Spray foam machines are an investment that any beginner insulation contractor must make. You won’t be able to tackle large-scale residential and commercial spray foam projects without the right tools. Because these systems are such an investment, every contractor wants to ensure they get as much use out of them as possible. For this reason, we’ve outlined some of the best tips to preserve the quality of your spray foam equipment and extend its lifespan. Keep reading to discover how to extend the life of your spray foam systems and keep them running smoothly, job after job.
Keep Your Equipment Clean
Regularly cleaning your equipment can have a major impact on its overall lifespan and the amount of use you can get out of your tools. If you don’t already have a cleaning regimen set up for your business, start by cleaning your equipment after each use. This is incredibly important for spray foam machines due to the foam’s fast curing time. Prevent foam from building up in your spray foam guns, hoses, and proportioners by cleaning these materials after every use.
Invest in a spray foam flushing machine or service and use a foam dissolving solution for spot treatments and particularly stubborn spray foam buildup. Flushing your spray foam machines will help clear out leftover foam to prevent it from curing and causing buildups. Always consult your machine’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning instructions.
Perform Regular Machine Inspections
Once you’ve finished cleaning your equipment, you’ll have a clean slate to perform an equipment inspection. Inspections are important for identifying any signs of damage visible on your equipment. By conducting regular equipment inspections, you can catch the early signs of damage before they worsen and turn into issues that can force you to replace your equipment altogether. If you do identify signs of damage or a weak point in your equipment, store it safely and mark it as out of order. You never want to continue using a damaged piece of equipment, as you risk damaging it further or causing an accident on the job site. Temporarily retiring a piece of equipment is better than damaging it to the point where you must retire it permanently.
Schedule Maintenance When Needed
If you do discover any signs of damage during your inspections, such as cracks, broken or loose pieces, and more, schedule maintenance with a professional right away. As mentioned, never put off maintenance or continue to use damaged spray foam tools. Unless you have professional training, it’s always better to schedule maintenance with a professional service or the product’s manufacturer than to attempt repairs yourself. Even as a professional contractor, you may still find the inner mechanics behind spray foam equipment confusing, which is why you should leave the repairs to the professionals. Schedule repairs in advance so that you don’t have to set your equipment aside and shutter your business for extended periods.
Handle and Store Equipment With Care
Treating your equipment with care can extend its lifespan by a surprising amount. After any type of equipment leaves its fresh-out-of-the-packing stage, we tend to treat it with less care over time. Your tools can endure a sizable amount of wear and tear simply due to how you use them and treat them while spraying on the job. To expand your tools’ life, continue to treat them as if they were brand new.
Never set your spray guns or other equipment on the ground where your team members could step on or trip over them. Additionally, once you’ve finished a job and successfully flushed your equipment, be sure to store it carefully in its case or on your spray foam rig. Double check that it won’t fall from any high surfaces during transit, either.
Spray foam tools aren’t the only materials you should handle with care. Be sure to store your spray foam chemicals and mixing materials at safe temperatures to keep them stable. Mixing spray foam chemicals that are too hot or cold can cause backups in your proportioner, hoses, and guns. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact temperature range for spray foam storage.
Use Dedicated Spray Foam Guns
Avoid using different types of foams with the same gun and other equipment parts. The chemicals involved with unique types of foam can react with old residue and cause buildups in your equipment. When using distinct types of foam, such as open-cell or closed-cell foams, use a dedicated spray foam gun for each system to avoid mixing and spraying issues. This will help you preserve the quality of your spray foam guns and help them last much longer. By using dedicated guns and systems, you’ll also perform higher quality sprays and ensure your customers get the best installation possible.
Where To Find New Spray Foam Machines
Now that you know how to care for your spray foam machines and help them last longer, you might be interested in investing in a new system. Fortunately, you don’t need to scour the internet for spray foam suppliers because you can find everything you need at Spray Foam Systems. We offer commercial spray foam machines for insulation contractors and more. You can find everything from full spray foam rigs to individual parts and systems. Browse our online store or contact our spray foam professionals today for more information.
Keeping your spray foam in good condition is crucial to any spray foam business. When your equipment breaks down, you have to put application jobs on hold and invest in new tools. However, once you know how to extend the life of your spray foam machines and systems, you can schedule more jobs and perform better-quality work. Remember these tips to keep your equipment in good condition and keep it running like new.
Recognizing these signs of high-quality care and maintenance will also help you evaluate the condition of used machines if you ever wish to buy second-hand spray foam equipment. Here at Spray Foam Systems, we offer both new and used spray foam equipment for contractors and more. Browse our online store or contact our experts for more information about new and used spray foam systems.
