As winter sets in, it’s essential to protect your equipment and chemicals from freezing temperatures to avoid costly damage.

Preventing Equipment Damage

Any equipment containing water is at risk of freezing, which can lead to serious damage—particularly to machine pumps, valves, hand tools, and wands.

• Best Option: If possible, use a heater in your van. An oil-filled radiator is recommended rather than a fan heater, as heaters with moving parts can fail and pose a fire risk.
• No Power Supply? A van-mounted diesel heater is a great alternative. If that’s not possible, remove all equipment and store it somewhere warm. An unheated garage or shed may not provide enough protection.
• Quilts or blankets won’t generate heat—simply covering machines will not prevent freezing.
• Machines, wands, hand tools, and hoses are all at risk, so make sure they are stored in a suitable environment.

Protecting Chemicals from Cold Temperatures

Your chemicals are also vulnerable—not just to freezing but to cold temperatures that can affect their performance.

• Most at risk are products containing polymers, such as protectors, sealers, and encapsulation products.
• Even if they don’t freeze, cold temperatures can cause ingredients to separate or moist powders to become damaged.

Storage Tips

If you must store chemicals in an unheated garage or shed, take simple precautions to minimise the risk:

• Avoid placing them directly on a cold surface—use insulating material to prevent heat loss to the ground.
• For added protection, store them in an insulated box or container.

Taking these preventative measures will help protect your equipment and chemicals, ensuring they remain in good working condition throughout the winter months.