Spray foam kits and rigs come with a variety of equipment and materials to get you started as a spray foam contractor. However, these setups don’t always include the helpful accessories and gear you’ll start to pick up over the years as a contractor. There are many tools and accessories on the market designed to help make your various spray foam jobs easier. Ask any experienced spray foam expert, and they’ll tell you to pick up a few of these extras as well. Keep reading to browse a list of seven must-have accessories to add to your spray foam kit or rig.
Safety Equipment
Despite the importance of having the right safety equipment, not all spray foam kits include all the PPE you’ll need as a contractor. This is why it’s crucial to know the proper safety gear you need without relying on a kit or rig to supply it. Take stock of your safety equipment and compare it with the full list of spray foam safety gear you should have.
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Protective clothing or bodysuit
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Respiratory mask
Along with these pieces, you may need additional safety accessories depending on the job, such as steel-toed boots or a hard hat. If you’re missing any of these pieces of PPE before a spray foam job, make sure you obtain them and wear them properly before you start the installation.
Hose Insulation
Your spray foam hoses can take quite a beating after a series of installation jobs. Hoses become tangled, experience friction on rough surfaces, and eventually, experience holes and tears. When it comes time to repair or replace your spray foam hoses from your original kit or rig, consider investing in hose insulation. Hose insulation covers protect your spray foam hoses from tough conditions and wear and tear on the job site. This helps them last longer, which helps you get more use out of them and stretch your budget.
Another consideration to make when choosing spray foam hoses and accessories is the type of hose you need. Insulation can provide better temperature control during the cold-weather months, but the best way to maintain spray foam temperatures is to invest in heated hoses.
Drum Heaters
Another way to control the temperature of your spray foam materials is through a drum heater. Drum heaters are handy spray foam kit additions that protect your spray foam mixture from freezing. Drum heaters are especially useful during the winter months, but you can use them year-round to provide consistent viscosity and temperature control. Don’t let your spray foam materials go to waste from inconsistent temperature—invest in a drum heater for all your winter projects.
Spray Foam Mixers
Whether your spray foam kit or rig didn’t come with one in the first place or you need a replacement, every spray foam contractor should have a spray foam mixer. Automatic drum mixers are extremely convenient—all you need to do is attach one to your drum of spray foam materials and power it on. The mixer will automatically churn your spray foam chemicals together to provide a uniform mixture every time. All you need to do is ensure the length of the mixer matches the length of your drum so that the mixer can reach the bottom.
Ratio System
Modern spray foam reactor systems use ratio assurance systems to ensure your spray foam ratio is accurate with each spray. But what if your spray foam reactor is a bit outdated? In this case, you can utilize kits by trusted brands such as Graco to update your existing model. Some electric reactors even provide built-in Smart Control technology that allows you to have greater control of heat, pressure, mixing, and other factors. These modern spray foam features even allow you to remotely check and control reactor settings. Don’t underestimate the power of technology in the spray foam industry.
Spare Parts
If you obtain your spray foam kit or rig fresh off the manufacturing line, you may not need spare parts for a while. However, it never hurts to have some spare parts on hand to troubleshoot common equipment issues. Experts especially recommend stocking up on spare parts if you invest in used equipment, as these models can come in a variety of different conditions. At Spray Foam Systems, you can find a variety of Graco spray machine parts that you might need for spare parts or repairs on the job.
Solvents and Cleaners
Many spray foam kits and rigs will include some type of cleaning supplies or equipment, but cleaning solutions are some of the accessories that will deplete the fastest. It never hurts to stock up on solvents and cleaning accessories because of how often we use them. You should get in the habit of flushing and cleaning out your spray foam equipment after every use—this prevents foam and residue buildup that can damage your equipment more quickly. Stock up on new solvents and cleaners that can make the cleaning process more efficient.
Where To Find Spray Foam Accessories
Now that you know more about these helpful spray foam accessories to make your jobs easier, you might be wondering where to find them. Fortunately, you can find many of the above equipment, accessories, and tools at Spray Foam Sytems. We provide everything that both new and experienced spray foam contractors need. Whether you’re simply looking for replacement parts or you need a DIY spray foam kit to get you started, you can find these materials and everything in between on our website.
As you accept more spray foam jobs, you’ll need to find ways to improve your spray foam application process. We hope these seven must-have accessories for your spray foam kit help make your future spray foam jobs easier and more efficient. Start expanding your default spray foam kit or rig today. Don’t forget to browse our selection of spray foam accessories, spare parts, and safety gear at Spray Foam Systems. Contact our experts today for product recommendations or to discuss any questions you may have.
