Hot & Cold Temperatures

On hot days, in direct sunlight, balloons may pop within an hour. The same result can occur indoors if balloons are exposed to direct sunlight through windows so please be keep this in mind if transporting balloons in your car.

When it's cold out, helium molecules shrink, reducing the size and float time of balloons.  Don't be alarmed if you're balloons shrink a little bit when going from a warm place to a cold place.  Once temperatures warm up, generally the balloon will expand.

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Indoors or outdoors, the constant flow of air around a balloon will increase the speed at which helium molecules escape through the wall of the balloon, resulting in reduced float time.

Float Time for Mylar (foil) Balloons

In optimum environments, mylar (foil) balloons will remain full and taut for 3-5 days. They will continue to float for two weeks or longer. Air-conditioned air may cause these balloons to shrivel, but they will return to a normal state when exposed to warmer air.

Float Time for Latex Balloons

16-inch latex balloons will float indoors for 30-40 hours.
11-inch latex balloons will float indoors for 12-20 hours.
Float times may be reduced significantly if balloons are used outdoors or at elevations higher than sea level.

Extending the Float Time

To greatly extend the float time of your Latex balloons up to 25x longer from 12 hours to 3 days or more, please opt for us to use the HI-FLOAT® TREATMENT on your latex balloons.  There is an extra charge for Hi-Float, but it is well worth the small cost.

Hi-Float® is a non-toxic sealant which coats the inner wall of the balloon. (Float time may be reduced significantly in unusually warm, unusually cool, or very humid environments, and at elevations significantly above sea level.)

Warning for Floating Balloons on Ceilings

Static and invisible fibers on ceilings can cause balloons to pop. Allow your balloons to remain tied to an anchor for at least five hours before releasing them to the ceiling. This allows the balloons to shrink enough so that the skin becomes thicker and tougher. After five hours, take 2-3 balloons and rake them across the ceiling. If these do not pop, it should be safe to release additional balloons. If they do pop, allow additional time and run the test again.