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 really depends on your climate zone and the size of jobs you will be working on. See why choosing the proper spray foam equipment (rather than cutting corners) will save you money in the long run.
The Right Equipment for Your Rig Based on Project Size and Location
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
An undersized machine used for large jobs will end up costing you tons of money in repairs. The cost of labor is going to be substantially more as well because smaller machines take more time to produce foam than larger machines. Therefore, larger projects often require a more substantial machine and/or rig to contain it.
If you are doing mostly residential work, a smaller machine would make more sense. A smaller machine would be a lower overall investment and would leave you with more working capital.
Choosing Equipment Based on Your Location’s Climate
Another thing to take into consideration is your location’s climate. The larger the machine, the larger the size of the heater. This means if you live in a cold climate, you might want to invest in a larger machine with larger heaters.
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
Choosing a high-quality proportioner is all about the ratio! You want a machine that is going to be able to assist you in spraying on the right ratio of A-side and B-side foam. The 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, especially because different types of projects require different lengths of hoses (for ease of use and efficiency). But, most machines have a maximum hose length, so you’ve got to know exactly what you need or 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.
An alternate solution could also be a cart system. These are very common in big cities where companies are doing high rises.
Choosing the Right SPF Equipment for Your Business & Type of Insulation Work
All of these equipment considerations can either save and make you money, or cost you money in the long run. It will be important for you to make sure you’re buying from someone who knows the industry, the equipment, the type of projects you plan to work on, and, most importantly, has your bottom line in mind.
There are plenty of “turnkey rigs” out in the market today, but not as many experts out there who specialize in insulation and the types of projects you work on. 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 its 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. Are you willing to put your business on the line by giving your customers an unsafe living environment? Do you want to experience 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 on the job … and your profitability!
- Introducing Our Mini-Series (what you should know about owning a spray foam rig)
- Important SPF Rig Weight & Capacity Considerations
- How to Choose the Right Air Filtration System
- Air Pressure & Volume — Is Your Equipment Sized for Optimal Performance?
- Choosing SPF Equipment With the Best ROI
- Choosing Power and Auxiliary Equipment
- Other Cost-Saving Considerations