Page 18 (Revision 2.0) Copyright © 2018 GeeTramp® All Rights Reserved.
STRING MAT LIFE AND MAINTENANCE
The string mat is made via a hand-woven process, it is therefore the most expensive cost that
makes up the trampoline and therefore very worthwhile to take extra care of. With care during
use and maintenance the mat will be able to last many years (longer than the black poly mat
material). The painted layer is sacrificial and protects the mat from direct wear. Some
maintenance guidelines:
Paint
a)
the need to repaint depends on the type and frequency of use.
b)
monitor paint wear, the main usage areas will wear down first, (compare the paint
appearance to the lesser used outer edge), when the paint is showing wear nearly down to
the bare nylon repaint 1 coat of the same paint that it was originally painted in. A full mat
repaint is not always required so as a minimum repaint the main wear areas. Any isolated
bare areas should be painted immediately.
c)
touch up any areas of the mat that get repaired.
d)
paint can be heavy so do not over paint the mat.
String Mat
a)
If a string is broken then repair by connecting a suitable length replacement nylon piece,
tie off on the underside, weave back through and tie off to the other end on the underside
as well. Do this while the repaired string and mat is under tension (installed on the
trampoline). Aim to have similar tension on the repaired string as to the surrounding area.
b)
protect the trampoline from any sharp objects that can cut the strings.
c)
do not use the trampoline if the mat sustains damage, broken strings should be repaired
prior to use.
Usage
a)
do not overload the trampoline.
b)
The bed (jumping mat) and suspension system (springs) are designed to last well if most of
the jumping is primarily done in the main centre line of the mat as the loads are evenly spread
between all components. Heavy edge loads accelerate wear and tear on the mat, springs and
pads.
c)
make sure anything that contacts the mat is clean prior to using the trampoline, e.g.
feet/socks/footwear, hands and clothing.
Further Protection
a)
ideally the trampoline would get fully covered when not in use to provide maximum life of
the mat and pads however if not practical then at least cover the trampoline with the
weather cover when anticipating a either storms or period of non-usage.
b)
consider the impact of any
activities in the surrounding area’s
that can affect the soft
materials of the trampoline (mat and pads) e.g. smoking, welding, grinding, BBQ, bonfires,
bushfires, windborne hot ash, sparklers, or any other heat related activity can easily burn
holes in these components.