Apr 7, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Quality, performance, consistency: welcome to the benefits of choosing TerraLam® CLT mats. As Canada’s leading supplier of site access solutions, including swamp mats, access bridges and an extensive range of support services, you can count on GFI Solutions to have your back no matter the application. We are proud to be the nation’s exclusive source of Sterling Solutions’ TerraLam® CLT Access Mat products and with 24/7 shipping and delivery, we make it easy to get access to the solutions you need when it matters the most.
Swamp Mats and More at GFI
If your remote job site is in need of access solutions to facilitate the safe transport of materials in and out of your location as well as to support your machinery on uneven terrain, TerraLam® access mats are here to help. Designed using the revolutionary CLT approach (more on that below), TerraLam® mats can help you save up to 40% on labour and equipment, and up to 60% on shipping costs. For swamp mats, rig mats, and everything site access related, GFI Solutions is your first choice provider, Canada-wide!
Let’s Talk Facts: Swamp Vs Access Mats
If you’re located in Canada and searching for access mats, you might find yourself somewhat confused to see the term “swamp mats” used interchangeably to refer to them. This use of terminology is actually one of the largest sources of confusion in the industry and ultimately the facts are this: technically there is no such thing as a swamp mat, and it is just another term for standard-issue access mats. The use of terms tends to vary regionally, particularly down south where there are marsh and swamplands that require access solutions as opposed to the issues faced here in Northern Canada.
Note that while swamp mats may mean the same thing as access mats, they do NOT mean the same thing as rig or crane mats, and knowing the difference will help you get the best results for your job site. For heavy-duty solutions typically serviced by rig mats, TerraLam®’s 500 series mats are built to perform, and 300 level mats provide exceptional service for a wide variety of other applications.
TERRALAM® ACCESS MATS AT GFI
As a newer solution on the market, TerraLam® CLT mats are now widely and in demand and have become preferred over their bolted counterparts. Unlike traditional bolted mats, TerraLam® CLT mats are constructed by alternating perpendicular layers of wood and bonding them together with a special adhesive for unmatched strength and performance. This method of construction means that TerraLam® CLT mats are able to flex with each load to distribute weight evenly, resulting in increased strength and longevity. Additional benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges of the mat to make it less vulnerable to moisture and rot.
- Able to withstand the Canadian climate, all year-round.
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tired damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site access products across Canada and is proud to be the exclusive Canadian dealer for Sterling Solutions. 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, including TerraLam® CLT mats by contacting our team today!
Apr 7, 2021 | Access Mats, News
It’s time to trade in tough terrain and headaches for site access solutions you can count on. When your job site demands heavy-duty matting to keep up with the wear and tear of machinery and transportation fleets, you need products you can count on to perform under pressure, no matter the application. GFI Solutions is proud to offer industry-leading products, including exclusive access to Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® access mats. Constructed using game-changing CLT methods, TerraLam®’s mats are built to taking a beating without cracking under pressure. When the going gets tough, GFI is your first choice for dependable site access products. From the oil & gas industry in Calgary to mining and more Canada wide, we have you covered!
Meet TerraLam®
For years, heavy industry job sites have struggled to find adequate site access solutions. Between the difficulties caused by managing extremely heavy loads and the natural challenges of the Canadian climate and terrain, finding mats that stay tough when it matters the most can often feel like quite the tall order. While traditional bolted mats have served their purpose, they are prone to sudden breakages, and can often cost more with the need for constant replacement. CLT rig mats are designed to address such concerns and alleviate headaches by making sure you’ll always have a stable foundation to transport materials, as well as support heavy equipment. TerraLam®’s 500 series uses innovative CLT construction to create a product that stays strong under pressure and performs flawlessly time and time again.
WHAT ARE CLT MATS?
The evolution of site access solutions is here! Unlike their bolted counterparts TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are constructed using alternating perpendicular layers of wood that are then bonded with a special environmentally friendly adhesive for optimal strength and safety. The adhesive allows mats to flex with each load and distribute weight evenly as opposed to exclusively at bolt points, resulting in increased strength and longevity.
Key benefits of using TerraLam® CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- Increased life span (3-5 times that of traditional mats).
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges of the mat to make it less vulnerable to moisture and rot.
- Able to withstand the Canadian climate, all year-round.
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tired damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats at GFI
GFI is proud to be a full-scale solutions provider for the site access industry across Canada spanning key locations from Calgary all the way to the Maritimes. Our team offers customers access to 24/7 rental and sales service, as well as mat washing, installation, turnkey services, and more. Learn more about our products, including TerraLam® rig mats by contacting our team today!
Mar 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If you’ve read our previous piece on five of the most common misconceptions about CLT mats, you’ve likely begun to realize that there are more than a few reasons they’ve become such a relied-upon resource industry-wide. Whether you’re renting or buying, CLT access mats pack a punch and can easily compete with traditional heavy timber mats while affording you plenty of savings in the process.
Thanks to their unique composition (read more on that here) TerraLam® CLT access mats offer a lifecycle that’s 3-5x longer than traditional mats and stands up to even the toughest of demands. GFI Solutions is proud to be the exclusive Canadian distributor of one of the markets’ top products, TerraLam® mats by Sterling Solutions. Read on to learn 5 more misconceptions about TerraLam® CLT mats and the facts to keep in mind.
1. Different Sizes = Big Headaches
Because TerraLam® CLT mats are typically somewhat smaller than their oak counterparts, some may worry that they will be difficult to lay down or interconnect. Fortunately, TerraLam® mats can be fitted with interconnecting fingers that work in the same manner as traditional bolted access mats.
2. Hard to Repair
Another point of confusion where TerraLam® CLT mats are concerned is a misconception that can be attributed to their unique composition. While some may think that the mats being a solid block of wood makes them hard to repair, the opposite is true. In fact, necessary repairs can be done easily and at less expense than with bolted access mats. Repairs to bolted mats often require removing rusted or bent bolts and fragmented boards. Because TerraLam® CLT mats do not have any of these additional risks, they’re much safer on the job site than a damaged bolted mat.
3. Rough On the Environment
There are no two ways around it; this one just isn’t true. TerraLam® CLT mats are made in such a fashion that makes them environmentally friendly thanks to two main points:
- TerraLam® CLT mats are made with Southern Yellow Pine, which in addition to being 30% harder than Douglas fir, grows back much faster, reducing your impact on the environment.
- The adhesive used to bond mats together is eco-friendly, meaning it will not harm your job site.
4. Hard to Recycle
Eventually, even the toughest of mats will need to be replaced. While some may argue that CLT mats are difficult to recycle once they come to the end of their active lifespan, this isn’t true. It is easier and more environmentally friendly to dispose of TerraLam® CLT mats than traditional bolted mats since there are no bolts to worry about, and once they’re removed from use they can be reused in a variety of ways, including being ground for mulch, used for livestock bedding, or even becoming a component of bio-fuel.
5. It’s Better to Trust Something Standard
While it can be intimidating to switch to a new type of product, the fear of innovation should never be allowed to slow your business now. The facts show that TerraLam® CLT access mats offer vastly superior performance, save you time and money, and go above and beyond to protect the environment.
It’s time to supercharge your next project with site access you can count on. Contact GFI Solutions to learn more about the benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats today!
Mar 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
As one of the newest and most in-demand products on the site access solutions market, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats have attracted quite a bit of attention and gained a large following that features some of the biggest names in heavy industry. TerraLam® CLT mats differ significantly in composition from their bolted counterparts and are bonded together with an environmentally friendly adhesive that allows them to flex and evenly distribute the stress of each load. This flexibility leads to unbeatable performance under pressure, and with a longer lifecycle (3-5x longer than traditional mats), a lighter profile (40% less) that allows you to save on shipping and plenty of other benefits, it’s a no brainer to see why TerraLam® CLT mats have become so popular.
Below, we’ll dispel five common misconceptions regarding TerraLam® CLT access mats. Read on to learn more!
1. Flexibility Isn’t The Same As Strength
While this may be true in many cases, the simple fact of the matter here is that a large part of the strength and durability of TerraLam® CLT access mats is due to their flexibility. Why? Think of it this way: imagine a city bridge without its trusses. Over time, no matter how strong the base material of the bridge deck, it would eventually suffer shock and wear and tear from heavy loads and fail. Contrastingly, trusses allow the bridge to have even support all the way across, giving it the longevity it needs. Similarly, the flexibility of TerraLam® CLT mats means that they have support all throughout the mat, and with products like Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® mats being crafted with high quality southern yellow pine, you can count on them to stand the test of time!
2. They Won’t Hold Up Under Tough Weather Conditions
Canadians, there’s no need to fear! It’s no secret that our climate can be tough on mats, but thankfully, TerraLam® CLT Access Mats have you covered. With a high-quality finish and seal that’s as LifeProof as it is waterproof, you can count on products likes TerraLam® to stand up to whatever weather comes your way. In fact, TerraLam mats have been tested successfully in temperatures as low as -70°F and as high as 150°F!
Did you know? GFI Solutions is Canada’s exclusive source for TerraLam® CLT by Sterling Solutions
3. Slippery When Wet
We all know that slippery mats can cause endless problems for crews and equipment alike. Thankfully to alleviate such issues, the solid top of TerraLam® mats makes removing mud, snow, or ice much easier. Once TerraLam mats are travelled on, they become well-seasoned, mitigating slickness in challenging conditions.
4. Tough to Clean
Another misconception is that TerraLam® mats are tough to clean. Luckily, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Simply put, TerraLam® CLT mats are easily cleaned, and GFI Solutions even offers post job cleaning options for your convenience!
5. Difficult to Place
TerraLam® CLT mats are exceptionally easy to install, and with multiple sizes available, both in terms of physical dimensions and weight capacity, you’ll have no issues finding the perfect custom fit for your job site.
Check-in soon for part 2 of our TerraLam® CLT myths for 5 more misconceptions about cross-laminated matting. In the meantime, learn more about the multiple benefits of TerraLam® CLT access mats by contacting GFI Solutions for all your matting needs today!
Mar 22, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you ready to hit the ground running with your next project? Need to make sure your job site is protected against the many challenges of the Canadian terrain? TerraLam® CLT access mats are here to help! Designed to improve on the performance of traditional bolted mats, cross-laminated mats offer incredible savings alongside a lifecycle that is 3-5 times the length of bolted mats and have become one of the most in-demand products on the site access market. As one of Canada’s leading sources for access mats, as well as the nation’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® access mats, GFI Solutions is your first choice for transforming your job site. Learn more about TerraLam® mats including the 300 and 500 models below!
TerraLam® CLT Matting: Meet the New Industry Champion
If you’re tired of paying high rates for shipping while constantly having to replace damaged bolted mats between jobs, you can rest easy; there’s a better way!
As a new innovation and extremely well-received matting solution, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) improves on many of the pain points encountered when using previous matting models. Weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, TerraLam® CLT mats provide exceptional results, even under heavy pressure making them compatible with almost every application. TerraLam®’s 500-series lineup is capable of tackling heavy-duty loads like those expected of rig and crane mats while still allowing you to transport up to 60% more mats per haul. Larger transport loads translate to increased savings on shipping, up to 60% compared to standard mats.
The CLT Method
TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special safe adhesive as opposed to bolting planks together. This method of bonding allows the entire mat to flex under pressure which grants superior durability and strength, even under the heaviest of loads. TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the most reliable available on the market and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes them ideal for standing up to the toughest of jobs over long periods of time, as well as a tough contender that can best Canada’s climate, year-round.
GFI: Your Canada Wide Source For Access Mats and More
At GFI Solutions we know that staying on time and on budget often comes down to having access to reliable, cost-effective solutions. That’s why we offer a diverse range of services, including 24/7 rental and sales support, inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation and more. GFI Solutions is here to ensure that your project has everything you need to continue on schedule. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of TerraLam® CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats ASAP, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
