Skip to main content

The Float Life of Helium Balloons

Customers always ask how long balloons last. This is sometimes difficult to answer as many variables can impact a balloon's float life. However, the answer is essential to party planning.

Helium-filled balloons float due to the simple fact that helium is lighter than air. Because latex balloons are porous, helium slowly seeps through the pores. As less helium is left in the balloon, the balloon decreases in size and simultaneously floats lower to the ground until there is no longer a sufficient amount to keep the balloon afloat. The typical indoor float life of 12" latex balloons is 10-12 hours. If outdoors, this float life can be expected to decrease by at least half.

Part of the reason a balloon doesn't float as long outdoors is due to temperature. The hotter it is, the more susceptible the balloon is to popping. In contrast, balloons typically contract in extreme cold, which decreases the size of the balloon.

Ceilings that are texturized or have abrasive surfaces can also decrease the overall float life of balloons for obvious reasons. As AC units kick in inside a building, balloons left to float on the ceiling will shift and move around. This movement in conjunction with jagged surfaces can pop the balloons.

Foil balloons are usually constructed of foil and polyester materials and are virtually airtight. For this reason, foil balloons can float much longer than latex balloons. The necks of foil balloons are self-sealing. They are designed to allow air in, but not allow any out. As a result, a foil balloon can float for weeks. However, a seal will eventually succumb and these balloons will also slowly deflate and begin to float at lower levels.

If you're planning a party, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First of all, know the average float life of the balloons you're using. This will help you determine how far ahead of the event you can begin inflating your balloons with helium. Inflating too far ahead of time may lead to an event where guests walk in to a hall with balloons on the floor.



Tips:
Know Your Venue
Unless you plan on tying your balloons down to a weight, tables or chairs, you'll want to make sure the ceiling is conducive for balloons.

Need More Time? Make it Last.
Hi-Float is a great balloon accessory which increases the float life of latex balloons. It has a gel-like consistency. To use, pump the mixture into an uninflated latex balloon, massage the balloon to evenly coat the interior and then inflate as usual. This creates a barrier between the helium and the pores of the latex, keeping more helium inside the balloon longer. Please note that Hi-Float is not intended for use with foil balloons.



Written by: Miriam E. Medellin


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Helium Cylinder Refills

At Helium Xpress, we can and do refill helium cylinders. However, there are certain criteria that must be met for us to legally and safely do so. Please note if you purchased a Balloon Time kit from a store such as Party City or Walmart, these tanks are disposable and cannot be refilled. If you have an industrial cylinder, please continue to determine your refill eligibility. Who Owns the Cylinder? This may sound like a trick question, but it's not. The answer to this question provides us with valid and important information regarding whether or not we can refill your cylinder. You might believe you are the owner of the cylinder because it's been on your property for as a long as you can remember, it has a self-made tag with your business name on it or because you personally paid for the cylinder. However, in some cases, it's still not your cylinder. This is why it's very important to purchase helium cylinders from a trusted source. Let us explain. The owner

Cylinder Sizes

We often get asked for height and weight measurements of helium cylinders. Whether you're renting or purchasing, it's good to know exactly what you're getting. It needs to meet your needs with regards to output, but in many cases, it also needs to be easily transported. If you plan to be mobile while using your cylinder, make sure it's something you're comfortable transporting. Will you be able load it into a vehicle unassisted? If not, will someone be available to help you? Do you plan on transporting it a lot or just occasionally? These are just a few questions to ask yourself when deciding on a cylinder size. Consider the following information to assist in your decision-making. Small Cylinder 55 cu. ft. Inflates approximately 65 12" latex balloons Stands 27" tall and is approximately 8.5" in diameter Weighs in at 26 lbs.* (aluminum cylinder) Medium Cylinder 125 cu. ft. Inflates approximately 200 12" latex balloons Stands

HX Loyalty Program for Large Cylinders

Chances are you've heard about or read up on our loyalty program. We've had such a great response to this program that now we're taking it one step further. Many of you asked if the program extended to large cylinders and we're happy to announce that now it does! Here's the breakdown... A large cylinder alone costs $300.00. You still need to fill it with helium and purchase a valve. We recommend purchasing a valve with a gauge so that you can monitor the amount of helium you have in your cylinder. This would cost $524.95. As you know, we granted massive discounts for small and medium-sized cylinders. And our newest program for large cylinders is no different. Now, you can purchase a large cylinder (full of helium) and a valve with a gauge for just $420! When you need it refilled, just pay $145*! Compare it to our other size options and see which one works for you . Written by: Miriam E. Medellin *Edited on July 24, 2019 to reflect price increase