There are many inflatable structures, including inflatable tunnels, inflatable domes, and other inflatable buildings. Inflatable games, bounce houses, and inflatable slides can all be considered inflatable structures.
What Materials Are Used for Inflatable Structures?
Inflatable buildings and structures frequently use commercial-grade materials. These are different from materials used for consumer inflatables found in retail stores. Consumer materials include heavy-duty nylons and Oxford fabric, which are lighter, more flexible, and not as durable. Commercial structured inflatables, however, are made from reinforced, thicker, and heavier materials. Commercial materials are also easier to clean and maintain for further use. These materials include:
Polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) Tarpaulin
PVC tarpaulin is water-resistant, thick, and reinforced. This is the material frequently found in bounce houses and inflatable slides, as it can stand more wear and tear than consumer-grade materials. The higher the weight category of the tarpaulin, the stronger and more reinforced the material is.
PVC-Coated Nylon and Vinyl
PVC-coated nylon or vinyl are fabrics reinforced with PVC coating, giving them additional protection, weather resistance, and durability.
How Are Inflatable Structures Constructed?
Commercial inflatable structures are different from consumer inflatables in their construction as well. The designing and printing may be a similar process, but commercial inflatables are often custom-designed.
Depending on the type of commercial inflatable structure, the fabric or material is stitched or glued together. This area of attachment is reinforced, like the material, to limit the impact of high-traffic wear and tear. For larger inflatables, there may be multiple sections of the double-layered membrane to better support its structure.
What Is the Difference Between Air-Supported Buildings and Inflatables?
The main difference between air-supported buildings and inflatable structures is that air-supported buildings have to carefully control the air that enters and exits the building through airlocks. Air-supported buildings have only one membrane, so changes in air pressure inside can cause the structure to collapse.
Inflatable structures, on the other hand, have walls made of two or more membranes, which are usually continuously filled with air from a blower. Inflatable structures are things like inflatable bounce houses and slides. They are lighter, easier to pack up and move, and have fewer requirements.
Air-supported buildings are large structures, such as sports domes or other large facilities. The air pressure has to be higher inside air-supported buildings to maintain their shape, while inflatable structures don’t require the same level of pressure. Air-supported buildings are also typically more permanent, although they are not as permanent as solid buildings. They usually require some sort of foundation to anchor the structure and provide support. This makes them more lasting and more durable, but they also require more care and building planning.
What Are Uses for Inflatable Buildings?
Inflatable buildings have several uses, especially when you can custom-make the structure. Some common uses include:
- Branding: Create a name for your business or organization with a well-branded inflatable structure.
- Marketing: Advertise a company, product, or service.
- Events: Hold a party, concert, or event in an inflatable building, or set up a booth in the building.
What Are the Benefits of Inflatable Buildings?
Whether you are an organization, company, individual, or group, there are several benefits to setting up an inflatable building at the next event you have.
- Impression: An inflatable building can create a huge impression, whether that is at a sports event, corporate gathering, festival, fair, campaign, or product launch.
- Visible: Especially in crowded events, an inflatable building is a beneficial tool in helping people see your booth or area of the venue.
- Easy to Move: An inflatable building requires fewer tools to install than other types of structures. They are also light and easy to transport once deflated.
Instent carries inflatable archways to create a strong impression while visibly marking your location or the entryway of an event.
