When Should You Use Access Mats for Your Construction Site?

When Should You Use Access Mats for Your Construction Site?

Access mats protect your crew, equipment, and the environment by temporarily providing a pathway to and from your construction site. However, access mats can give additional benefits to your construction site. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to offer a range of Sterling Solutions TerraLam access solutions. Our high-quality, durable access mats allow your project to continue operating smoothly and safely while still being an affordable access solution. Below we’ll cover the benefits of using access mats on your construction site and when to use access mats. Keep reading to learn more!

While Navigating Challenging Terrain

Construction can take place in a range of challenging and remote environments. Access mats can assist in ensuring that your project site is navigable and accessible no matter the environmental conditions you face. Is your construction project in marshy territory, or is muddy terrain a concern? Fortunately, CLT access mats are up to the challenge! GFI Solutions’ TerraLam CLT access mats are durable in extreme weather conditions. So come rain or shine, these mats will guarantee that your site remains safe and accessible.

To Protect the Environment

From their capability to provide a foundation over rugged terrain to their manufacturing process Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats are made with the environment in mind. Access mats prevent your crew from accidentally cross-contaminating and potentially damaging the environment you’re working in by providing a layer of defence between your equipment, team, and the ground. CLT mats are engineered through a novel process which utilizes an eco-friendly adhesive to bond perpendicular planks of Southern Yellow Pine together. Since CLT mats don’t use bolts and are sustainably sourced, their environmental impact is significantly less than traditional bolted mats. These mats also have a lifespan of 3-5 times longer than traditional bolted mats, so not only are you protecting the environment from cross-contamination, but you’re also using an access mat built to last. At GFI Solutions, our team of access solution experts can help you determine the appropriate number of access mats for your construction project. So you can keep your workers, equipment and the environment safe.

To Protect Your Crew and Machinery

Access mats provide a safe and stable foundation for your crew and heavy equipment. Our line of CLT access mats has a smooth surface without gaps between the wooden planks to reduce the chance of slip and trip hazards. CLT mats also provide a strong base for your project’s heavy equipment. They evenly distribute the weight across the entire mat, reducing the chance of damaging your machinery. GFI Solutions’ CLT access mats can make your construction site safer by preventing costly accidents before they happen.

A Safe Site Access Solution

If your construction crew faces challenging remote worksites or requires a stable foundation over rugged terrain, then CLT access mats from GFI Solutions have you covered. CLT access mats are the industry standard for exceptional safe site access solutions, as they outperform traditional bolted mats. As Canada’s premier supplier of Sterling Solutions TerraLam products, GFI Solutions is proud to offer our customers high-quality access solutions. In addition to our inventory of access solutions, we also offer delivery, installation, mat washing, 24/7 customer service and more! Looking to learn more about how GFI’s access mats make your construction site safe? Contact us today!

Find the Access Mats You Need for Your Canadian Worksite

Find the Access Mats You Need for Your Canadian Worksite

Is your next big project facing the challenges of our Canadian wilderness? Do you need help ensuring your worksite is safe and accessible for your workers and machinery? Our Canadian environments present project managers with several unique obstacles that can be difficult to overcome without suitable accessibility solutions. Access mats can make navigating muddy and swampy terrain straightforward. As Western Canada’s premier supplier of site access products, GFI Solutions is your source for safe site access needs. Below we’ll discuss the application of access mats and how CLT mats, in particular, are beneficial for your project. Continue reading to learn more!

Applications for Access Mats

Access mats support workers and equipment that require a structural roadway to provide stable passage over rugged terrain, pipelines, or protected environments. They’re often used in environmentally sensitive or remote areas like wetlands and swamps to offer a sound foundation. For these reasons, access mats are used across Canadian environments to reduce the risk of environmental cross-contamination, equipment getting stuck, and worker injury.

Access matting has been used in various industrial and commercial applications. This may include temporary or single-use applications such as construction or oil and gas projects where the mats are only required for a short period. However, you can reuse access mats over several projects over multiple seasons in many other industries where challenging terrain or environmental concerns are a factor. At GFI Solutions, our team can assist you in determining the number of access mats your project may require. In addition, we can also provide you with TerraCross access bridges and a range of beneficial services like delivery and installation.

The Perks of CLT Mats

TerraLam Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats offer plenty of benefits. From an extended lifespan to its unique eco-friendly adhesive, and more! CLT mats are an excellent option for all types of project sites. These access mats have a 3-5 times longer lifespan than traditional bolted mats and are manufactured sustainably. In particular, CLT mats can save you significant money as they’re lighter and more affordable than traditional bolted access mats. CLT mats save you money on:

  • Transportation costs
  • Maintenance costs
  • Replacement costs
  • Labour costs, and more!

With significant savings in these four areas, CLT mats allow you to reprioritize your project’s funds to other essential areas. At GFI Solutions, our TerraLam CLT access mats can improve your project’s accessibility and safety. As mentioned above, utilizing access mats can save time and money. Our team at GFI can assist you in making your project safe and accessible for your crew and equipment.

Your Trusted Source for Access Solutions

GFI Solutions is proud to offer comprehensive safe site access solutions across Canada. From mat rentals and sales to turnkey services, mat washing and more, GFI is your trusted supplier of TerraLam access solutions. In addition to a significant inventory of high-quality, sustainably sourced access mats, we also offer 24/7 support. That means our team of experts will always be accessible to you to assist you with all of your access questions. So if you’re looking for access solutions you know you can trust, contact us at GFI Solutions today!

The Top Access Mat Models for Any Albertan Industry

The Top Access Mat Models for Any Albertan Industry

As experts in safe access solutions, GFI Solutions has extensive experience working with companies that require stable foundations for their equipment and crews in remote locations. Your worksite comes with various unique needs and challenges that can make efficiency and safety an issue. Access mats from GFI can assist you in guaranteeing that your worksite is safe for your workers, equipment, and the environment. As Canada’s exclusive retailer for Sterling Solutions Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats, we are excited to provide you with innovative and economical options for safe access solutions. Below we’ll discuss some benefits of switching from traditional bolted access mats to CLT mats. Continue reading to learn more!

Why Switch to CLT Access Mats?

Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats are an asset to any project site, especially for areas where heavy machinery and equipment are used. CLT access mats are manufactured to improve upon some of the best features of traditional bolted mats. CLT mats are made using alternating perpendicular pinewood layers bonded with a unique eco-friendly adhesive. The special adhesive allows the access mats to flex under pressure and distribute weight evenly across the entire mat. That results in an access mat with a 3-5 times longer lifespan than traditional bolted mats. Making the switch to CLT access mats can enhance your worksite with additional benefits such as the following:

  • Ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions
  • Repels moisture, rot, and decay
  • Environmental safe
  • Interlocking capabilities
  • Gap-less, solid mat top reduces tripping hazards and more!

GFI Solutions’ offering of TerraLam CLT mats has many benefits for various industries here in Alberta. So if you’re working in the oil and gas, or the renewable energy sector, CLT mats can assist you in ensuring your site is safe and accessible.

Stay on Budget

CLT mats are constructed from Southern Yellow Pine which is significantly lighter in weight. CLT mats are two-thirds the weight of traditional bolted mats, which means you can save up to 60% on transportation costs. Per load, you’re able to fit up to 72 CLT mats. More mats per load mean delivery is fast and cost-effective. At GFI Solutions, our team will ensure your project has reliable and safe access mats. We offer 24/7 support, so our team can still assist if your project is working in a remote location! So whether you’re looking for access mats or bridges to rent or buy, GFI Solutions is here to help.

GFI Solutions Your Best Option for Access Matting

Since its incorporation in 2017, GFI Solutions has been Canada’s premier source for reliable and durable access solutions. Our team is excited to partner with you and be your primary contact for any questions or concerns you may have regarding access solutions. We want to ensure that your experience with us benefits your project. That’s why our team of experts is available to help you get the job done on time and within budget. At GFI Solutions, we work hard to bring you the best and safest access solutions for your project. Are you interested in our range of access mats? Contact us today to learn more about our access solutions!

Why Your Project Should Use Lightweight Crane Mats

Why Your Project Should Use Lightweight Crane Mats

If your project requires heavy machinery, you should also make sure that you utilize a crane mat. Crane mats are engineered to keep your work site as safe and accessible as possible. Without crane matting, accessing your site and efficiently working on your project can be compromised, not to mention the potential for environmental damages can increase. At GFI Solutions, we offer both CLT and traditional bolted crane mat options. That way, you can finish your project on time and without other access-related issues; below, we’ll discuss CLT mats and the benefits of using crane mats on your project. Continue reading to learn more!

CLT Mats: Engineered for Success

TerraLam’s Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) crane mats are engineered to outperform traditional bolted mats. They offer customers increased durability and performance as they can flex under pressure without damage. CLT mats have a lifespan 3-5 times longer than bolted mats as they evenly distribute the weight of your equipment across the entire mat. In addition, the uniquely formulated adhesive in CLT mats also acts as a protective barrier against decay and rot while remaining environmentally friendly. At GFI Solutions, we’re proud to offer our customers CLT and traditional bolted matting options. The following will discuss the benefits of using both types of crane mats on your project.

Sturdy and Safe Surface

When working in our challenging Canadian environments, your equipment and workers will likely be forced to deal with uneven, soft, muddy terrain. If you try to use a crane without the adequate support it requires, your equipment is at risk of falling over, getting stuck, or being damaged. Nevertheless, crane mats from GFI Solutions can ensure your equipment is safe and secure.

Work More Efficiently

Attempting to use a crane on ground that’s soft or uneven can be a recipe for disaster. To navigate challenging environments, you’ll have to maneuver your equipment carefully. Even with the most careful driver behind the wheel, there are still many risks. Not to mention, working so cautiously can slow your project’s progress. Crane mats can assist your team in working more efficiently over challenging terrain by providing a durable foundation to work off of.

Prevent Your Equipment from Getting Stuck

In addition to providing a stable base, a crane mat prevents your equipment and workers from getting stuck in the mud. Depending on the terrain, your crane can quickly sink into the ground, especially after significant rainfalls or in swampy environments. Getting large and heavy equipment stuck in the mud can bring your project to a complete halt and potentially cause damage to expensive and vital components. A crane mat can provide a stable surface for heavy cranes and workers, and they’re easy to remove from a worksite once your project is completed.

Lightweight Crane Mats from GFI

At GFI Solutions, our team understands the challenges your project may face. Lightweight crane mats are an accessible, reliable, and cost-effective solution GFI proudly offers. In addition to access solutions, we also provide 24/7 service for rentals and sales, turnkey services, inventory management, and more! Are you interested in learning more about our crane mats? Contact GFI Solutions today!

CLT Mats: Your Site Access Choice for the Forestry Industry

CLT Mats: Your Site Access Choice for the Forestry Industry

Environmental sustainability and remediation are becoming critical focal points for project grants and construction governance. One of the forestry industry’s significant challenges is mitigating the damage caused by equipment moving through a remote job site. Without a makeshift roadway already in place, you’ll need to consider a safe site access solution. At GFI Solutions, we have a range of access solutions to fit every job site. Our TerraLam CLT access mats are quickly becoming the standard for the forestry industry as they feature several benefits aside from safe site access. With environmental stewardship in mind, CLT mats are your project’s economical and environmentally conscious choice. Continue reading to learn more about how CLT mats benefit the forestry industry.

The CLT Difference

If you’re only familiar with bolted mats but are looking for an alternative that provides your worksite with a range of advantages, consider Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. CLT mats are manufactured by bonding layers of wood with a specially formulated adhesive. Compared to traditional bolted mats, CLT mats provide better weight distribution across the entire mat. This means that CLT mats won’t break even under the heaviest loads. The unique construction of CLT mats does more than stand up to heavy equipment; they’re also more flexible and lightweight.

We are Canada’s premier distributor of TerraLam® CLT access mats here at GFI. We offer a 500 level model that is steel reinforced to handle heavy machinery and a more standard 300 level for general applications. So regardless of your weight requirements, we are sure to have the access matting solutions you need.

Environmentally Conscious

The forestry industry is increasingly concerned with environmental consciousness, remediation, and sustainability. Heavy-duty hauling in remote areas can affect and damage local terrain, so implementing safeguards to protect the environment is crucial. Access mats serve as a protective barrier and a temporary roadway for trucks, equipment, and workers. By using site-safe access mats during your forestry operations, you significantly reduce the chance of causing damage and contamination problems to the native ecosystem in the area. The mats can easily be removed from the site when your project is completed. They leave minimal damage in their wake, allowing the landscape to return to normal quickly.

At GFI Solutions, our CLT mats are manufactured with sustainability in mind. The wood from our CLT mats is sourced from plantation-grown Southern Yellow Pine, which takes only 20 years to mature for harvest. The adhesive that binds the wood planks together is also environmentally friendly, so our CLT mats are sure to meet the stringent environmental standards of the forestry industry.

Partner with GFI Solutions

As Canada’s leading provider of site access solutions, GFI understands the importance of cost-effective matting services to your daily operations. We’re proud to offer 24/7 support for sales and rentals and advanced site management services, including inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation, and more! If you’re looking to try out the durability of our TerraLam CLT mats, contact us today.