Helium Filled Balloons with Collar Won't Float

by Glenda
(Michigan)

Will an 11 inch balloon with collar float? [Image source: Qualatex Video]

My 12 inch balloons filled with helium and 5 inch 4 quad collar won't float. Can you tell me why?

ANSWER:

Hi Glenda,

An 11 or 12 inch balloon filled with helium doesn't have enough lifting capacity to float with a collar made of four 5 inch balloons, even if you fill the 5 inch balloons with helium.

You have two options to resolve the no floating problem. Either use at least a 16 inch balloon for your helium filled main balloon, or create the collar with just two 5 inch balloons, inflated to only 3 inch and split in half.

The last example in the Qualatex tutorial video about "How to Make Balloon Collars," starting at 3:41, demonstrates the split technique.




In addition, make sure to use helium quality balloons, so that the helium doesn't leak out too quickly.

Other factors influencing the floating capability of helium are air pressure (the higher up above see level you live, the lower the air pressure gets, the less efficient helium is) and air temperature. If it's very cold in the room where you blow up your balloons, they might not float.

Hope that helps,

Margit