Small Tears in Your Trampoline Mat: What Next
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:24 November 2025
Spotted a small tear in your trampoline mat and not sure what to do next? It might be tempting to ignore it, especially if it still looks safe enough to use. But even a tiny tear can grow fast, and what starts as a small issue can quickly become a hazard. Whether your kids are bouncing daily or it's only used on weekends, keeping the mat in top condition matters.
Perth families know the weather can be rough on outdoor gear. Strong sun and unpredictable rain shifts can wear things out without warning. A trampoline mat isn’t immune to that. This is why knowing how to deal with small tears early can save you time, money, and potential injury. Let’s walk through how to spot those early signs, what temporary options exist, and when it's time to look at getting a proper replacement trampoline mat.
Identifying Small Tears
Small tears often start off barely noticeable. You may not even spot them right away, especially if your trampoline is used regularly and the surface gets dirty or faded from sun exposure. But take a moment every now and then to really check the mat. That quick glance can help you catch a problem before it gets worse.
Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Tiny holes or splits, especially in areas near the centre where kids often jump
- Loose stitching or frayed edges, particularly around the spring connections
- Thin spots that look worn down or slightly see-through
- Sections where the mat feels weaker or stretches more than the rest
A Perth summer can push your trampoline mat to its limits. Heat and heavy UV exposure over time can weaken the material, while winter rain or strong winds may cause stress in spots that didn’t seem bad before. It’s also common to see damage after a storm or if sticks, toys, or even shoes are dropped on the mat. Even regular wear from use can lead to thin areas that eventually tear.
If you’re unsure whether that little mark is a tear or just surface wear, press gently around it. If it stretches or feels like it could widen with a pull, you’re likely looking at the start of damage.
Keeping an eye on these signs is the first step to staying safe and avoiding more expensive repairs or part replacements down the track.
Temporary Fixes
If you’ve caught the tear early and it’s still small, you can buy yourself a bit of time with a quick fix. Just remember, it’s not a long-term solution. Temporary repairs are exactly that temporary. They’re useful to hold things together while you organise a proper replacement, especially if the damage happens right before a birthday party or school holidays.
Here’s a basic repair process to manage small tears:
1. Clean the area – use a damp cloth to wipe around the tear. Make sure it’s dry before continuing
2. Grab a trampoline repair kit or heavy-duty outdoor tape made for this sort of thing
3. Cut the patch or tape so it covers the tear completely with a bit of overlap on all sides
4. Stick the patch down firmly and smooth out any air bubbles so there's full contact with the mat
5. Let it rest. Some adhesives need a few hours before they bond well enough for even light use
Always make sure no one jumps on the mat until the patch is fully bonded. Even when applied well, these temporary fixes don’t restore the mat to its full strength. That means no rough play, no flips, and light use only. It’s a short-term patch, not a way to keep using a mat that's already breaking down.
Keep an eye on the patched spot every day it's used. If it starts to peel, widen, or show more damage around it, stop use immediately and explore your replacement options. Fixing something small is always easier than dealing with a bigger problem after it fails without warning.
When to Replace Your Trampoline Mat
Temporary repairs can keep things safe for a little while, but they’re not meant to hold forever. If you find yourself patching the same spot more than once or noticing new tears appearing nearby, it’s probably time to replace the mat altogether. Small damage can quickly expand, especially if the kids continue bouncing on weakened areas. Waiting too long puts them at risk and can lead to more expensive problems like stretched springs or frame damage.
Here are some signs that it might be time for a proper replacement:
- Tears have grown longer than a few centimetres, even after being patched
- You can see sunlight through worn areas of the mat
- The stitching is pulling apart around the edges or spring holes
- There’s a noticeable sag in the middle, more than just light stretching
- The surface has become overly faded and rough to the touch
Running your hand across the mat can be really telling. If it feels dry, cracked, or overly smooth, the surface materials might be breaking down from sun exposure. Perth’s consistent UV load puts outdoor gear to the test all year. Trampoline mats that looked fine at the start of summer may not hold up by the time school holidays roll around again.
Replacing a mat may take a bit more effort, but it gives peace of mind. It also ensures you’re still getting the proper bounce, which supports safer use for kids of all ages. The trick is not to wait too long. Once damage sets in and spreads, you lose control over when a full replacement becomes urgent.
Trampoline Mat Care Tips for Perth Conditions
Once you’ve made repairs or installed a new trampoline mat, a bit of ongoing care goes a long way. Perth’s climate can be a bit unpredictable. One weekend it’s clear skies, and the next it’s a gusty downpour. So it helps to follow a few regular habits to keep your trampoline in good shape all year round.
Here's a simple maintenance routine that suits most backyards in Perth:
1. Brush off debris regularly – Use a handheld broom to sweep leaves, dirt, or sand off the mat a couple of times a week. This stops fungus and grit buildup
2. Rinse lightly after strong winds – If dust storms or heavy winds blow through your suburb, hose off the surface with low water pressure to avoid grime settling into the fibres
3. Check mat tension every few weeks – Walk around the perimeter and look at how the mat sits. If one area sags more than others or springs are uneven, give it some attention
4. Keep sharp objects away – If the kids bring toys, only allow soft ones on the trampoline. Loose change, sticks, or plastic with edges can start small tears right away without you noticing
5. Use a weather cover if you’re away – Planning an extended trip or won’t use the trampoline for a while? Throw a UV-safe cover over it. Cuts down sun damage and keeps bird droppings off the material
It’s also a good idea to log a basic check every few months. Grab a marker and jot down when you did your last inspection. That way you’re not going months without knowing what condition it’s in.
As an example, one Perth family found their mat started tearing just after three months of constant summer use with no breaks. Turns out it had picked up tiny bits of shell grit in the corners that wore it down bit by bit. They now check the mat and pad every other Sunday while watering the lawn. It’s quick and has saved them from another emergency fix.
Ready to Maintain a Safe Jumping Space
Looking after your trampoline mat isn’t just about keeping it looking nice. It’s about making sure everyone who uses it can jump safely without worry. Small tears don’t get smaller. They always turn into bigger problems if left too long. Acting early gives you the chance to patch the damage or line up a new mat before it turns into something worse.
The good news is you don’t have to be an expert to stay on top of things. Having a quick routine, checking things before school holidays, and knowing when repairs aren't quite enough anymore can help you stretch the life of your whole trampoline. If you stay on it throughout the year, those weekend bounces and holiday jump sessions can keep going strong without unexpected issues.
Even with Perth’s wild mix of heat, rain, and wind, keeping a trampoline mat in good shape is mostly about awareness. With the right steps, your kids can keep jumping, playing, and burning energy all without the worry of hidden damage sneaking up on you.
Ensure your trampoline remains a safe and fun spot in your backyard. For the perfect fit and long-lasting use, consider getting a high-quality replacement trampoline mat that suits your setup. Jump Star Trampolines offers reliable solutions to keep your trampoline performing at its best, so your family can enjoy every bounce with confidence.
