Did you know that the overall quality of any Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation job you complete is dependent on how well your Spray Foam Insulation machine and related equipment operates?

In fact, caring for your Spray Foam insulation machine, along with your SPF guns and hoses, is an essential  for successful business.

Heated spray hoses are critical to the stable flow of SPF, which can render a better spray foam insulation. However, the substance that flows through your hoses can build up over time. As a result, you must regularly flush out the spray foam insulation machine’s hose lines for the smoothest possible process.

Here are a few things to consider when maintaining your spray foam insulation machine:

Understanding the Power of ‘Power’

Much of your spray foam equipment requires electricity and compressed air. Before starting up your SPF equipment, ensure the air and power supply each generate adequate pressure to drive the system. The air should be clean and dry, or you risk a poor mix. We also recommend checking the power supply to your spray foam insulation machine with an amp clamp meter daily. It is a simple task that can prevent issues resulting from inconsistent power.

Finally, when the machine’s power is off, always check your switches, plugs, and coils for any wobbly or loose connections.

Transfer System Checklist

The transfer system supplies the chemicals from your spray foam insulation machine’s drums to the central proportioning pumps. We suggest storing your materials at the proper temperature per each manufacturer’s specific recommendation. Some spray foam insulation machines require mixing before and during application. Make sure your drum mixer is free of any buildup that could potentially break free during operation.

The transfer system houses the transfer/drum pumps, air hoses, material lines, filters, and monitoring equipment. Always clear the pumps of any solid material when you switch out drums. Adding a bit of grease to the air inlet monthly keeps the motor lubricated.

Finally, check your system’s air hoses and material transfer hoses for any bulges or leaks. Some hose failures happen where the fitting connects to the hose, so check the entire length of the hose.

Spray Guns, Heated Hoses, and More

We share with contractors that the spray foam gun is where all of the magic takes place. The spraying process involves mixing two components at a particular ratio, pressure, and temperature.

Most spray guns are air purge, which means there is an air stream exiting the gun nozzle when it is not spraying. It is important to always leave this element “on’ during normal operation and to check for condensation.

We also suggest cleaning the filter screens in the spray gun daily, or when material pressures are off-balance. Use a silicone mold release on your SPF gun’s exterior to minimize material buildup.

Finally, the heated hose system tends to take the most abuse. In some scenarios, contractors haul hoses across job sites, up walls, or even through tight crawl spaces. Before you start a new job, remove the entire hose off of its hanging rack prior to turning on the heat. Otherwise, you risk placing undue stress on the portions of the hose that are on the frame supporting the weight of the bundle, which can lead to damage.

Interested in Learning More?

By following the above steps, you will have peace of mind that your investment in your spray foam insulation machine and related equipment will continue to be smart ones and that your equipment will continue to perform correctly.

For more information about caring for your SPF equipment, check out our online spray foam resource center today.