In this episode of Fix-It Friday, we teach you how to identify and fix issues with your spray foam hose heating system using a PMC PK-25 spray foam machine. Hose heat is the biggest technical support issue we get and there are a few common issues that can be easily identified and resolved while on the job site.Continue reading
Category Archives: Tips from the Experts
PMC Heated Hose Manual
Use the PMC Heated Hose Manual for uses, repair kit numbers, mixing chambers, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Keeping Material Warm
Why should you keep your material warm? Quick and simple: Cold material is unusable. When it’s cold it thickens and damages your equipment. The best way to prevent this is using a drum warmer or insulation/barrel jacket. Using these stocked in your building or rig will keep your material warm and ready to use and prevent costly equipment repairs and/or replacements.
Filtering Chemical
Long ago (maybe 45 years) my old company evolved mostly into a spray foam roofing contractor from just an insulator. Because of the iso particles and small size screens, and yes, not doing a good job of sealing the iso drums. This was always a recipe for a pile of disaster. I kept shooting myself in the foot and no one would help to unload the gun.
Continue readingThe Right Transfer Pump
Having the right transfer pump for your material is important for success. Not all pumps are the same. When looking at transfer pumps, look for a pump that can handle the materials you use, is easy to clean and can fit into the drum size you need. When in doubt, check your material against the transfer pump manual. This will help you identify proper ratio, cycles per gallon, psi and other important factors.
Having Quality Equipment
When starting your own spray foam company, it is important to have high quality equipment from reputable manufacturers. Companies like PMC and Graco have products that are quality tested and built to last. By spending more money on quality equipment now or buying new instead of used, you can save on having to replace less quality products more frequently. Oftentimes, used equipment is less costly than new because all the parts are brand new.
Using New Spray Foam Material
When using new material, always check the manufacturer’s SDS for recommendations on spraying. Every material sprays differently in different environments and by following recommendations provided, you will be able to spend less time making adjustments and increase material yield.
When to Perform Maintenance Checks
Avoid unnecessary down time by performing maintenance checks before you start your day. It is easier to perform these checks while the system is cool and pressure free. Taking this step saves you downtime later if something was wrong.
Importance of Greasing Your Transfer Pump
Always grease your transfer pumps before putting them into your material drum. By pre-greasing the pump, you make it much easier to swap drums and don’t risk damaging the pump when it won’t come out of the drum!
Growing your business
Networking is Key
Whether you are new in the industry or a seasoned professional you should always network. Having and carrying business cards is a must. Handing them out at every meeting and event, like the Home & Garden Show or other local events, will help keep your name and info in the minds of potential customers or people who can connect you to the potential customers. Go to local networking opportunities and meet businesses who might not be in the spray foam/coatings industries but might be able to recommend you to a customer. Word of mouth is still extremely powerful.
