Guidelines For Choosing The Right Spray Equipment
As the EIFS industry continues to expand, contractors are seeking new and innovative methods of application.
This interest is being fueled to a large extent by the desire or need to reduce application costs, particularly in areas where other types of cladding systems have traditionally been more competitive. However, there are many other motivating factors, such as: versatility of different styles of application and variety of textures; quicker job turnaround; ability to take advantage of "weather windows"; and application of specialty products, such as granite-type aggregate finishes.
All of these factors can be addressed with a properly designed spray system.
There are many types of sprayers available, and chosing the wrong one can be a costly and frustrating experience. On the other hand, the right sprayer can significantly improve the bottom line for many years to come.
So, once the decision to spray has been made, how do you go about finding the right equipment? The following are some suggestions you might want to consider before making a purchase:
1. Identify the types of equipment available. Generally speaking, there are two types of spray equipment:
Large volume pumping systems - Usually designed for pumping concrete or fireproofing products, this type of equipment is generally not viable for "spraying" the thinner applications such as EIFS base coats or finishes.
Thin coat finish systems - This type of equipment is generally used for finer applications of product which is usually applied in thinner coats, such as: paints, drywall products, deck coatings, waterproofing compounds, EIFS products, elastomerics, roof coatings, etc. Airless sprayers, piston pumps, rotor/ stator pumps, diaphragm pumps, pressure sprayers and peristaltic pumps are included in this category.
The contractor needs to determine his primary and secondary uses of the equipment in order to properly evaluate the type of equipment best suited for his needs. An example of this would be the smaller contractor that needs to spray a multitude of products such as base coats, primers, finishes, and sealers in order to justify the purchase of the equipment. Another contractor may do large projects where he is only interested in spraying one particular product.
2. Try and get a recommendation from your technical advisor who represents the manufacturer whose product you would like to spray. His experience in this area could be very helpful.
3. Don't get discouraged simply because you can't get a recommendation. Spraying EIFS is still a relatively new method of application in many areas, and technical reps are not going to recommend a sprayer if they have had little experience with the product.
4. Do your homework and talk to EIFS distributors and equipment manufacturers. Do not confuse spraying EIFS with spraying other types of textured products, such as drywall coatings, stucco, etc. Deal only with reputable equipment manufacturers who have had considerable experience with EIFS products.
You should be able to ask technical questions and get intelligent, knowledgeable answers reflecting a good degree of experience with EIFS. Avoid dealing with those who have had little or no personal experience with EIFS. How can they recommend a piece of equipment if they are technically unfamiliar with the products to be sprayed?
5. Discuss at length what your requirements are for a sprayer. Get specific answers as to what you can expect.
6. Be realistic about what you want from a piece of equipment. There are many types of equipment available, each of which have certain capabilities. No one piece of equipment can be all things to all people.
Many contractors seem to have the notion that when you spray an EIFS product, you're going to wind up with a sand finish or "dash" type stucco look. This is not true. With the vast majority of finishes and aggregates available today, there are many different looks and textures that can be achieved with spray application. Fine sand finishes, heavy coarse finishes, knockdowns, and splatter coats are just a few.
Using the sprayer as a vehicle to get the product from the bucket to the wall, while achieving the same look as you would if you were hand applying is also a viable method of application, and can result in significant cost savings.
These are only a few of the many considerations applicators should weigh when selecting spray equipment. Although every contractor's situation is unique, for many involved in EIFS applications, an investment in equipment can very well be a bonus for your bottom line.
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