Apr 18, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Need some heavy-duty site access solutions to get you through construction season? If you’re on the look for crane matting that you can count on but aren’t sure if you’re ready to make the commitment of purchasing for the long term, GFI Solutions is here to help. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access matting solutions including both rental and sale options, we’re proud to partner with heavy industry clients in the oil & gas, power, mining, construction, and related sectors to make sure you have everything you need to succeed in 2022! With a wide inventory of access mats, including our heavy-duty 500 lines, you can count on the team at GFI to help you get where you need to go. Learn more about the benefit of CLT access mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
Performance You Can Trust
At GFI Solutions, our decades of industry experience have taught us the value of having access to the solutions you need when it matters most. Since day one, our goal has been making it easy to get the mats you need fast. Our inventory features the highest quality matting options available on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. Designed to offer superior performance alongside lower costs and a lifecycle that’s 3-5 times longer than bolted mats, it’s no wonder that CLT has taken over as the industry standard, and the preferred solution of choice among many leaders in the construction and heavy industrial world. Simply put, when you need crane and access mats you can count on to stand up to the toughest tasks, you need CLT matting!
Why CLT?
As we’ve mentioned above, CLT mats have made a profound mark on the site access industry, and have blazed a new path forward for safer, more efficient solutions. Unlike their predecessors, CLT rig and access mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This composition allows the mats to flex under pressure and evenly distribute weight rather than putting stress on specific bolt points. With the strain being evenly distributed, the mat is far less likely to snap under pressure, even when subject to the heaviest loads caused by heavy equipment like cranes, excavators, etc. At GFI, we’re proud to feature our 500 series for rig/crane applications and offer this 5 ply mat in is a 5 ply CLT available in multiple sizes for your convenience. If you require even more strength we also offer the 700 series which is a 7 ply CLT, making it one tough mat to tackle!
GFI: There When It Matters Most
GFI knows just how important it is to have access to reliable, cost-effective solutions when it matters most. Our commitment to you is that we’ll always have your back, rain, snow or shine. With 24/7 rental and sales support to 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, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Apr 18, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you wondering whether you need swamp mats, access mats or rig mats for your upcoming project? Whether your project is for the oil & gas, energy sector or petrochemical industry, GFI Solutions offers matting solutions for all industries. We are proud to be one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site access solutions offering Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® CLT Access Mat products.
To help you decide which matting is best suited for your project, we have devised an overview of the use of each product, the differences between them and which product would be the best fit for you. Read on to learn more!
Access Mats VS. Swamp Mats
A common confusion in the matting industry is the difference between access mats and swamp mats. Consumers tend to use these terms thinking they’re different products, when in reality, access mats and swam mats refer to the same generic product. “Swamp mats” are more commonly used in southern regions where the weather is more humid, creating a swamp/marsh-like terrain. For Canadian weather, CLT access mat is the term that describes matting solutions used to create makeshift roadways in and out of a job site.
Rig Mats
The term used to describe access mats that are predominantly created to withstand heavy loads or heavy machinery is “rig mats.” These particular mats can handle a wide range of weights up to 2667 lbs. Unlike standard access mats, rig mats generally have a steel frame that enables them to withstand rigs, cranes and several other heavy types of equipment commonly used in worksites.
What Is The Solution For You?
Depending on your worksite, you might need rig mats, access mats, or both! If you’re looking for matting solutions for uneven terrain, then the best option for you would be GFI Solutions’ Cross Laminated Timber mats. Rig mats should be a necessity in your worksite if you will be using heavy loads and equipment.
GFI Solutions ensure lighter, faster and longer-lasting matting solutions for your project. Our TerraLam mats are two-thirds the weight of standard bolted mats, which allows us to transport 72 mats per load, saving you up to 60% of transportation fees. We guarantee long-lasting matting solutions; we won’t charge for any damage or replacement costs. Our team of experts is available 24/7 for any service or support issues.
Contact us now to purchase or rent the matting products you need for your upcoming project!
Apr 18, 2022 | Access Mats, News
With winter coming to an end, the vicious freeze-thaw cycle gets closer by the day. Building a project in this Canadian terrain can leave the worksite prone to ditches, muddy grounds, sinkholes and other uneven areas that hinder transportation. Site-safe access matting is the perfect solution for allowing minimal disruptions and even grounds and staying on track and budget. GFI Solutions offers Cross Laminated Timber and bolted access mats for sale and rent.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are an environmentally and budget-friendly option for your project. The wooden planks are bound together using an environmentally friendly adhesive that allows the access mat to be flexible, more robust and lighter in weight. Learn more about the benefits of Cross Laminated Timber mats below!
Environmentally Friendly
Cross Laminated Timber mats are built with sustainable forest practices as they are created from Southern Yellow Pine. The Southern Yellow Pine is harvestable in 20 years compared to Oak, where it is grown to harvestable maturing in 100 years. At GFI solutions, we are keen on offering safe matting solutions for your machinery as well as the environment.
Cost-Effective
All types of access mats provide a smooth walking and driving surface in construction areas where transportation is hindered due to uneven terrain; however, Cross Laminated Timber mats are safer, stronger and save you transportation money. Since CLT mats are 40% lighter in weight, you will be able to transport 72 mats per load, saving you up to 60% in transportation costs.
Stronger and Safer
The strength and durability of CLT access mats come from the adhesive used to bond the planks together. Adhered TerraLam access mats allow for even distribution of weight throughout the entire mat, increasing the flexibility of the mats and preventing breakage and damage under extreme weight loads.
GFI’s TerraLam mats eliminate tripping hazards caused by gaps between boards in traditional mats. A smooth solid surface ensures no risk of vehicle damage or puncture injuries resulting from loose or damaged bolts in standard mats. With CLT mats, you can provide a safe worksite for your crew and machinery.
For longer-lasting mats, GFI’s matting solutions are engineered with wax sealer and glue lamination that allow for 5X stiffer access mats. If dropped or mishandled, CLT mats will not be damaged or deformed.
Access Mats For Your Worksite
GFI solutions are proud to offer you access matting solutions for all your upcoming projects. From Cross Laminated Timber mats to standard bolted access mats, we’re here to help you build a safe and mobile road for your worksite. Contact our team today for more information about access mats for sale or rent!
Apr 11, 2022 | Access Mats, News
GFI Solutions is one of Canada’s leading suppliers of safe-site matting solutions, including swamp mats, access mats and bridges. We help deliver and install your choice of access mats as well as offer service and support 24 hours a day throughout Canada.
When you’re starting a project, you might face the dilemma of whether you need to order swamp mats or access mats; we can help clear up the confusion. For starters, the term “swamp mats” is technically only used in southern regions where worksites witness warm, swampy grounds which require matting to cross. In practice, there are no differences between swamp mats and access mats; the terms are both used interchangeably depending on where you are in the world. With that said, there are different uses for access mats which you should be aware of before sending out your order. We’ll take a closer look at the different types of mats below and help you choose the best option for your project!
Access Mats
The type of matting suitable for your project will depend on where you plan to use it. If you’re looking to build a temporary road that is reliable and budget-friendly, then you should be looking to install Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats. You can either choose the TerraLam® 300 CLT or the TerraLam® 500 CLT, depending on the requirements of the worksite.
TerraLam® 300 CLT Specifications:
- 3-ply cross-laminated timber
- Southern Yellow Pine
- Weight: – 1,350 lbs.
TerraLam® 500 CLT Specifications:
- 5-ply cross-laminated timber
- All layers are made from Southern Yellow Pine
- Weight: – 2,667 lbs.
Rig/Crane Mats
Rig and Crane access mats assist with transportation requirements and provide a stable foundation for heavy equipment used, such as rigs and cranes. These types of mats have a steel frame to be able to handle the increased loads of heavy machinery and prevent future breakages.
The cost of rig/crane access mats is usually more expensive than regular CLT access mats, which is why you need to be sure what type of access mats you require before placing your orders. If you’re not sure which option would be best suited for your project, contact our team of experts for more information.
Benefits of CLT Access Mats
CLT access mats are more substantial, more durable and safer than bolted matting. CLT access mats are designed to offer better performance at a lower cost as well as:
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats
- Lower shipping costs
- Solid matting tops that reduce worksite hazards
- Every mat delivered will perform to your specifications
With GFI Solutions’ access mats, you will no longer worry about damage or replacement costs. We ensure that our customers never have to pay for damaged mats or if they need to replace them. Ever!
Want To Spend Less On Access Mats?
Contact GFI Solutions to learn more about TerraLam® Products today.
Apr 11, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Canada’s exclusive distributor of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam CLT products, GFI Solutions, provides safe and innovative matting solutions to meet all of your matting needs. As we entered the matting market in early 2017, our team of expert engineers was faced with challenges associated with current matting options. Our primary focus when introducing Cross Laminated Timber access mats was providing a more robust matting solution that overcomes hazards from standard access mats.
Our TerraLam 500 CLT mat and TerraLam 300 CLT mat are engineered to be more durable and stronger than traditional access mats. They reduce damage and transportation costs and provide a safer worksite for machines and workers! Read on to learn more about solutions for common matting challenges.
Low Transportation Costs
Cross Laminated Timber access mats are lighter in weight, allowing you to fit more access mats per load. Our TerraLam mats are two-thirds the weight of traditional bolted mats, which enables the transportation of 72 mats per load, saving you up to 60% of transportation costs. If you’re currently trying to stay within budget, CLT access mats will definitely help you cut down on costs.
Lighter but Stronger
A common misconception is that the lighter the access mat, the more fragile it is. CLT access mats are lightweight; however, heavy machinery like rigs and cranes can seamlessly drive over without causing any damage or breakage. The following CLT rig mats are available at GFI solutions for your next project:
TerraLam® 300 CLT Specifications:
- 3-ply cross-laminated timber
- Southern Yellow Pine
- Weight: – 1,350 lbs.
TerraLam® 500 CLT Specifications:
- 5-ply cross-laminated timber
- All layers are made from Southern Yellow Pine
- Weight: – 2,667 lbs.
CLT access mats are engineered to allow rig mats more flexibility to evenly distribute the weight across the board, making them robust and durable.
Safer Worksite
Bolted mats can cause hazards in worksites due to gapping between wooden planks or damage caused by loose/damaged bolts. The gaps in bolted mats aren’t noticeable; however, they often cause injuries to workers due to constant tripping hazards. Loose and uneven bolts in mats are also dangerous for your crew as well as the machines as puncture injuries, or vehicle damage can be caused by bolts protruding out of damaged mats.
On the other hand, CLT rig mats guarantee a gap-less and bolt-free mat, safe for machines and crew members. The mats are bound together using a strong adhesive to ensure a smooth surface throughout the board. GFI Solutions is proud to offer you safe products for machines and your crew.
Ready For More Information?
Contact our team to learn more about TerraLam Matting solutions today! Feel free to call us anytime as we offer support 24 hours, every day.
Apr 11, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you aware of just how versatile crane mats can be when it comes to protecting your job site and ensuring everyone has the right resources to proceed safely and efficiently? If you’re gearing up for a busy spring and summer season, GFI Solutions is here to make sure you have everything you need to succeed when it comes to site safe access solutions. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of CLT access mats, GFI Solutions is proud to carry some of the highest quality crane and rig mats available on the market. Below, we’ll talk about the many applications of crane mats that you can use to benefit your sites in 2022. Read on to learn more!
Heavy Weight Champions
As many in the industrial sectors will already be aware, sometimes base-level equipment and solutions simply won’t meet the needs of your job. Those who have tried traditional bolted mats are likely already familiar with the frustration (and expense) that comes with constant breakages, and you’re no doubt wondering how you can find an access mat that can actually stand up to the needs of heavy equipment like rigs, cranes, excavators, and more.
Fear not; Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats have you covered! Designed to be stronger, more flexible (and therefore less prone to sudden failures), and able to stand up to the heaviest jobs with minimal strain, CLT mats are your cost-effective perfect solutions. 500 level models are an ideal fit for crane and rig applications and are specifically designed to deal with intense loads, such as equipment and heavy transport.
Versatile Applications
CLT crane mats are one of the most versatile solutions available on the market, offering you a wide range of benefits like reducing cost thanks to the ability to ship more mats per load, a superior life cycle, and more. One of the best aspects of choosing CLT matting, in general, is that the high-level performance allows you to use them for a wide range of applications including:
Temporary Roadways
Canada’s landscape can be tough for heavy machinery to navigate, especially when you factor in constantly changing weather that constantly affects the terrain. Rig mats can be used to form makeshift roadways for your convoys, giving them safe and easy access to your job site when it matters most.
Cranes and Heavy Equipment
We all know that cranes and rig work can be one of the more challenging applications for traditional matting due to the weaknesses present at the standard bolting points on typical mats. CLT mats are able to flex under heavy equipment, making it easy for them to stay in place and act as a steady platform while you operated your rig. Having an extra layer between the ground and your equipment prevents you from sinking into the earth, and helps protect the surrounding environment as well.
The stability and strength offered by crane mats make them extremely useful when it comes to acting as a foundation for other heavy equipment like excavators, drills, and other vital construction assets that may challenge standard access matting.
Pipelines
Crane mats are also a staple when it comes to pipeline construction thanks to their durability. Heavy-duty mats are a frequent feature on job sites as they make it easy for trucks to navigate and equipment to work as needed with minimal disruptions or risk to the landscape in the long term. Crane mats can also be used as an air bridge over exiting lines to prevent traffic from coming into contact with the pipe itself.
Need Access Matting Solutions You Can Trust?
GFI is here to help. With 24/7 service all year round service and a robust inventory of safe access solutions that includes crane mats and more, our team is here to ensure you have the support you need Canada-wide. Contact us today to learn more!
