Mar 1, 2021 | Access Mats, News
In need of access solutions you can trust? Whether you’re facing the challenge of reaching a remote location or are struggling to overcome the realities of constantly shifting weather patterns (mud, sleet, ice and more), access mats can be a valuable resource that makes it easy to conquer the landscape. Capable of serving as temporary roadways, platforms for heavy machinery, and a multitude of other resources, access mats are a crucial part of maintaining the workflow of your project with minimal disruptions and delays. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s leading source of innovative access matting products and is your exclusive source of TerraLam®’s line of access mats. Below we’ll explore a few of the benefits of renting mats. Read on to learn more.
Why Use Access Mats
Tired of costly delays and issues tying up your project? As we mentioned above, remote job sites pose multiple challenges to fleets and heavy equipment, largely due in part to uneven terrain and environmental factors. Having makeshift transport solutions that you can depend on helps protect your fleet, crew, and ensures you’re in alignment with environmental remediation guidelines. With many different compositions and weight limits available from companies like GFI, finding a custom solution that fits the need of your project can be simple and allow you to get (back) to work in no time!
Rent Or Buy? What Options Works Best?
While buying mats is the best way to get long-term ROI out of your access mats, renting may sometimes better fit your existing budget. Ultimately, when determining to rent or buy, you’ll want to consider the following:
How Long Will You Be Using the Mats?
If your project is near completion, or you will only need matting for a brief period to facilitate the installation/removal of key components, renting may make the most sense cost-wise, and even gives the opportunity to test drive new matting solutions before making a permanent commitment. GFI Solutions offers flexible rental terms for your convenience and is happy to accommodate your rental schedule.
Accommodating Sudden Changes
Canadian Weather can be hard to predict, and sudden changes can affect the topography, leaving you stranded without access solutions. In addition, projects can often change in scope and expand, in which case mat rentals can serve as a quick and easy way to overcome such challenges without putting your project at risk.
Flexibility
As we mentioned above, one of the predominant reasons companies choose to rent mats as opposed to purchasing is the ability to test the quality of mats for future projects. Purchasing a large selection of mats can be expensive, and renting presents a smaller upfront cost that also offers the potential for a 100% write off. Whether you need a little extra time to garner the capital for a large-scale purchase or are looking to avoid a long-term commitment, rentals serve as a fantastic option for a wide variety of industries including oil & gas, construction, infrastructures and more.
Accountability
When renting, the rental company is accountable for mat hauling, tracking, secure storage and washing. GFI Solutions will track every mat from the time it leaves our laydown yard , where it is on your project and when it returns back to our laydown yard. With purchase you now have the burden and accountability of knowing where your mats are at all times. When your job is finished do you have the time to count all your mats? Do you have a secure fenced location where your mats can be stored properly? Leave the accountability to the experts at GFI Solutions.
Access Mat Rentals At GFI Solutions
GFI Solutions is proud to be Western Canada’s leading provider of matting solutions, including TerraLam®’s range of comprehensive solutions. With a dedication to providing exceptional customer service 24/7, our team is here to support clients across the region with all of their matting needs. Learn more by contacting GFI today!
Mar 1, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Winter is well underway and with the freeze/thaw just around the corner, the importance of having viable site access solutions is key. Access mats are a dependable way to navigate changing terrains and ensure your fleet, as well as your equipment, are protected against the challenged posed by mud, slush, rain, and other spring weather byproducts. GFI Solutions is proud to be one of Canada’s leading suppliers of access mats and offers exclusive access to Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® mats. As the newest evolution that improves on the performance of standard bolted mats, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber mats have quickly become one of the top choices on the market trusted by project managers in the construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, petrochemical, mining, power and related industries. Learn the benefits of using access mats, as well as TerraLam®’s innovative solutions, below.
No More Terrain Headaches
One of the biggest challenges facing remote job sites how variable the Canadian landscape can be. Rugged and uneven terrain can make it difficult to transport goods and materials to and from the site, and each season presents new challenges, particularly as they change. Access mats help to circumvent the dangers and difficulties posed by the landscape and ensure you’re able to keep your project on track without fearing the risks posed by mud, sleet, and more. With multiple compositions and weight capabilities, TerraLam®’s line of Cross Laminated Timber matting solutions offers superior performance, standing up to the demand of heavy loads and constant use and giving you the reliable path you need when it matters most.
TerraLam® CLT Mats: The New Solution You Can Trust
If you’ve used traditional bolted mats for decades, you’re not alone. Though bolted access mats were once the industry standard and served as the main way to build temporary roads, recent years have seen the development of newer, better solutions like TerraLam® CLT mats. Unlike their predecessors, TerraLam® CLT mats use environmentally safe adhesives to bond planks together, as opposed to bolts. While bolted mats are only able to transfer the burden of a load at the location of their fasteners, adhered TerraLam® access mats distribute the weight evenly throughout the entire mat, which allows for increased flexibility that prevents cracks and breakages, even under extreme weight loads. In addition, CLT mats are 40% lighter, offer a longer lifecycle (3-5x the length of bolted mats), and heavy-duty models like TerraLam®’s 500 model can easily be used in place of standard rig or crane mats.
Discover TerraLam® Matting Solutions with GFI
GFI Solutions is proud to offer our clients access to the top matting solutions available on the market and is Canada’s exclusive source for TerraLam® CLT mats. Engineered to be 40% lighter than traditional bolted mats, TerraLam® access mats give you the benefits of exceptional durability as well as long-term dependability and performance. The lightweight composition of the mat greatly increases your hauling capacity, allowing for the transport of up to double the normal amount allowed by bolted mats, which saves time and money. If you’re in need of access solutions, it’s time to trust TerraLam®!
Want More Information?
Learn more about TerraLam® Matting solutions by contacting GFI today.
Feb 23, 2021 | Access Mats, News
In today’s industrial market, environmental considerations play a huge part in moderating job sites and ensuring that everyone upholds the stringent standards that continue to be put in place. Site access solutions like mats and bridges make it possible to safely navigate your job site while also protecting the environment and reducing the damage caused by equipment and processes. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including both their 300 and 500 level CLT access mats.
TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that creates a flexible, stronger, product that you can depend on. Perfect for a wide range of applications, TerraLam®CLT access mats make it possible to fulfill environmental guidelines without breaking the bank, and can even save you up to 60% on shipping. Learn more about the environmental benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats below!
Protect the Landscape
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to mitigating the damage caused to a remote job site is minimizing the impact that heavy machinery and trucks have when going to and from your location. Without a makeshift road in place, you will face the decision of needing to build a permanent access point or risking damage to your fleet by forcing it to navigate unfavourable terrain. Both options are quite costly in the long run, and the latter can lead to costly fees. Using TerraLam® access mats puts a barrier between heavy equipment and the ground, giving you peace of mind and helping to keep both your fleet and the surrounding landscape safe from harm.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Another challenge of protecting the environment while maintaining your operations is upholding standards and taking precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Those in the petrochemical, oil & gas, mining and related heavy industries often must haul dangerous chemicals to and from a job site, which can risk contamination should they reach the ground’s surface. TerraLam® CLT Mats are easily washable which can, in turn, reduce the chance of this occurring and ensure you’re compliant with all regulations.
Uphold Site Safety
TerraLam® CLT access mats put safety at the forefront, with their benefits extending to both the environment and your crew. Protecting the ground also helps to reduce wear and tear on your vehicles and a stable roadway alleviates multiple job site risks. TerraLam® mats are designed to uphold the highest standards, and with superior durability (3-5 times the lifespan of traditional bolted mats), you can count on TerraLam® access solutions to keep you covered, project after project.
About GFI Solutions
As one of Canada’s leading sources for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to carry the best products available on the market. We are Canada’s exclusive distributor of Sterling Solutions‘ range of TerraLam® CLT products. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. For all of your site access needs including rentals, sales, mat washing and more, contact our team today!
Feb 23, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If you’re in the oil and gas, petrochemical, utility or construction industry, you no doubt know the importance of finding site access solutions that allow your fleet and crew to stay on top of operations safely and overcome the challenges posed by various terrains. High-quality access and rig mats stand up to the pressure of heavy loads, helping you keep your job site safe, efficient, and on track. As Canada’s leading supplier of TerraLam® CLT access matting solutions, GFI is proud to offer our heavy industry clients access to the best products available, including exclusive distribution of Sterling Solutions’ extensive range of TerraLam® products. Crafted from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine fibres, TerraLam® mats offer exceptional durability and strength, as well as unbeatable return on investment. Learn more about the benefits of CLT rig mats below.
Meet the New Kid on the Block
Despite being one of the newest site access solution innovation, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have quickly made a name for themselves as an indispensable resource that improves upon the foundation set by bolted mats. Weighing up to 40% less than traditional bolted mats, TerraLam® CLT mats allow you to ship up to 60% more units per load and offer a life cycle that is triple the length of bolted competitors. GFI solutions now offers a true CLT rig mat without a steel frame. These are now replacing traditional steel frame rig mats and traditional crane mats. These 5 ply heavy-duty models are able to stand up to the demands of crane and rig applications, there’s no doubt that CLT rig mats should be your top choice.
Unpacking the CLT Difference
CLT rig mats are manufactured using a very different process than bolted mats. Rather than bolting planks, cross-laminated timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This method of bonding together leads to mats that are both stronger and more flexible, ensuring superior performance no matter the application.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the most durable on the market and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes TerraLam® mats ideal for heavy-duty applications, including acting as a foundation for cranes, and more.
Unparalleled Performance
In addition to their unique structure, TerraLam® CLT mats offer a wide variety of benefits such as:
- High impact resistance
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions; including the heat and cold. (Perfect for Canadian winters)
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles (great for heavy machinery)
- Able to handle heavy-duty applications
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats (60% more CLT mats can be shipped per load compared to bolted products), and more.
TerraLam® CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry TerraLam® products within our inventory, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Feb 17, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you in need of access matting solutions that can tackle the heaviest of jobs? Rig mats are designed to tackle the toughest of applications for the oil and gas, utilities, petrochemical, and construction industries. From providing a stable roadway for heavy fleets to serving as a stable base for cranes and other kinds of machinery, CLT rig mats are durable, dependable, and built to keep your team on the move.
As one of Canada’s top suppliers of access matting solutions, including exclusive nation-wide access to Sterling Solutions line of TerraLam® mats, GFI Solutions is proud to offer our heavy industry clients products and support they can trust. Learn more about the benefits of rig mats, as well as partnering with GFI below.
What Are Rig Mats
As we mentioned above, the primary purpose of both rig and crane mats is to provide heavy-duty support for jobs where standard access mats simply would not be strong enough. In order to perform well under pressure, rig mats are built with a steel frame and crafted from materials that allow them to stand up to the demands of heavy equipment like cranes, rigs, excavators, and more. These kinds of items simply weigh too much to be safely housed by standard mats, and so the reinforcement of rig mats ensures consistent performance that both you and your team can depend on. Using rig mats not only increases overall job site safety and security but also helps to protect the ground and environment, keeping you in line with crucial standards.
CLT Rig Mats
As the “new kid on the block” in the matting industry, CLT mats have quickly made a name for themselves as a superior product that can outperform competitors with ease. The secret to their success, especially where heavy loads are concerned, lies in their unique makeup. 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. The end result of this process is a product that is flexible and durable, with its strength coming from the fact that weight is evenly distributed through the entire mat leading to unbeatable performance in even the toughest of conditions. GFI Solutions offers a true CLT rig mat without a steel frame. GFI Solutions TerraLam® CLT rig mat is 50% lighter and can handle the same loads as traditional steel frame rig mats. Our TerraLam® CLT rig mats can be manufactured in any size and can be built 5 ply up to 13 ply depending on your needs.
TerraLam® CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry TerraLam® products within our inventory, including their 300 and 500 (heavy-duty) model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
