When you invest in a new spray foam machine, the last thing you want to do is start off on the wrong foot when it comes to maintenance. Don’t underestimate the power that proper maintenance and storage can have on your spray foam equipment’s condition. Equipment storage and the steps leading up to it are crucial parts of your machine’s maintenance and handling. Keep reading to learn some key storage tips to help extend the life of your spray foam machines.
Importance of Storing Your Machines Properly
Safely storing your equipment is a key step to maintaining your spray foam machines and boosting their longevity. If you fail to clean, flush, and store your equipment properly, you could notice more frequent downtime and repairs. You could also damage your equipment or excess chemical materials by causing unwanted reactions. If your equipment crystallizes or your chemical spray foams become unstable, it could lead to poor-quality sprays and downtime during your next job.
Flush and Clean Your Equipment Before Storing
Not only should you clean your equipment before storing it, but flushing and cleaning your spray foam parts are also crucial maintenance steps after finishing every application. Even a short break between uses can allow leftover spray foam mixtures and residue to cure, which can clog your spray guns and other system parts. This is why flushing your system after every use is so important.
So when you’re ready to flush your system, start by removing the pumps and draining their access material. Once your pumps are clean, store them in a clean reservoir with a compatible lubricant. To flush the rest of your machine, use a mesh screen or accessory to catch loose debris and run the machine with a cleaning solution. You may need to repeat the flushing process depending on the amount of buildup. And don’t forget to clean your machine’s hoses, gun, and individual parts with a spray foam dissolvent to remove cured foam.
How To Store Your Spray Foam Equipment Properly
You should take certain steps to ensure you store your spray foam machine properly. Investing in a spray foam rig can help you keep your systems and accessories together neatly, making sure everything is accounted for. Once you’re ready to start organizing your equipment, follow these tips below to ensure you store it with proper care.
Start By Inspecting Your Equipment
Once your spray foam machine is fully cleaned and flushed, you have a clean canvas that is ready to inspect for damage and signs of wear. Before storing your materials away, inspect them carefully, looking for signs of wear and tear that could lead to malfunctions. Even minor wear and tear could lead to issues down the road, so noting these signs and scheduling repairs when necessary is important.
Return Items Neatly to Your Rig
When storing your spray foam machine and accessories, don’t just throw everything into your rig and slam the door. Take the time to organize your equipment to prevent stress on its parts. For example, remember to wrap your spray hoses and cords carefully to avoid bending or stretching their materials. Taking your time and organizing your materials can help increase the lifespan of your equipment by preventing stress, scratches, and other small damage.
Tips for Long Storage Periods
When storing your spray foam machine for extended periods without use, fill the system with a moisture-free solution beforehand. Using a moisture-free solution will help prevent crystallization inside your system that could contaminate your working materials. Only fill the system after properly flushing and cleaning it with a compatible solvent. Your reactor and heated hoses should be compatible with most solvents, but you should also check the moisture-free solution you’ll be applying. The solution should also be compatible with your A and B side chemical materials.
Pro Tip:
Never leave your spray foam system dry for long periods. If you’re taking a break or swapping systems, always fill it with a moisture-free solution or oil.
Storing Your Spray Equipment in Extreme Temperatures
Depending on where you live and work, you may need to store your spray foam materials in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Most spray foam chemicals last within a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you store your mixtures in areas that are too hot or cold, your chemicals could become unstable and not mix properly, leading to a poor-quality spray.
If you store your materials in areas above or below this range, use heating and cooling devices such as heated drums or ventilation equipment. These devices will keep your chemicals at a safe and comfortable temperature.
Winterizing Your Spray Foam Machines
Winterizing spray foam machine is a key maintenance step for spray foam companies that don’t work during the winter and need to preserve their equipment. If this is your situation, you’ll want to start by flushing your equipment on the isocyanate side; you may need to repeat the flush to rinse thoroughly. Next, make sure your pumps are in the down position and retracted. Finally, use a moisture-free lubricant to prevent contamination during the off-season.
Where To Find Spray Foam Systems and Storage Accessories
Now that you know how to care for your spray foam equipment properly, you may be wondering where to find the equipment and accessories we’ve mentioned. Fortunately, you can find a wide variety of spray foam reactors, proportioners, pumps, accessories, and more at Spray Foam Systems. Whether you’re looking for low-pressure spray foam machines or high-pressure hydraulic models, you can find all the equipment you need on our website. We also offer heating and cooling equipment to help promote the best conditions for your system during the hottest and coldest months of the year. Browse our lineup of spray foam parts and accessories to learn more.
Remember these storage tips to extend the life of your spray foam machines to get more use out of your equipment investments. Whether you’re using the newest models or making your old equipment last, how you store them can have a significant impact on their longevity. Follow these expert tips to save money on repairs, make your investments last longer, and prevent equipment downtime. And don’t forget to stock up on replacement parts or storage accessories from Spray Foam Systems when you need them.
