Importance of Compressors in Construction

The construction industry relies on air compressors for a wide range of tasks and processes. From grinders to jackhammers, many tools and pieces of equipment need a strong, high-volume stream of pressurized air to get the job done. Many building processes require a reliable air compressor for peak efficiency.

A contractor’s air compressor is a very useful and essential machine for building projects. Compressed air can power a vast range of tools because of its high output and efficiency. Construction sites rely on air compressors and air-powered tools for many applications, from digging trenches to hoisting materials.

Benefits of a compressor and air-powered tools:

Maintenance: Air compressors are pretty easy to maintain — you’ll need to regularly change the compressor oil and air filters and schedule maintenance every few months. Keeping your air-powered tools in working shape is relatively simple because they have fewer moving parts than electrically-powered options.

Versatility: An air compressor can power a range of tools and requires only a single generator to operate, making these compressors advan- tageous for remote worksites.

Safety: Fires and electrocution are less likely to occur on the job site when working with compressors and air-powered tools than with other types of tools.

Choosing an Air Compressor for Construction

If you are interested in investing in an air compressor for construction applications, be sure to consider the following factors to make the right choice for your business:

Size: When choosing a compressor, it is vital to find options that have enough power for your equipment. Consider how much you need and choose a size that suits your requirements.

Portability: If you’re working on construction job sites, you will need an air compressor that you can transport from job to job. Look for one you can move with the equipment you already have.

Noise: Air compressors can generate varying levels of noise. Consider the environments you often work in and if choosing an especially quiet model would be beneficial.

Tools: Take inventory of the air tools you al- ready have. Finding a generator that is compatible with your existing equipment can be very valuable and save you a lot of money. For example, your air-powered equipment will have specific cubic feet per minute requirements. Ensure you choose a compressor that’s suitable for your applications and provides enough power.

Types of Air Compressors Used in the Construction Industry

The construction industry utilizes a few different kinds of positive displacement air compressors to complete building projects. Consider the advantages of the following types:

Rotary screw: This kind of compressor utilizes two screws rotating opposite one another to compress air within a sealed chamber. Rotary screw compressors are highly durable and ideal for heavy-duty use on construction sites.

Reciprocating: Also called a piston compressor, these models use a piston to compress air and displace it within the chamber. This type is especially powerful and slightly smaller than rotary screw options, making them ideal for applications that need portable equipment.

The Importance of Having Portable Air Compressors for Construction Applications

Portable compressors make it easy for you to get your equipment where it needs to go, whether you are traveling between multiple jobs or need to move the equipment around on a single site. It is important to have tools that offer flexibility when you need to access those remote and hard-toget-to areas.

Towable compressors are perfect for construction applications. They require transportation equipment to tow them and are typically compact enough to travel to job sites with rougher terrain and remote work areas.

Common Construction Air Compressor Applications

Consider the following applications for air compressors on construction and building job sites:

Pneumatic Tools

Air-powered construction tools, also called pneumatic tools, allow for a diverse range of applications, including:

Jackhammers: Pneumatic jackhammers act as a hybrid of a hammer and chisel. They utilize compressed air to drive the tool up and down to break up surfaces. They are a key tool for demolishing old concrete and pavement before starting new concrete construction.

Drills: Air-powered drills work similarly to jackhammers. Construc- tion crews use them for digging deep into the ground, often before the pile-driving equipment finishes the job.

Impact wrenches: While it can be tedious to loosen and tighten bolts manually, an impact wrench can expedite the entire process thanks to the help of compressed air.

Nail guns: Pneumatic nail guns are another handy tool that saves construction teams valuable time. The power they produce can help streamline projects like installing roofing and siding.

Grinders: The construction industry utilizes different types of air-powered grinders for various tasks, from cutting to polishing. The compressed air enables high-speed rotation for dealing with abrasive materials.

Sanders: Air-powered sanders are available in many different types, each of which uses compressed air to power the motor and propel the sanding pad.

Pneumatic equipment is generally lighter and less expensive than electrically-powered tools. Their reliability is a key reason why the construction industry favors air-powered tools. Another advantage of having air-powered tools for your construction project is the ease with which you can switch between instruments. An air compressor can power each of them without needing multiple power sources.

Whether you need to break up rocks or smooth surfaces, powering your pneumatic tools with an air compressor will benefit your construction business.

Air-Powered Lifting Equipment

The construction industry also uses air compressors to power pneumatic hoisting and material handling equipment, such as air-powered hoist lifts.

These air-powered machines help complete a variety of job site tasks involving lifting and lowering materials. They are ideal for remote job sites without easy access to power, as the equipment uses pressurized air to generate enough force to hoist products.