BLACKTOP BANTER
Be sure to pump all the water out of it completely and pour some anti-freeze in there and pump it through until it comes out of the end of that hose .
Sealcoat Pump :
Whether you have a diaphragm pump , piston pump or transfer ( trash ) pump , the process is usually the same . Rinse your unit out completely to start , then rinse it again . Be sure to run water through your spray hose and wand as well , then drain it and remove it . Really try to get any sealcoat residue out of there . Then , pump an RV anti-freeze though the unit . Get one that is rated for the coldest temperatures you can find . Something -35 * or more is ideal . If it ’ s possible to remove the pump and store it indoors ( we used to keep ours in the basement at our house ), that may be ideal .
Line Striper :
When we used water-based paint , we used a winterizing fluid designed by the machine manufacturer . That is what I recommend . Since then though , we have switched to primarily using solvent-based paints and now use mineral spirits to keep the machines winterized . Pump whichever fluid you are using to winterize , through the return and through the line to your gun until it runs though . You will likely want to do this no matter if you are storing your line striper inside or outside over the winter to reduce “ Buildup ” over the months you aren ’ t using it .
Plate Compactor :
I have a feeling this one could get overlooked , but if you have a plate compactor with a water tank , don ’ t forget about it . Drain that tank of water completely . Use an anti-freeze like you would for the sealcoat pump , pour it into the reservoir tank and run it though until it comes out of the drain holes , then close the valve .
Pressure Washer :
Whether you use it to clean pavement before servicing or to clean your equipment , most companies invest in a pressure washer at some point . Don ’ t overlook this machine for winter prep . What we do , is take a piece of water hose and cut it a few feet long , angle it up , stick a big funnel in it and pour anti-freeze in there while its running and spray it until it comes out of the tip or the nozzle . Sometimes this is a two man operation because you may need to keep pouring anti-freeze in while it pumps .
Water Tank on Sealcoat Rig :
Most trailered Sealcoating Machines ( Rigs ) are designed by manufacturers with a water tank and pump on them for easy clean up or just when you need water to be put somewhere . Be sure to pump all the water out of it completely and pour some anti-freeze in there and pump it through until it comes out of the end of that hose . This has worked for us on our yellow rig very well , and the small diaphragm pump that is on there has held up fine .
I know some of this is easy info to some contractors , but many new contractors may not have the experience doing winterization yet . Also , a couple of the items above may be places that slip any sealcoating contractor ’ s mind . If you know of other areas that may need attention for freezing temps , feel free to reach out and tell me . You can contact us though any of the Social Media apps out there with @ blacktopbanter or email us at blacktopbanter @ gmail . com .
Marvin Joles III , Owner of Wis-Coat Asphalt Maintenance and host of Blacktop Banter podcast . You can listen to and watch Blacktop Banter podcasts by visiting https :// blacktopbanter . com www . callape . com [ 20 ] 1.800.210.5923