Spring into Success by Preparing Your Equipment 

As much of the country is beginning to experience the warming temperatures of spring, now is a great time to prepare your equipment for the busy season ahead. Pre-planning the post-hibernation equipment maintenance will ensure that you can complete jobs quickly, efficiently, and most importantly, safely. Below are some best practices on how to get started: 

Mechanical Components:

1. Check Your Hoses

Often at the end of the fall busy season, hoses are not always cleaned properly. Because of this, a side/isocyanate can be left to sit and crystalize in the hose over the winter months, resulting in frequent clogs when brought out of storage. If you are lucky, these hoses can be cleaned out with a solvent; however, there is a chance that the hose will need to be completely replaced. As you inspect your hose, be aware of these issues as well as any other signs of damage including cracks and punctures. If necessary, replace any damaged hoses to prevent leaks and other issues throughout your equipment set-up.

2. Inspect Your Spray Gun 

The spray gun is another critical component of your roof coating rig. Inspect your spray gun before you start using your rig to make sure it is in working order. Check for any broken or worn parts and replace them, as necessary. Lubricate the moving parts of the spray gun to ensure smooth operation. 

3. Inspect Your Compressor and Generator

Check for any signs of wear and tear within your compressor and generator system. This includes damaged belts or leaking hoses, and replacing any damaged parts as needed. Preventatively, be sure to change the oil and air filters, as well as lubricate any mechanical parts before using your rig after winter to ensure optimal performance. 

4. Check Your Trailer 

If you are using a trailer to transport your roof coating rig, it is important to inspect it before you start using your rig. Check for any problems such as damaged tires or corroded wiring and replace any damaged parts if applicable. Check your trailer lights and brakes before using your rig to ensure that they are working correctly. 

5. Test Your Rig

Before you start using your roof coating rig, it is essential to perform tests to ensure that it is in good working condition. Test your equipment by spraying the coating onto a test surface, and check for any issues, such as inconsistent spray patterns or blockages in the hoses. If you notice any problems, address them before you start using your rig on a job site.

Chemical Components

The most important aspect of ensuring that your chemical components are ready to go is to be mindful of their shelf-life. Depending on when your spray chemicals were purchased and how long they sat in storage, your spray foam may have expired. Expired roof coating chemicals can lose their ability to adhere properly to the roof surface, which can lead to cracking, peeling, or flaking. This can leave the roof vulnerable to leaks and water damage. Additionally, the chemicals in the spray may break down over time, causing the spray to become ineffective or even hazardous. 

If you notice that your chemicals may be expired, it is best to dispose of them properly to avoid any potential risks. 

Personal Protective and Safety Equipment: 

In every aspect of preparation for a job, you should consider safety. Safety is not only important from a legal standpoint, but also for your employees and your business. When a job is unsafe, employees notice and can feel as though their employer is not concerned about their personal safety. Investing in and ensuring proper use of the latest personal protective and safety equipment can help ensure your preparation for any job that comes your way. Specific equipment and safety practices can include:  

• Eye Protection
• Respirators
• Coveralls 
• Maintaining Equipment Condition 
• Proper Ladder Safety 
• Proper Disposal of Hazardous Materials 
• Safety Trainings and Certifications 

These practices and other industry safety conventions can help see to the safe and successful completion of your next project!