Sep 3, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Need a heavy-duty solution that allows you to tackle the toughest of jobs and site locations with minimal hassle and workflow interruptions? As the heavyweights of the site access industry, rig mats make it easy to handle the unique demands of the oil & gas, utility, petrochemical industries and more. As one of the newer and most sought-after solutions on the market, CLT site safe access mats are more durable than their bolted counterparts and provide exceptional results you can count on.
GFI Solutions is proud to be one of Canada’s top suppliers of site access solutions and offers a vast inventory of CLT access mats suitable for use in heavy applications. Learn more about the benefits of rig mats, as well as partnering with GFI below.
When the Going Gets Tough…
When you need mats that can stand up to wear and tear, heavy loads and tough demands, you need CLT rig and crane mats. Unlike standard access mats, which are either made from bolted would planks or glued laminated timber, rig mats have an additional steel frame and use additional layers of wood to better handle the demands of heavier applications. Heavy-duty mats are specifically made to handle the challenges presented by handling the strain of rigs, cranes, excavators and other heavy machinery. In the process, you gain a much safer, as well as a much more efficient work site that’s equipped to handle day-to-day operations with minimal risk, as well as reduced strain to the environment.
Explore the Benefits of CLT Mats
As we’ve mentioned above, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are a newer addition to the access mat market but have quickly made a name for themselves among the top leaders in the industry. This is because CLT mats take the basic foundation provided by old school bolted mats and improves upon their design to offer superior performance, better shipping rates due to a lighter weight profile, and a longer life cycle that lasts 3-5 times the length of competitors. CLT mats are created through the process of bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special adhesive rather than the traditional methods favoured by bolted mats, creating a final result that is more flexible and can distribute weight evenly through the whole mat. GFI Solutions is pleased to offer the highest quality CLT mats, including a rig mat that comes without a steel frame. Our distinct CLT rig can be manufactured in any size and can be built 5-ply up to 13-ply depending on your needs.
Site Safe CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry site safe access mat products within our inventory, including 300 and 500 (heavy-duty) model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind our solutions make it easy to stay on track, all without costly delays or damage to your equipment. Our team of experts offers 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Sep 3, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Access matting plays an integral role in keeping today’s job sites safe, accessible, and upholding environmental standards. Site safe access mats make it easy to overcome the challenges presented by uneven terrain, the Canadian climate, and other related topographical issues. GFI Solutions is proud to offer reliable access matting solutions that allow you to create temporary roadways, lay down stable foundations for heavy equipment. Our inventory features leading site safe access mats backed by a dependable warranty and unbeatable customer service. With CLT mats readily accessible, as well as delivery and installation services at your services, GFI has you covered. Learn more about CLT mats and partnering with GFI below!
Finding the Right Fit
One of the most important parts of making the most of your access mats is ensuring you have the right fit, as well as the right model for your specific needs. While you’re likely familiar with the term “access mats”, you may not be aware that this is often used as a “catch-all” for three different kinds of products. These products include:
Access Matting
Site safe access mats are the most common and dependent on resources when it comes to access solutions, and refers to any standard mat used on a job site. Access mats are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including building temporary roadways, eliminating environmental hazards like cross-contamination, and more. Another term used in this category is “swamp mats”. It’s important to note that this is only a regional distinction in areas where swampland is prevalent and does not indicate a different kind of matting unless clearly specified. If you are unsure of what you need when ordering, please feel free to speak to one of our representatives for more information.
Rig/Crane Mats
Where access mats are best suited for your everyday applications, rig and crane mats are best saved for heavy-duty jobs that require intense strength and durability. As the name(s) indicate, rig and crane mats are often used as platform mats for rig and cranes, as well as any other heavy machinery that may be used on your job site. Heavy-duty mats can usually be identified by their steel frame, which provides extra durability and prevents breakages, even under extreme circumstances.
The main reason you’ll want to know the difference between access and rig/crane mats is that the latter will cost you more upfront and the former may not be able to handle the weight of extreme loads. Make sure you clarify what kind of safe site access mats you need with your GFI representative to ensure the best fit.
Meet The New Industry Leader
It’s time to say goodbye to heavy, inefficient, bolted mats. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are designed to offer superior performance, as well as:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Solid matting tops that reduce tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs
GFI Solutions is proud to be your source for CLT safe site access solutions, including a vast inventory of access mats, rig mats, access bridges, and more. Our team knows what it takes to stay safe and on target, and is here to assist every step of the way.
GFI Solutions Is Here To Help
GFI’s team of experts is available for 24/7 support including sales and rentals all throughout Canada. Contact us now to learn more!
Jun 7, 2021 | Access Mats
In need of access solutions that make it easy to navigate remote sites safely? GFI Solutions is here to help! With decades of combined experience in the industry, we understand how important it is to have access to swamp and access mats that are built to stand up to your needs, job after job. As one of Canada’s top providers of site access solutions, GFI is proud to partner with clients in the construction, oil & gas, drilling, power transmission, renewable energy, mining, and related sectors for all their site access needs. Learn more about the benefits of CLT swamp mats and partnering with GFI Solutions below.
Cross Laminated Timber: Your Secret Weapon for Safe Site Access
At GFI Solutions, our number one priority is making sure our customers always have access to the best products on the market. That’s why we offer a vast selection of site-safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) swamp mats in a wide variety of sizes and weights, including 500 level mats suitable for crane and rig work. Site-safe CLT mats are designed to be stronger and longer lasting than bolted mats, you can rest assured that you’re always getting the best ROI.
How do CLT mats outperform bolted mats? Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are bonded together with an environmentally safe structural adhesive instead of bolts which allows them to transfer the load evenly through every square foot of the mat, strengthening the planks and reducing your chance of damage. In addition to superior durability where loads are concerned, the adhesive also protects the mat from rot and decay, meaning your lifecycle is much longer and maximizing your investment. The final result are swamp mats that last 3-5x longer than standard mats and stand up to the most demanding tasks with ease.
Why Partner With GFI Solutions
At GFI Solutions, we understand the headaches caused by sudden delays, shipment issues, or breakages on site. With 24/7 service and support including delivery and installation, you can count on our team to have your back. Our range of services include:
- Turnkey services
- Inventory management
- Manufacturing
- Delivery& Installation
- Mat washing
- Planning & consultation, and more.
For more information on leading swamp access mat products throughout Canada, contact GFI today.
May 26, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Is your worksite in need of access solutions that make it easy to transport materials, equipment and more across difficult terrain? As one of Canada’s most turned to suppliers of access matting solutions, GFI is here to help! With an extensive inventory that features mats in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Our team takes pride in helping connect you with the resting fit for all your access needs. Site safe CLT Access Mat (also commonly called swamp mats) helps overcome the challenges posed by difficult landscapes and can save you up to 40% on labour and equipment, and 60% on shipping costs. For all your swamp mats, rig mats and site access needs, GFI has you covered. Learn more below.
Swamp Mats? Rig Mats? What’s the Difference?
Did you know that one of the most common misconceptions in the site access industry involves the term “swamp mats”? This is because there’s technically no such things as access mats, however, in the United States, where swampy terrain is more common, the term is used synonymously with standard access mats. When ordering new matting, it’s important to know the difference between general access mats or rig mats, both of which have distinct advantages designed to meet your needs. Rig mats, in particular, are designed to handle heavy-duty applications, and due to the steel framing that helps to reinforce the timber, often costs more. Knowing exactly what you need will save you time, money, and help keep your project on track.
Site Safe CLT Access Mats at GFI
When it comes to finding the best solutions on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats takes top marks. Designed to improve on the performance of traditional bolted mats, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats use a new form of construction that involves binding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special adhesive for unmatched results. The bonding method used makes the mats much more flexible and able to distribute weight throughout the entire surface as opposed to just bolting points. This allows CLT mats to stand up to even the heaviest, toughest loads, without fear of sudden failures or breakages.
Key benefits of using CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability
- A lifecycle that lasts 3-5x as long as traditional bolted mats
- Resistant to moisture and rot
- Durable even in tough weather conditions
- Cheaper shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.
CLT Access Mats at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site safe access products across Canada. Our team of experts offers our customers access to 24/7 rental and sales service, as well as mat washing, installation, turnkey services, and more. Learn more about our products by contacting our team today!
May 26, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you in need of site-safe access matting solutions that make it possible to cross tricky landscape scenarios like swamps and uneven terrain? Tired of struggling with bolted mats that can fail under pressure? CLT access mats are the perfect way to protect your machinery, create easy transport paths to and from your site, and save on shipping. As one of Canada’s top suppliers of site-safe access mats, you can count on our team to help you find the right fit and finish for your specific application. Learn more about the benefits of CLT swamp/access mats below!
Break the Mold
It’s no secret that, for years, the site access industry loved its bolted mats. While traditional bolted products did serve a specific purpose, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are built to improve upon the performance of their predecessor with unparalleled results on every single job. Whether you’re looking for standard mats (or swamp mats, as they’re often called down south), or something capable of doing the heavy lifting, we have you covered. Key benefits to using swamp mats on-site include:
- Creates a solid and secure base for both workers and equipment
- Keep everything clean and dry all year round
- Protects valuable equipment from mud and other environmental stressors
- Improve traction for transport
- Remove easily, allowing you to leave without a trace
- Lightweight, making them much less expensive to ship and transport (up to 25% lighter than traditional oak mats!)
Simply put, site-safe CLT access mats have lots to offer on any job site.
GFI Solutions: Canada’s Source For Trusted Site Access Solutions
As Canada’s leading provider of site access solutions, we understand just how important cost-effective matting services are to your daily operations. That’s why we’re proud to offer 24/7 support for sales and rentals, as well as advanced site management services including inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation and more. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of CLT mats before buying or are looking to invest in your next matting purchase, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
