Temperature

Guy Blackmon said:
Depends on how high the pay is.

Seriously, I have no motivation what so ever to wash below 45-50 degrees, unless it's a high profit margin job. Too many problems can arise washing below 30 degrees.

Maine??? Just wait till Spring.
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Agreed and Second that.
 
I have washed steel and concrete structures in 27 degrees in January several years ago.

As long as the water is moving it will not freeze but you can cause ice to form on the ground.

I know guys that fleet wash until it gets to about 20 degrees, at that point they start to have ice form on the trucks.

If you are only using pressure and no chemicals, you can add some antifreeze to the tank to help keep the water from freezing.

Once you are done, that is the time to worry about your tank, machine and hoses. If you are using an open trailer everything can freeze as you are driving if it is below 32 degrees. If you are using a box truck then it can still happen, just might take a little bit longer but I have heard of guys that will keep their machines idling and circulating back into the tank, some of the guys have heaters in the box trucks to help prevent freezing.

Some of the guys use air compressors to blow out the coil, hoses, drain the water tank, drain the machine, etc.... You might not get all the water out but it might prevent serious damage if you get most out of the coil.
 
When we have to wash concrete below 30 degrees i always have a guy go behind the final rinse with a leafblower sounds crazy but we have had no problems doing like that.
 
I like working in the 34-35 range as long as it's not windy. The lowest temperature I've ever seen here is 29 and we worked in it. Didn't like it, Ice sheets on commercial roofs aren't any fun.

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20 degrees F is only -6.7 C. When it gets colder than around 25 F it takes more product to do the same amount in higher temps so I Guess My limit would be no colder than 15 degrees F. Yesterday I had a good 13 hour day and was washing till about 9:30 at night and it was about 17 out and it was getting a little stupid but you gotta do what you gotta do. At least you get some good hang time when your acid freezes. The wind is what gets me. I dont mind being cold from wind or temp but when the water coming out the end of your wand does a 90 degree turn 3 inches after the nozzle it starts to annoy me.
 
I wash trucks down to about 30,going to be 19 this week on my fleet day will put it off till a warmer day later in the week. I have to keep my trailer outside so i fill the float tanks with -20 degree windshield washer fluid and pump it through the system, works great.
 
Gotta a two story roof and house to do in the morning. Supposed to be 32 when I start. Should be FUN

Doug Rucker 281.883.8470 Clean and Green Solutions via Tapatalk
 
I've stomped around in snow before with wand in hand. Some people just need it. Realtor needs to snap a pic, or insurance company is ready to drop. Yes, its not fun. We've learned to activate our detergents regardless of the temps so thats never the issue. Its all about the equipment. Get in, get out, charge at least double, go eat sushi for lunch. Not necessarily in that order.
 
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