With winter finally on its way out, it’s time to make sure that your swamp mats (more commonly referred to as access mats throughout Canada) are ready for peak construction during the summer months. Thanks to the superior strength and versatility of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats set up doesn’t need to be complicated. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s leading source for site safe access mats and to assist you with all of your site access needs from delivery and installation to mat washing and storage.
Below, we’ll cover some basic tips for the upkeep of swamp mats to help extend the lifetime of your access mats and keep them in top condition from job to job. Read on to learn more!
Make the Right Selection
The number one way to ensure your mats last as long as possible is to select the right fit for the specific needs of your job site. For sites with heavy equipment or intensive hauling needs, for example, consider looking at easy duty mats like CLT 500 or 800 models that can handle the same capacity as rig or crane mats. When speaking with your dealer, be honest about the needs of your project, the condition of your job site. We’ll be able to help you find the best fit for your specific needs and advise you of any specific needs that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Installation
Choosing the right mats is key, but making sure they’re installed correctly is just as important. Mats that aren’t placed properly run a higher risk of breakages, and can lead to headaches in the long run. GFI Solutions is happy to offer onsite installation services all year round to make sure you can operate with full confidence and minimal issues!
Placement
Not unlike installation, placement plays a huge role in ensuring you get the most out of your mats. The superior performance of CLT mats hinges on the unique overlapping plank design of the timber, so making sure that these strong points are best leveraged after installation is vital for the best outcome. Your installation experts will make sure that everything is put where, and how it needs to be for success.
Monitor Vehicle Speed
One of the biggest onsite factors that can degrade your mats quickly is undue stressors like vehicle speed, especially if your fleet has chains on during the winter or other abrasive/impacting features that will put a strain on the wood. To reduce the damage caused by transport convoys, have your trucks reduce their speed and proceed carefully in areas where access matting is used; doing so will go a long way towards keeping things safe and strong.
Cleaning and Storage
Finally, once your job is complete, your next phase of maintenance should ensure that all mats are cleaned to avoid any chemical damage as well as the risk of cross-contamination. Storage will also play a part in avoiding damage from the environment, so having safe options in place should always be a priority for enhanced ROI on your swamp mat investment.
GFI Matting Solutions: Your Choice for Worksite Success
GFI Solutions is proud to offer full-scale worksite matting support, including rentals, sales, delivery, installation, and mat washing, Canada-wide. Our inventory of site safe swamp mats features both 300 and 500 series mats, the ability to customize as needed multiple sizes for all models for added convenience. In addition to a robust stock of in-demand mats, we offer 24/7 support, meaning you’ll always have access to the site access solutions you require. Contact us today to learn more!