CHOOSING THE BEST SPRAY FOAM RIG EQUIPMENT WITH THE BEST ROI

Assembling the best possible spray foam equipment in a rig can make a huge impact on your ROI. In most cases, the size of the equipment depends on your climate zone and the size of jobs you will be working on. Learn why choosing the proper spray foam equipment, rather than cutting corners, will save you money in the long run.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SPRAY FOAM MACHINE FOR YOU

Choosing Equipment Based on Project Size

Residential projects are on the smaller side of things compared to commercial or industrial projects. For roofing or other large commercial jobs, you can spray 4-5 sets of foam a day. On the other end, for a residential project, you would be looking at around 1-2 sets of SPF a day. This is where the size of your machine can make a big difference.

Cost Issues Caused by Having Too Small of an Insulation Machine in Your Rig

Undersized spray foam rig equipment used for large jobs will end up costing you tons of money in repairs. Because smaller machines take more time to produce foam than larger machines, the cost of labor is going to be substantially higher as well. This is why the best spray foam rig equipment for you is equipment that’s large enough to take on your biggest projects.

If you are doing mostly residential work, a smaller machine may be sufficient. Since a smaller machine is a lower overall investment, it will leave you with more working capital.

Choosing Equipment Based on Your Climate

Considering your location’s climate is vital to finding the right spray foam rig equipment for you. This means if you live in a cold climate, a larger machine that’s equipped with a larger heater will keep your SPF supplies at the right temperature and your team more comfortable.

Larger heaters can help you and your crew produce higher yields on the job. This will reduce downtime and start-up time, which can save you money in the long run and make your business more profitable!

SPF Yield, Performance and Ratio Concerns

When you’re choosing a high-quality proportioner, the ratio is the most important consideration. Choose a machine that is going to be able to assist you in spraying on the right ratio of A-side and B-side foam. Higher-end machines will typically have monitors and alarms to alert you if you start spraying off-ratio foam. If you buy a machine that doesn’t have notification features, you and your crew could waste a lot of time spraying off-ratio foam, and even more time ripping it off of your project. Is that a risk you’re willing to take?

Hose Length Concerns

When purchasing SPF equipment for your rigs, hose length is a major consideration. There are two important factors here. Different types of projects require different lengths of hoses for ease of use and efficiency. You’ll also want to understand your machine’s maximum hose length. If your hose doesn’t fit, you’ll end up with a hose that makes every project a hassle.

  • For residential projects: 210 feet of hose length is normally enough.
  • For roofing, industrial, and commercial projects: you may need up to the maximum of 410 feet of hose.

If you need more hose capacity, you might want to consider using a cart system. These are very common in big cities where companies are doing high rises.

CHOOSING THE BEST SPRAY FOAM RIG EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

All of these equipment considerations can either save and make you money. Conversely, ignoring these considerations will cost you money in the long run. It’s important to make sure you’re buying from an SPF professional who has your bottom line in mind. They need to know the industry, the equipment and understand the type of projects you plan to work on.

You may find plenty of “turnkey rigs” on the market today. Finding an expert who specializes in insulation and the types of projects you work on may be more difficult. To make sure you are buying a rig that fits you and your company’s overall needs and goals, let’s get into the dollars.

Pro Tips for Investing in Insulation Equipment for Your Rig/Trailer:

  • Choose the correct size of heaters to allow for longer seasons and maintain higher flow rates.
  • Invest in an equipment manufacturer that has parts and service repair options to reduce downtime during an equipment failure.
  • Work with a supplier that can support your investment promptly. Lack of support is a #1 concern because when your equipment is down, your company is down.
  • Everything in your rig is there to support your spray equipment. Maximize your rig’s efficiency by giving it what it needs to be a workhorse.
  • Finally, ask yourself if you’re willing to put the livelihood of your business on the line for un-reputable, sub-premium proportioning equipment.

Your spray equipment is the main component ensuring your materials are being mixed and installed correctly. Choosing the wrong spray foam rig equipment can put your business at risk and put your customers in an unsafe living environment. It’s typically an ill-equipped insulation contractor that experiences the horror of having to remove spray foam.

I can assure you that there is not enough profit left over on a job to cover the cost of removal, nor will many insurance companies pay for this failure!

Invest in the Best Rig or Trailer for Your Business

Give your company the best chance to become more profitable and your crew the best chance to produce top-quality work on every project. Contact your local IDI experts to discuss rig options and equipment needs. Let our team work for you! We can help you invest in a rig that will provide the highest ROI and help you grow your capabilities this year.

See why our custom and basic spray foam rigs are your best option for taking on more projects, growing your business and improving your bottom line for the long haul.

By: Ken Allison, Director of Business Development

Ken specializes in business development and building science. You can find him at any of our training events around the country helping local contractors grow their business. Contact your local rep about the next training event near you to hear Ken’s advice first-hand.

Read the Full Series:

Read our full rig series to determine what type of rig you should invest in to get the most ROI. Learn about the important factors that should go into your rig purchase decision — and how they could affect your rig’s performance and your profitability!

  1. Introducing Our Mini-Series (what you should know about owning a spray foam rig)
  2. Important SPF Rig Weight & Capacity Considerations
  3. How to Choose the Right Air Filtration System
  4. Air Pressure & Volume — Is Your Equipment Sized for Optimal Performance?
  5. Choosing Power and Auxiliary Equipment
  6. Other Cost-Saving Considerations

GET IN CONTACT WITH OUR EXPERTS TODAY!

Have a question on anything insulation, pricing, or want to place an order? With hundreds of products and countless services, our experts will help walk you through the process of getting ready for your next project. Get in contact with our team today for help and guidance on the right products and best techniques for you and your business.