Jun 30, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you looking for temporary access solutions to complete an upcoming project? Renting access matting from GFI Solutions is a great option to test-drive our TerraLam mats and get the safe access solutions you need to complete your project on time without committing to a permanent purchase. CLT access mats keep your crew safe, ensure you’re abiding by environmental sustainability standards and help to keep your job on schedule.
There is a myriad of environmental factors to consider when kickstarting a project. Challenges such as snow, rain, and sleet are just some of the many difficulties you face when working in our wild Canadian climate; GFI Solutions wants you to have the resources you need to overcome any challenges. As Canada’s top supplier of CLT access mats, our team is proud to offer rental options and a range of other services to our customers. Keep reading to find out more about renting from GFI and our line of CLT access mats.
Access Mat Rentals You Can Trust
Purchasing access mats will generally be the better option to make the most return on your investment. However, the upfront costs of buying construction mats may not be viable, depending on your circumstances. That’s where mat rentals from GFI Solutions come in handy. Fast rentals can be a significant benefit if you’re in the middle of a project and need safe site access solutions right now. Renting access mats allows you to safely access your site while at the same time allowing you to test drive a new long-term solution. Renting construction mats can allow you to preserve your project’s budget and get the job done on time.
CLT Mats an Industry Favourite
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are a relative newcomer to the safe site access market, but they’ve quickly become the new industry standard for many job sites and good reason too. CLT mats have a unique design built to outperform traditional bolted mats. They’re 40% lighter than bolted mats and have a 3-5 times longer life cycle. The wood CLT mats are manufactured from is sustainably sourced from Southern Yellow Pine, which is 30% stronger than the standard Douglas fir most bolted mats are made from. This lightweight profile allows CLT mats to be easier to transport and install, which means you’ll save money and time during the setup and takedown of your project.
At GFI Solutions, we carry both TerraLam 300 and TerraLam 500 CLT access mats. But if you’re not ready to switch to CLT mats, we also have traditional bolted mats available. GFI is proud to offer the matting support you need for your project; we offer rentals, sales, delivery, installation and mat washing services.
GFI Solutions is Here to Help!
Renting access mats can be a hassle, but GFI is here to help. We’re proud to be the preferred distributor of site access solutions for various businesses across Canada. GFI is sure to meet your project’s stringent safety requirements with a significant inventory of site safe access mats and bridges and the ability to customize mats. Contact our team of experts today for all of your temporary roadway, construction mat, and general worksite mat needs!
Jun 30, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Swamp mats play a crucial role in ensuring your job site is safe, accessible and abiding by environmental standards. Access mats, also referred to as swamp mats, allow for the safe transportation of materials to and from your project site, allowing work to proceed on pace and budget. Rugged terrain, challenging weather, and remote work sites shouldn’t slow your project down. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to support our fellow Canadian businesses with safe site access solutions for any job. With a comprehensive inventory that features industry-leading access solutions, GFI is one of Canada’s leading suppliers of swamp mats and more. Learn more about the difference between a swamp and access mat and GFI’s offering of site access solutions below.
Swamp Mats or Access Mats?
You’ve likely heard of both swamp and access mats throughout the industry, but what’s the difference? Well, it’s relatively simple; swamp mats and access mats both refer to the standard matting solutions used to create temporary roadways and on-site infrastructure that allows for the safe transportation of equipment, goods, and workers. At GFI Solutions, we offer a range of access matting solutions that can handle a variety of weights, including traditional bolted mats and the premier Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats.
There is little difference between swamp mats and access mats; the only thing setting them apart is that the term swamp mats are typically a regionally specific term. In climates that are generally humid and marshy, access mats are called swamp mats; however, those same mats will be called access mats in our more northern environment. However, it is essential to note that swamp/ access mats are not the same as rig mats. Rig mats are heavy-duty access solutions used with large equipment such as excavators.
CLT Mats at GFI Solutions
Our wild Canadian landscape and weather are among the most challenging obstacles companies must face while working on their project. Sudden shifts in temperature and precipitation can make a worksite muddy and icy overnight, so moving heavy equipment can be nearly impossible. Luckily GFI Solutions has the CLT access mats you need to make your job site better to navigate and keep your project moving on time. CLT mats are designed to outperform traditional bolted mats. With a life cycle that’s 3-5 times longer than bolted mats and 25% lighter, it’s no wonder how CLT mats can save you time and money.
Swamp Mats, Access Solutions, and More at GFI
At GFI, we are proud to distribute site access solutions across Canada. As a premier distributor of Sterling Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges and more, we will have the site access solutions you need. Our team of industry experts offers our clients access to 24/7 rental and sales service, mat washing, expedited delivery, turnkey services, and more. Learn more about access solutions by contacting our team today!
Jun 24, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Edmontonians have been experiencing drastic changes in the weather for a while, resulting in muddy terrain, soft soil and an uneven landscape. Accordingly, outdoor construction sites have become almost impossible to work on without the use of crane/rig mats to ensure a safe worksite. Due to the extreme changes in the weather, most matting solutions are, unfortunately, quickly damaged, delaying your project and increasing your budget.
GFI Solutions have engineered safe and budget-friendly matting solutions and offer exceptional customer services to meet all your matting needs. Read on to learn more about our unique matting solutions and services.
Dependable Foundation
Heavy industrial sectors face challenges that require sturdy and long-lasting matting solutions. GFI Solutions is proud to introduce bolted and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats that provide a safe foundation for heavyweight equipment during weather fluctuations. Our CLT rig mats have proven to be our customer’s to-go-to choice that provides a dependable and robust foundation for their matting needs.
Engineered using Southern Yellow Pine, our CLT mats are 30% harder than the competition, allowing our mats to provide a sturdier foundation for your heavy machinery. Southern Yellow Pine is also sustainable from growth to cutting, conversion to lumber and even disposal; it takes significantly less time to harvest than other hardwood options.
Additionally, our CLT rig mats are constructed using an environmentally safe adhesive that is biodegradable and provides a smooth surface for safer transportation. The adhesive is also used to provide a moisture barrier to protect the rig mat from extreme weather changes and prevent possible rot and decay.
Robust Foundation
The reliability and strength of our mats come from the adhesion process (Cross Laminated Timber). Adhered CLT mats allow for more flexibility within the mat, distributing the weight of heavy equipment equally throughout the mat. This process not only provides a robust foundation but also increases the longevity of the rig mats. GFI’s rig mats are guaranteed to last long no matter the project.
Fast Shipping
Our CLT mats are lighter in weight as the wooden planks are adhered together instead of using bolts. This allows GFI to fit more mats on shuttle trucks, approximately 72 mats per load, saving you up to 60% in transportation costs and up to 40% on installation and removal. You can count on CLT mats to provide you with the strength and durability you need while staying within the budget you have.
Request A Quote Today!
Contact our team of experts to learn more about bolted and CLT mats in Edmonton.
Jun 24, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Heavy industries require robust, durable products that can withstand extreme weight as well as extreme conditions. The oil & gas, mining, construction and forestry industries are equipped with heavy machinery to transport heavy loads regularly, increasing their demand for long-lasting, sturdy access mats. GFI Solutions are proud to be Canada’s number 1 supplier for Sterling’s TerraLam access mats, which provides safe transportation for your equipment and a secure worksite for your crew.
TerraLam Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats provide a reliable solution for all your matting problems at a cost-effective budget. Read on to learn more about the high performance of our CLT access mats.
Buy More; Save More!
The TerraLam CLT access mats use an environmentally safe adhesive to bond the wood together instead of bolts, creating robust, lightweight mats. We can fit up to 72 CLT mats per load as they are two-thirds the weight of traditional bolted mats. When you purchase or rent CLT mats, you can save up to 50% on freight costs as you can fit more with every truckload! Buy more CLT mats and save more on transportation costs.
Maximum Durability
Engineered using Southern Yellow Pine fibre, our CLT mats are 30% harder than Douglas Fir used in most traditional bolted mats. Our mats are also 5X stiffer than bolted mats as they are manufactured using wax sealer and glue lamination, which play a significant role in their strength.
Safer Choice
The main concern in any worksite is the safety of the crew and the equipment. The CLT access mats are a safe choice for your crew as they have a rough solid surface that prevents puncture injuries and tripping hazards. The smooth surface also eliminates the risk of vehicle damage and traffic hazards, ensuring safe transport of your machinery.
CLT mats are not only safe for your worksite, but they are also safe for the environment. They’re built with renewable Southern Yellow Pine, which not only increases the longevity of our access mats but is also a sustainable, farm-raised wood that regenerates in 25-30 years, decades faster than the standard options.
Variety of Matting Solutions
Our CLT access mats are available in 3- or 5- ply construction with various widths and lengths best suited for your needs. GFI Solutions also offers custom-build CLT mats if needed. Our inventory includes:
- TerraLam 300 CLT
- TerraLam 500 CLT
- TerraLam 700 CLT
TerraLam CLT mats are engineered to create a portable road to support heavy-duty trucks and tracked machinery. They can also be used as bridge decking or mobile crane mats for cumbersome equipment.
Learn about our available products and services, including sales and rentals, by contacting GFI today.
Jun 16, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Our Canadian terrain faces some unique challenges associated with the ever-changing climate throughout the year. The freeze-thaw cycle and extreme temperatures can leave your work site’s foundation riddled with mud, ice, snow, and uneven ground, making transportation difficult. If you’re a project manager looking to stay on track and budget, site-safe access mats offer safety and affordability with minimal disruption.
At GFI Solutions, we are Canada’s leading provider of access mats, including Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® CLT mats. When it comes to the heavy-duty needs of our drilling sector customers, we know there’s no room for error or subpar mats. Keep reading to learn more about CLT mats!
TerraLam® CLT Matting an Industry Leader
Engineered to be up to 40% lighter than standard bolted mats, GFI’s TerraLam® CLT mats are a step towards incredible quality. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) provides significant improvements over traditional bolted mats. They’re manufactured through a process that involves adhering perpendicular layers of wood together to create a solid structure that has a 3-5 times longer lifespan. Even under heavy pressure, our TerraLam® mats provide exceptional access solutions that make them well suited for a range of applications and job sites.
TerraLam® has two options in their safety access mats the 500-series and the 300-series. The 500-series lineup is ideal for supporting heavy-duty trucks and tracked equipment like those expected of rig and crane mats. Meanwhile, the 300-series are best suited for general ground protection, access roads, and drilling/equipment staging platforms. At GFI Solutions, our offering of TerraLam® access mats is sure to be the drilling mats you can count on.
CLT Mats V.S. Bolted Mats
While bolted mats or timber mats are the traditional choices for access solutions, that doesn’t mean they’re the best option available in the market. One of the main factors that make bolted mats less suited for most industries is that they’re made from hard and softwood. With no specific standard to control the quality, timber mats have a short lifespan. In comparison, CLT mats are made from high-grade Southern Yellow Pine, which makes CLT mats better suited for heavy-duty jobs and challenging conditions. At GFI, our CLT mats also offer the following advantages:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all four edges of the mat results in a mat less prone to moisture and rot.
- Resistance to our Canadian climate.
- Solid top, which reduces tripping hazards.
- Decreased shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (more CLT mats can be shipped in comparison to bolted mats), and more!
GFI Solutions Your Source for Access Solutions
From heavy-duty applications like drilling and rig work to custom roadways for your unique project, GFI Solutions is here to help you build the transportation solutions you need. We are proud to be Alberta’s top choice for safe access solutions; that’s why GFI offers a range of services, including 24/7 rental and sales support, expedited delivery, installation, and more. If you’re looking to try out the durability of our TerraLam® CLT mats before buying or need to replace a failing mat as soon as possible, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more!
May 26, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Is your project or worksite in need of high-quality, safe site access solutions? While traditional bolted mats may be your first choice, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are sure to be your new favourite option. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to be the leading distributor of Sterling Solutions’ CLT mats. These mats offer a range of advantages compared to traditional bolted mats. From affordability to durability and more CLT mats are the new industry leaders for safe site access solutions. Keep reading to learn how CLT mats outperform traditional bolted mats.
What Are CLT Mats?
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are a new contender in the safe site access market. These innovative crane mats do the same job as traditional bolted mats; however, the similarities end there. CLT mats are made using wood from plantation-grown Southern Yellow Pine and an adhesive that bonds the wood planks together; there’s no need for bolts. Through this unique manufacturing process, CLT mats have a longer life cycle with a range of other advantages, but more on that later. GFI Solution’s TerraLam CLT mats are available in two standard sizes, the 300-series and the 500-series.
Advantages of CLT Mats
Compared to traditional timber bolted mats, CLT mats offer a variety of advantages for your worksite. For starters, CLT access mats are 40% lighter than bolted mats, that weight reduction allows for the transportation of up to 25% more mats per load. That means you save money on delivery costs, but when it’s time for your project to kickoff, you won’t be left waiting for all of your access mats to arrive.
TerraLam mats are also able to withstand a range of temperatures, from as low as -55℃ (-70℉) to as high as 65℃ (150℉). This makes these ground protection mats perfect for our fluctuating Canadian climate. While wood tends to get slippery in wet, muddy, and icy weather, the sturdy top of TerraLam mats is rough, which helps to eliminate the risk of tripping hazards and ensure they can continue performing even in inclement weather.
Are you looking for crane mats that can be interconnected? Our TerraLam mats can be fitted with special “fingers” that work similarly to traditional bolted access mats. At GFI Solutions, we want to find the site access solutions that best fit your needs. So if you’re looking for a safer, more affordable, and longer-lasting site access mat, our TerraLam mats are sure to satisfy.
Site Access Solutions at GFI
GFI Solutions offers a range of matting services beyond sales and rentals; some of our other services include delivery and installation, inventory management, mat washing and more. In addition to a robust stock of highly in-demand mats, we offer 24/7 customer support; that way, our team at GFI can connect you to the site access solutions you need. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mats, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help. Contact our team to learn more!
