How to Winterize Sealcoating Equipment
When the weather turns cool, sealcoating equipment must be properly winterized before storage. This article describes the importance of winter maintenance and provides some guidelines on how to best protect equipment for years of service. Contractors should keep and follow any maintenance instructions that were provided by the manufacturer. Beyond that, experienced contractors suggest that any remaining sealant should be depleted or stored near the end of the season. After the excess sealant is stored, contractors should power wash the inside and outside of the equipment. Next, the tank should be flushed of any residual sealant. The contractor should ensure that all water is drained from the tank and nothing is left in the piping. The hose should be removed and stretched out so that any remaining water will not gather and freeze. Once the equipment has been thoroughly cleaned, the pump should be flushed and inspected for air leaks. Antifreeze or windshield wiper fluid should be run through the plumbing as part of the winterization process. Along with properly cleaning the tank of the sealcoating equipment, it is also essential to complete standard maintenance on other parts of the unit such as tires, brakes and hoses. The engine, carburetor and filter pot should also be checked. Contractors should follow these steps to winterize their sealcoating equipment because the damage from improperly stored equipment can cost thousands of dollars, especially if sealant is allowed to freeze in the tank. Another benefit to checking the equipment thoroughly is finding what repairs are needed before the start of the busy spring season.
- Record URL:
-
Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10985875
-
Authors:
- Schmitt, Kimberley
- Publication Date: 2011-10
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Photos;
- Pagination: pp 20, 22-23
-
Serial:
- Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction
- Volume: 26
- Issue Number: 7
- Publisher: Cygnus Business Media
- ISSN: 1098-5875
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Components; Construction equipment; Equipment maintenance; Guidelines; Maintenance practices; Seal coating; Sealing compounds; Winter maintenance
- Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01358997
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Dec 16 2011 2:47PM