FAQ's (frequently asked questions)

What is included with my Inflatable?

What is NOT included with my inflatable?

Can I have my logo or text printed on my inflatable?

Do you provide a graphic design service?

Can a balloon lift heavy objects?

How easy will it be for me to inflate/launch my inflatable?

Where can I buy helium gas?

How much gas do I need for a floating inflatable?

How much does helium cost?

Can floating inflatables be flown in any weather conditions?

Can you supply removable banners?

How long will delivery take?

Are your products guaranteed?

Are there any special laws or rules I need to know about flying balloons?

 

What is included with my Inflatable?  TOP

Air blown inflatables are supplied with the necessary number of air blowers where these are required. 
Helium filled inflatables are supplied with rope attachments to the body and a basic filling tube to which you can attach a helium valve which is available at our Accessories page. (see picture below)

What is NOT included with my inflatable?  TOP

Helium gas is available separately from Blimped.co.uk. Visit our helium page for more details. Helium filled inflatables can be filled directly from the gas nozzle using hand pressure to form a seal, but if you prefer you can use a filling valve, such as the one shown below. For airborne inflatables you will also need to purchase a nylon tether up to 60 metres in length along with a clamp to seal the filling tube when inflated.  (see our accessories page)


Basic valve example (available separately).

Can I have my logo or text printed on my inflatable?  TOP

You can have any text or logo printed in up to 4 colours. The maximum printing area will vary depending on the product you wish to purchase. Helium inflatables can also be supplied with a detachable line banner which flies beneath your inflatable. This allows more space for your message and can of course be exchanged depending on your particular requirements. Please visit our Printing page for more details.

Do you provide a graphic design service?    TOP

Not at the moment. You will be responsible for providing any logo or text to us in full size or high resolution AI, Corel Draw, PDF, jpeg, gif, or MS Publisher format. When we receive your graphics/text we will send you a proof for your approval before preparing your order for production. Once you have confirmed the proof is satisfactory, no further changes can be made.

Can a balloon lift heavy objects?  TOP

As a guide a 4m blimp has a lift of approximately 5lbs and so is not capable of lifting anything heavier than this. If you wish to attach a camera or lighting equipment to your balloon we suggest you consider purchasing a larger size. Please contact us for more information.

How easy will it be for me to inflate/launch my inflatable?  TOP

Most helium filled inflatables can be handled easily by two people, and with some practice one person should be able to launch and retrieve them without difficulty.

Where can I buy helium gas?  TOP

You can obtain helium in pressurised containers either directly from Blimped.co.uk or from most wholesale portable gas suppliers. Take a look at our helium page for details.

How much gas do I need for a floating inflatable?  TOP

As a guide, a standard 4m blimp will require approximately 6m3 of helium. We recommend you obtain a 9m3 (size L) container which will provide sufficient helium for one full inflation and several top ups. Take a look at our helium page for details.

How much does helium cost?  TOP

Prices can vary considerably from one suppler to another. But as a general guide you can expect to pay in the region of £100+ for a 9m3 bottle.

Can floating inflatables be flown in any weather conditions?  TOP

We do not recommend you fly your floating inflatable in winds above 20mph. You should particularly avoid using it in stormy conditions as this will almost certainly result in damage to the material and could result in your inflatable becoming detached from its tether. Unless you intend to illuminate your inflatable we do not recommend that you leave it afloat at night.

Can you supply removable banners?  TOP

Yes, we can supply, at extra cost, either detachable banners which attach to the Blimp body or banners which attach to the tether below the Blimp. Please see our accessories page for more information.

How long will delivery take?  TOP

Our inflatables are manufactured to order and delivery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks depending on your chosen product. Please note that any quoted delivery times are only intended as a guide and are not guaranteed. We recommend you make an allowance of at least two weeks extra if your inflatable is required by a specific date. We will always do our best to supply a product in the shortest time possible when it is required urgently, but please be aware that we are asked this many times and we cannot be held responsible for any loss you may incur if we miss an urgent deadline.

Are your products guaranteed?  TOP

All electric air blowers are covered by a minimum 12 month UK manufacturers guarantee.

Because of the nature of our inflatable products it is not possible to guarantee them. They are manufactured from high quality materials and are fully tested and checked during manufacture and before shipping. However they can be easily damaged by rough handling, severe weather conditions, sharp objects or over inflation by the user. If you care for your inflatable and store it safely when not being used, you should expect to get at least two years service from your product. If your inflatable product requires a repair please contact us.

Are there any special laws or rules I need to know about flying balloons?  TOP

Most local planning authorities allow you to fly tethered balloons for ten days per year without planning permission in one location. We strongly recommend you contact your local planning authority for further advice.
We also recommend you contact the Civil Aviation Authority (UK customers) to see if there are any special flying restrictions on your chosen location.
The maximum height you are allowed to fly your inflatable in the UK is 60 metres from the ground.