Checking Your Trampoline Mat for Hidden Damage
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:6 October 2025
A trampoline mat might look fine at a glance, but small issues can sometimes go unnoticed until it's too late. Hidden damage such as tiny tears, thinning spots or worn stitching can lead to bigger problems down the track. Regular checks aren’t just something extra to do. They’re key to making your trampoline a safer place to bounce, especially with how unpredictable Perth’s weather can be.
Trampoline injuries often start with a mat that gives way during a jump. It usually happens without warning and could be avoided with simple inspections. Since Perth experiences strong UV exposure and the odd burst of rain even into early spring, keeping a closer eye on the mat this time of year makes a real difference. Every couple of weeks, especially after heavy use or a storm, is a good routine to settle into.
Common Causes Of Trampoline Mat Damage
Trampoline mats take a beating year-round. Perth’s conditions, with regular sunlight and sudden rain, tend to wear things down quicker than you'd expect. UV rays are one of the main reasons mats start to weaken. Over time, they break down the surface of the fabric, leaving it brittle and more likely to crack or fray.
But damage isn’t just about the sun. Other factors can speed up wear and tear:
- Frequent jumping and constant weight in the same area, especially the centre, stretches and strains the fabric unevenly
- Poor installation or leaving the mat uncovered in winter wears out materials faster
- Folding or storing the mat damp encourages mould, especially with spring humidity
- Loose springs or an uneven frame cause tension to build in one section more than the rest
Even things like nearby tree trimming can be a problem. Debris that settles on the mat surface can rub or poke over time, especially when mixed with sand and wind. Before long, that grinding wears a weak spot under the surface.
Step-By-Step Guide To Inspecting Your Trampoline Mat
It can be easy to assume that if the mat looks okay from a distance, everything’s fine. But small problems often hide just out of sight. A detailed check helps you catch those early signs before they turn into real safety concerns.
Here’s a clear process to follow:
1. Clear off the trampoline
Sweep away leaves, sticks, sand or toys. Perth winds can carry all sorts of grit into backyard corners.
2. Check the surface in full sunlight
Bright light helps highlight fading, burnt patches or discolouration, which often means UV weakening. Also check for buckling or uneven surfaces.
3. Run your hands along the stitching
Focus around the connecting points where the mat meets the springs. Feel for fraying threads, stretched fabric, or stiffness where it shouldn’t be.
4. Look underneath the mat
Lift sections one at a time and examine the underside. It may look fine from the top but have hidden mould, damage or dirt buildup underneath.
5. Mark damaged spots
Use chalk or painter’s tape to flag any dodgy-looking sections. That way, you can track trouble spots or show someone else for a second look.
What to check for:
- Small or large cracks
- Areas that feel see-through or weak
- Loose or damaged stitching near any spring hole
- Uneven bouncing or sagging
- Dark patches, damp smells or signs of mildew
If the mat feels delicate or doesn’t bounce evenly, that’s usually a sign it’s time to act. Regular checks avoid surprises and keep your family safe while using the trampoline.
Identifying Minor Vs. Major Trampoline Mat Damage
Not every bit of wear needs a brand-new mat right away. Spotting the difference between minor wear and something more serious helps decide what steps to take next.
Minor issues might include:
- Areas with faded colour but that still feel firm
- Small surface frays near the edges that aren’t growing
- Tiny mould streaks that wash off easily
- Loose stitches that don’t affect the surrounding fabric
While these might not need urgent action, they still deserve attention. Keeping kids from jumping too hard in those sections and checking again later can stop them from becoming big problems.
Major damage is a different story:
- Holes, no matter the size, tend to spread under pressure
- Parts of the mat that stretch too far or bounce oddly
- Long rows of fraying stitches or any section coming away from the springs
- Flaky, thin patches in the centre of the mat
- Any raised bumps or soft spots that feel different when touched
An example a lot of Perth parents have faced is when mats are left uncovered during light spring rain. The top dries quickly in the sun, but water seeps underneath and stays trapped. Days later, mould eats away stitching from below, especially where kids jump the most. A child returning for a quick bounce might not see anything wrong at first—but a damaged mat can fail without warning. It doesn’t take much for a fun afternoon to go wrong.
When To Consider Replacement
Once bigger issues show up, patching can feel like playing catch-up. A full replacement is often the safer, long-term fix.
You’re better off replacing the mat if:
- The centre shows visible thinning or shaping problems
- Repairs don’t stay put or keep happening in the same area
- The bounce feels off even after checking the springs
- New tears pop up soon after an old one was patched
- You’ve already fixed it a few times and damage keeps returning
A new mat isn’t just cleaner and bouncier. It gives parents peace of mind. Knowing the surface your kids are jumping on isn’t already worn out lets everyone relax a bit more.
When replacing a mat, make sure it matches your trampoline’s frame size. An incorrect fit or dodgy tension can shorten the new mat’s life quickly. Getting that right the first time saves time, frustration and future repairs.
Keeping Your Trampoline Mat In Good Condition
Perth’s weather means you’ll see more trampoline use in spring and summer. Routine care stretches out a mat’s lifespan and helps avoid regular replacements.
Good maintenance habits include:
- Brushing off bird droppings, sand and tannin stains weekly
- Checking for objects stuck in or under the mat after strong winds
- Using a UV-resistant cover when it’s not being used
- Placing trampolines away from sprinklers and shaded by trees
- Turning the mat monthly or shifting the frame if jumps always hit one spot
If you’re near coastal air or dry fields, watch out for salt or dust settling into the mat’s fabric. Overnight covers or moving the trampoline to a sheltered part of the yard on blowy days can cut down that exposure. After rain, lift the mat corners and dry underneath if needed. It prevents mildew soaking into the stitching or fabric edge where weak spots often grow.
Ensuring All-Day Safe Play
Rips, sagging or discolouration aren’t always easy to notice right away. But they can change how safe a trampoline feels, especially when kids jump with full energy. Staying in the habit of regular surface checks is part of keeping the play area fun and worry-free.
In Perth, where heat and rain play a big part in wear and tear, trampolines need just a bit of extra attention. Replacing a tired mat might feel like a hassle at first, but it’s a small cost compared to what can happen if it gives out during use.
Safety doesn’t have to be complicated. It's about knowing when something’s not right, acting early, and keeping the backyard a safe and exciting place to be. With some care and a few checks now and then, that trampoline can stay the favourite spot for fun week after week.
When it comes to making sure your trampoline stays safe and performs well, keeping an eye on the mat is a smart move. If it's starting to stretch, fray or lose its bounce, it could be time to upgrade. Jump Star Trampolines offers a quality range of replacement trampoline mat options designed to suit different frame sizes, helping you get the bounce back and keep the fun going.
