What to look for in an Insulation Machine
A weatherization contractor looking for the best insulation machine for his line of work might find it daunting to source for the right one. There are so many brands and makes of insulation machine in the market today that it seems that one is just like the other. On the contrary. Insulation machines vary in make and features.
What to Consider
If you talk to us, you will hear us say, “We do not want you to buy too little or too much of a machine.” A beginning contractor may want to avoid the expense of a large truck and blower. If you are doing two to three insulation jobs a week, a smaller machine typically suffices. If you are insulating commercial buildings, apartments and other large buildings, then definitely choose a larger machine with a greater capacity. An entry level insulation contractor might choose a medium capacity hopper, say 75 bags per hour, for his construction company while an experienced contractor might gear towards an insulation machine that has the capacity to dispense 150 bag of cellulose in an hour. In short, consider the size of the insulation machine that you need when buying one. We can help you decide.
A second consideration is the type of loose-fill insulation that a contractor prefers to use. There are two major loose-fill materials used for insulation machines — fiberglass and cellulose. Fiberglass loose-fill is more dense than cellulose and requires more blower power.
Cellulose insulation is less dense and requires less power to move the material. The type and make of insulation machine that one has to buy depends on what type of loose-fill material he intends to use. It is true that most insulation machines can accommodate both types of insulation material but there are machines that work best for fiberglass and there are those that work best for cellulose.
Features and Specifications of an Insulation Machine
Here are some of the best features and specifications of a good insulation machine.
- A quick-release hopper for swift access to airlock.
- A slide-gate controller is a must to control the amount of fiber to air ratio
- The metal casing should be powder coated to resist corrosion
- A manual access to control thermal overloading is a must
- The auger should provide quick and easy access to the airlock seal for servicing or replacement
- It should feature a dual auger shredder to provide consistent flow of the loose-fill insulation material
- The chain, sprockets and bearings should be easy to maintain.
- Integrally mounted blowers complete with filter protection and check valve
- Easy access panel for maintenance and quick troubleshooting
- A remote cord for convenience and hose that is long enough to anticipate hard-to-reach areas
Needless to say, safety features should not be overlooked. Emergency shut off switches are a must. A manual thermal overload protection of electrical and motor parts is a necessary feature. A voltmeter indicator is convenient for electrical diagnostics.
Cool Machines proudly have all of these features and specifications.