Weather Quick Change

It seems that the weather has decided to change quite rapidly this fall. Within 2 weeks, it went from 80+ degrees to barely getting up to 65. This brings me to reminding everyone to winterize your pumps now. If you wait until it freezes, you will be too late. From this time on, you should clean your rigs completely and store them with pump saver, antifreeze or make sure that they are completely dry with no hoses or guns attached. Prime valves should be left open also. Make sure that the siphon tube or hose is clean and empty. All machinery should be stored inside. The back of your truck, even in a camper shell, does not constitute indoors.

Remember that temperature also affects how your material dries, cures and adheres. Or Not. Even indoors, if the temperature isn’t regulated, your material can and will fail. Flat is more forgiving than enamel, but will still fail to adhere. Humidity will also cause problems. Take all of this into consideration before starting the days work and schedule your workmen accordingly.

Problems this Winter

Again, this winter we are seeing a few machines that have frozen.  And we are seeing many machines that are having electrical problems.  Protect your machines by storing them inside, always.  Also, on the same note, never leave material outside in a unheated truck, trailer or job site.  When the material gets too cold, it does odd thins, none of which are good.  Some materials coagulate and become difficult or impossible to spray.  This leads to machine complications and premature breakdowns.  When we take the machine apart, it looks like you have run incompatible products.  This is similar to trying to clean latex with paint thinner.  The pump valves and ports are clogged.  This also increases the cost of repairs.  Very few water soluble products will survive being stored at temperatures under 50 degrees for any length of time.