.

  • When it comes to fixing the frame, one thing you can do is check for any missing or loose screws.
  • Usually, a replacement screw or tightening can do the trick.
  • However, there are instances where the frame is bent or warped from usage and from wear.
  • That is where purchasing quality frames comes into play.
  • Purchasing a more expensive trampoline with high-quality product materials can save you overall.

Springs on the other hand, can be replaced.  Replacing a spring will be the least expensive. These can be purchased at the manufacturer or businesses that sell trampoline parts.

You just need to make sure that the spring that needs to be replaced is the exact same as the new one. Check springs regularly to ensure that they still have their correct elasticity. It is important to never jump on a trampoline with one or more springs missing.

Mats are prone to damage as well. Trampolines mats can absorb quite a bit of Uv rays. This can cause the mat to wear out. To prevent this, put your trampoline in a shady area. You can also cover your trampoline mat to protect it from rain and cold temperatures. This helps aid in the matt staying in good condition.

You typically replace a trampoline mat about every three years.

How Long Should Trampolines Last?

The average trampoline will last around 7 to 8 years under normal use. Rough use or going over the recommended weight limit can reduce that by a couple years. High quality trampolines can last over 10 years while poor quality materials will last less than 5 years.

The main question is how long a trampoline typically lasts. Again, this depends on what quality your trampoline is. Excellent quality trampolines will last as long as seven years even with being used on a regular basis.

Trampoline mats on the other hand, will last around five years before any tears or rips occur.

Will a Trampoline break in the Cold?

Since a trampoline is designed to be used in any weather conditions, the chances of your trampoline breaking from the cold is possible, but unlikely. There are things that you can do to make sure that you can preserve the longevity of the trampoline.

Keep trampoline functioning:

  • Make sure that your trampoline is assembled correctly.
  • Using a cover can help keep the elements from hitting your trampoline.
  • Checking your trampoline regularly before and after use, especially in weather changes, can help determine and find any damage needing to be repaired.

There are unforeseen circumstances that can occur with your trampoline in the wintertime. Heavy snowfall can cause your trampoline to break. Not only the snow, but also the freezing temperatures can cause the frame and springs to contract and eventually break.

The mat in the winter can also become brittle with freezing temperatures. Making sure that you clear off your trampoline from any heavy snowfall and using a cover can help prevent this from happening.

Here’s a link to the ORCC Trampoline We Have and recommend on Amazon as well as the highly recommended Trampoline Anchor Kit to help protect your trampoline.

Conclusion

Trampolines are built to last. This includes the elements and any weather. But not all trampolines are designed this way. Purchasing a trampoline that has higher quality parts and materials can help aid in the durability of a trampoline.

Trampolines should last around seven years. However, there are things that can happen that can cause your trampoline to break or need repairs. These repairs can be as simple as a replacement screw or spring or as complicated as needing a new mat.

The important thing to note is that the more maintenance you perform on your trampoline the better your chances are of not needing to repair or replace parts on your trampoline. Checking your trampoline regularly can also help you catch damage before they get too bad.

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