Select the Right Infrared Equipment for Your Business

The area of the country you work in should also be considered. Asphalt will vary across the country. If you’ll be repairing harder asphalt you’ll need to consider that, Van Velsor says. Temperature also factors into the decision. Will you be using the equipment in colder environments? Asphalt coolers down faster in colder environments, so a larger area of the asphalt may need to be heated. In that case, Van Velsor suggests purchasing a larger unit to heat efficiently in cold temperatures.

After answering these questions, if you are still confused, Cameron says to talk to infrared manufacturers. They can often recommend the best unit for what you want to accomplish.

Contractors should do all their homework before making a purchasing decision. Van Velsor recommends a thorough investigation when making a purchase decision. Call contractors currently using the equipment. And make sure to test the equipment yourself before purchasing, Larsen adds.

Final thoughts

Strassman says contractors should make the final decision based on the size of patch or asphalt reheating the company will be doing most often. If the size of work is on the small side there is no need for a large unit. On the other hand, if the area of work leans toward the larger size, a smaller unit might not be the most efficient option.

Larsen suggests contractors look for a unit that will offer them the most versatility both in size of the heating area and uses for the equipment. Is it mobile enough for the jobs you’ll be using it on?

“Buy the size that will give you the most production,” Strassman says. Consider what you want your production to be based on the crew size you have to work with. “Sometimes contractors have the tendency to buy way too big. You can only heat as much as you can finish. Don’t go bigger than you can handle,” he adds.