Your balloon’s favourite environment is:

·       to be indoors, at normal room temperature

·       away from any intense heat, such as radiators

·       away from direct sunlight

Temperature

If your balloon is exposed to too much heat the helium (or air) will expand causing it to pop.

When the temperature is very cold it may cause the helium molecules to shrink, reducing the size and float time of the balloon. Foil balloons, whether helium or air filled, will noticeably shrink in cold weather. However, they will return to normal as soon as they are back in room temperature.

Sunlight

In addition to the effects of temperature, exposure to sunlight (either direct sunlight or through windows) will cause latex balloons to oxidise, which gives them a cloudy appearance. This is particularly noticeable when using clear latex balloons (including confetti balloons).
The clear bubble balloons, which are made from a different material, are not affected by the sun in the same way as the latex balloons and so we would recommend choosing the bubbles if you are considering having confetti balloons and your event is taking place during the summer months.

Air conditioning and Wind

A constant breeze passing around a balloon will increase the speed at which the helium molecules escape through the wall of the balloon, resulting in reduced float time. Where possible, try and keep balloons away from air vents and breezy environments.

Ceilings

Take care if releasing your balloons to float on ceilings; static, chips or cracks in the surface, invisible fibres and spotlights can cause balloons to pop.

Outdoor balloons

Whilst it’s lovely to decorate your outdoor event with balloons, please be aware of how the weather can affect them. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a very calm day, helium-filled balloons are likely to thrash around in the wind, making air-filled balloons the best choice for outdoors.

If the sun is out, it will give your latex balloons a cloudy appearance and very hot temperatures can cause the balloons to pop.

There are many different factors that affect the float time of a helium-filled balloon. Foil balloons and bubble balloons have a longer float time than latex balloons. The size of the balloon is also a factor (generally, the bigger the balloon, the longer the float time). In addition, the temperature and conditions that the balloon is kept in can impact upon the length of time that it remains floating (see information above).

Latex balloons

Wherever possible, we treat our latex balloons with a non-toxic sealant which coats the inner wall of the balloon. The sealant helps to stop the helium molecules escaping so quickly through the wall of the balloon and therefore increases the balloon’s float time. The average float time for a treated standard size (11 inch) latex balloon is around three days. If untreated, a latex balloon of this size will only float for around ten to twelve hours.

The larger (14 inch) balloons last approximately two days and the giant latex balloons around three to four days. 

The confetti-filled latex balloons have a reduced float time due to the extra weight of the confetti inside the balloon.

It is important to be aware that your latex balloons will get smaller with each passing day as they gradually lose helium. When ordering latex balloons, we therefore strongly recommend that they are delivered (or collected) on the day of your event to ensure that they look their best for your celebrations. 

Foil balloons

In optimum environments, foil balloons will remain full and taught for three to five days. They will usually continue to float for longer but will appear less taught as they start to lose helium. Cool air may cause these balloons to shrivel but they will return to a normal state when back in room temperature. 

Bubble balloons

Bubble balloons are likely to float for a few weeks – however, they may start to look a bit tired after a week or two. If your balloon has been personalised, the writing will start to bubble after a few days and gradually peel off as the balloon starts to slowly reduce in size.

PLEASE NOTE

All of the float times detailed above are average float times and apply to balloon-friendly indoor environments. They are not a guarantee and are to be used as a guide only.

IMPORTANT

At the end of a balloon’s life, cut the end of the balloon with scissors to remove any air or gas, then dispose of it in the bin. NEVER release balloons into the environment.