Feb 25, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Is your team searching for temporary access solutions to get through your upcoming jobs? Whether you’re looking for an in-between option or the chance to test-drive access matting before committing to a permanent purchase, renting CLT access mats is a great way to keep your project on track, adhere to environmental sustainability standards, and keep your crew safe. With spring just around the corner, GFI Solutions is here to make sure you have the resources you need to overcome the challenges presented by rain, snow, sleet, and the many other difficulties that come with Canada’s infamous weather patterns. Our team is proud to be one of Canada’s top suppliers of site-safe CLT access mats including options for renting and buying. Below, we’ll take about the benefits of CLT access mats, as well as partnering with GFI Solutions. Read on to learn more!
Why Trust CLT Access Mats?
It’s no secret that remote job sites can present countless challenges for your crew to deal with all year round. From changing weather patterns that lead to less than ideal ground conditions, uneven terrain, ditches, and everything in between, knowing that you have a reliable foundation that allows you to proceed with your operations safely is vital. Access matting can serve multiple purposes on-site, including acting as temporary roadways, support for heavy equipment like cranes and rigs, and much more. As a newer addition to the market that greatly outperforms traditional bolted matting with a life cycle that’s 3-5 times as long and significantly lower shipping costs thanks to their lightweight profile, CLT access mats have become the industry standard for difficult job sites.
GFI Solutions is proud to offer a wide range of high-end CLT access mats, including 300, 500, and even 700 level mats for heavy-duty applications.
Rent VS Buy
In the long term, purchasing mats will generally be the best way to make the most ROI on your investment, but at GFI we understand that the upfront cost may not always be possible depending on your circumstances. If you’re between, or even in the middle of a job, and suddenly find yourself needing to acquire new mats ASAP, renting can be a great option that allows you to cover the ground for the time being and test out a potential long term solution at the same time. If you’re debating between renting and buying, we recommend considering the following:
Duration of Use
As we mentioned above, there are plenty of times where you may find yourself unexpectedly needing mats for a very short period that would make purchasing an unrealistic spend. For example, if you only need mats to facilitate the installation or removal of site assets, or to help your fleet move to a new location, renting may be a better fit overall, whereas if you plan to use mats extensively through this project, as well as subsequent work, you may wish to consider buying instead.
GFI Solutions offers flexible rental terms for your convenience and is happy to accommodate your rental schedule.
Flexibility
Renting affords undeniable flexibility, especially when it comes to preserving your budget. Even if you’re wanting to purchase sooner than later, it may not be feasible to drop a large sum upfront. In this case, renting presents a smaller upfront cost that also offers the potential for a 100% write-off. If you need a little more time to balance the books and get everything in the right order, rentals serve as a fantastic option for a wide variety of industries including oil & gas, construction, infrastructures and more.
Choosing the Right Partner
Renting mats can be a hassle if you don’t choose the right partner, and GFI is here to make sure that you avoid the pitfalls of subpar mats and site access services. We’re proud to work alongside businesses all across Canada to provide trustworthy solutions that include delivery, installation, tracking and secure storage, mat washing and everything in between. Our goal is to make sure that you have everything you need when it matters most, without having to overspend or waste time waiting.
Access Mat Rentals At GFI Solutions
GFI Solutions is proud to be Western Canada’s leading provider of matting solutions, including a wide variety of site-safe access mat 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!
Feb 25, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Spring is around the corner…are your job sites ready to tackle the challenges of winter thaw? GFI Solutions is here to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed this construction season, including readily available access to site safe access, crane, and rig CLT mats. Designed for unbeatable performance and safety, CLT mats are your first choice for secure and easy-to-navigate construction all year round. Read on to learn more about the benefits of CLT Rig mats, and why you need to partner with GFI today!
Performance You Can Count On
Whether you’re in the oil and gas sector, transportation, or power industries, knowing that you have a safe foundation is key. CLT access mats have quickly become the industry standard for access matting in heavy industries thanks to their ability to stand up to extreme demands and last from project to project. Made from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine lumber, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats outperform competitors in almost every single category including strength, longevity, and overall cost.
What’s the secret to the success of CLT access mats? Their unique design! Unlike bolted mats that use bolted fasteners to hold planks together, unintentionally creating focal points that lead to a higher chance of breakages, CLT mats are bound together using an environmentally safe adhesive. This process of binding mats together instead of bolting allows them to flex under pressure rather than cracking. This enhanced durability makes CLT mats ideal for use with cranes, rigs, and other heavy equipment that require extra strength to perform under pressure. CLT mats also help to increase on-site safety by removing the hazards presented by bolts, which can puncture tires, scratch your equipment, and ultimately present a risk for workers on site.
GFI Solutions maintains a regular stock of site safe CLT rig and crane mats including our CLT 300 and CLT 500 mats, both of which come in various standardizations as follows:
3- or 5-ply Construction
- 300 CLT – 8’ wide x 4’ thru 16’ long
- 500 CLT – 4’ wide x 4’ thru 18’ long
- 500 CLT – 8’ wide x 4’ thru 18’ long
Partner with GFI Today
GFI Solutions is proud to be a Canadian-based supplier of leading right mat solutions, including site safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats. No matter where you are in Canada, you can trust GFI to bring you innovation, cost-saving benefits, and the best in quality access matting. With 24/7 support, same-day shipping and even turnkey services designed to get you up to speed, GFI always has you covered. Contact us to get more information about our CLT rig mats and safe access solutions today!
Feb 16, 2022 | Access Mats, News
With winter finally on its way out, it’s time to make sure that your swamp mats (more commonly referred to as access mats throughout Canada) are ready for peak construction during the summer months. Thanks to the superior strength and versatility of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats set up doesn’t need to be complicated. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s leading source for site safe access mats and to assist you with all of your site access needs from delivery and installation to mat washing and storage.
Below, we’ll cover some basic tips for the upkeep of swamp mats to help extend the lifetime of your access mats and keep them in top condition from job to job. Read on to learn more!
Make the Right Selection
The number one way to ensure your mats last as long as possible is to select the right fit for the specific needs of your job site. For sites with heavy equipment or intensive hauling needs, for example, consider looking at easy duty mats like CLT 500 or 800 models that can handle the same capacity as rig or crane mats. When speaking with your dealer, be honest about the needs of your project, the condition of your job site. We’ll be able to help you find the best fit for your specific needs and advise you of any specific needs that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Installation
Choosing the right mats is key, but making sure they’re installed correctly is just as important. Mats that aren’t placed properly run a higher risk of breakages, and can lead to headaches in the long run. GFI Solutions is happy to offer onsite installation services all year round to make sure you can operate with full confidence and minimal issues!
Placement
Not unlike installation, placement plays a huge role in ensuring you get the most out of your mats. The superior performance of CLT mats hinges on the unique overlapping plank design of the timber, so making sure that these strong points are best leveraged after installation is vital for the best outcome. Your installation experts will make sure that everything is put where, and how it needs to be for success.
Monitor Vehicle Speed
One of the biggest onsite factors that can degrade your mats quickly is undue stressors like vehicle speed, especially if your fleet has chains on during the winter or other abrasive/impacting features that will put a strain on the wood. To reduce the damage caused by transport convoys, have your trucks reduce their speed and proceed carefully in areas where access matting is used; doing so will go a long way towards keeping things safe and strong.
Cleaning and Storage
Finally, once your job is complete, your next phase of maintenance should ensure that all mats are cleaned to avoid any chemical damage as well as the risk of cross-contamination. Storage will also play a part in avoiding damage from the environment, so having safe options in place should always be a priority for enhanced ROI on your swamp mat investment.
GFI Matting Solutions: Your Choice for Worksite Success
GFI Solutions is proud to offer full-scale worksite matting support, including rentals, sales, delivery, installation, and mat washing, Canada-wide. Our inventory of site safe swamp mats features both 300 and 500 series mats, the ability to customize as needed multiple sizes for all models for added convenience. In addition to a robust stock of in-demand mats, we offer 24/7 support, meaning you’ll always have access to the site access solutions you require. Contact us today to learn more!
Feb 16, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Spring is just around the corner, and with construction companies gearing up for build season, the time to set up for success is now. From procuring the right equipment to laying the right foundation to operate on, planning ahead is the best way to make sure your project proceeds according to schedule. GFI Solutions is proud to offer clients in the construction, Oil & Gas, and heavy industrial sectors access to leading CLT mat solutions they can count on. Cross Laminated Timber access and crane mats are one of the best ways to get your job site up to speed, comply with environmental protection standards, and avoid hazards that lead to costly delays. Below, we’ll discuss some of the perks of working with crane mats. Read on to learn more.
Taking a Closer Look at Site Safe CLT Access Mats
Access mats are designed to, as their name suggests, facilitate a safer and more efficient worksite. Canadian climate and geography can be rough on equipment and operators, so having a steady base (more on that below) is essential for safety and job site navigation. Access mats are great as temporary roadways, platforms and other needs as the weather changes and can prevent you from getting stuck in the mud—literally. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) has become the trusted industry standard for access matting and are able to stand up to the tasks typically handled by rig and crane mats thanks to their superior strength.
Benefits to using site safe CLT access mats on your job site include:
Easy Set-Up
We’re all on the go, and during construction season, the last thing you need is to face complication installation for your site solutions. GFI is proud to offer same-day shipping, as well as on-site installation to make sure you have everything you need correctly in place; saving time and reducing the margins for error along the way.
Protects the Ground
Environmental sustainability has risen to the forefront of the build process due to the many federal and provincial standards that are in place. Access and rig mats help to protect the landscape from the damage caused by hauling, chemical usage, etc.
Solid Base for Equipment
Heavy equipment like cranes and rigs can pose a significant risk to the environment, as well as to your crew members without the proper foundation in place to prevent them from sinking into the mud or sliding in adverse conditions.
Durable and Long-lasting
Cross Laminated Timber offers a vastly superior life cycle in comparison to traditional bolted mats, lasting roughly 3-5 times longer. This translates into better value for your company and gives you an important resource you can count on job after job.
Versatility
One of the best aspects of CLT mats is the immense versatility they offer on-site. From serving as a rig or crane platform to makeshift roads, safe storage solutions and more, the right fit can be perfectly customized for almost every application!
Need Access Matting Solutions You Can Trust?
GFI is here to help. With 24/7, 365 service, our team is here to ensure you have the support you need Canada-wide. Contact us today to learn more!
Feb 15, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Get ready for site-safe access matting that you can rely on! GFI Solutions is bringing Calgary the best in site-safe access with our CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) access mats. GFI is proud to be Sterling Solutions’ exclusive Canadian retailer for these innovative and exciting CLT mats. Made stronger and lighter than the rest, these site-safe access mats make worksites safer and more efficient every time, not to mention they save you money long-term. Keep reading to learn why CLT mats are the new standard in site-safe access.
Better Durability
Get ready for the perfect upgrade! Our CLT mats set the standard for greatness with their improved durability. These mats are stronger than traditional bolted mats because they are made with southern yellow pine fibre. Southern yellow pine fibre is a stronger material that can hold higher loads easily and last longer than other materials. Standard access mats are usually made with a mix of hard and softwoods, making them less reliable. Since CLT mats are engineered for higher performance and durability, they last 3-5 times longer, making them a better investment than their competitors.
CLT access mats are also bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that keeps the planks held together securely. This innovative adhesive allows the weight to be better distributed across the platform. As a result, CLT mats can withstand the heavier weight of cranes, rigs and other equipment without breaking or splintering. CLT mats are designed to last longer, no matter the load.
Better Cost-Saving
Saving money on access matting that can surpass standards every time is easy with CLT access mats. From transport to take down, CLT access mats save you money throughout your entire project. With CLT, you save money on:
- Transportation
- Damage
- Replacement
- Maintenance
- Equipment
- Labour
As a more durable and lighter access mat, you get to enjoy the benefits of a product that will outlast the traditional access matting while also saving you money in various other ways. Since these access mats are 40% lighter than their competitor, more mats fit per load, allowing for up to 25% more mats to fit per load.
Their lighter weight also allows for less time to install and remove these mats. As a result, you can enjoy reduced equipment and labour fees since moving CLT mats is easy and much more efficient than traditional access mats. Constructed with several cost-saving benefits in mind, CLT access mats are the best way to save money long-term and enjoy an impressive ROI.
Better Service
GFI Solutions brings you the service you deserve for every worksite you’re on. We know that your needs come first, and we’re ready to help you with any questions you have. That’s why we offer 24/7 service to all of our clients. We know that every worksite is dynamic and can come with its own set of issues. We are happy to support you to make sure everything runs as safely and efficiently as possible. Trust us to get you the support you need when you need it.
Partner With GFI Today
Ready to learn more? GFI Solutions is excited to work with you to upgrade your worksite with the best in site-safe access. Contact us to learn more today!
Feb 15, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you looking for site-safe access mats that increase worksite productivity, safety, environmental compliance, and give you superior ROI on your dollar? You need CLT access mats! If you’re tired of dealing with the hassle of constantly replacing heavy bolted mats and facing sudden failures when they snap under pressure, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) site safe access mats are the answer you’ve been waiting for. As one of Canada’s top supplies of CLT solutions, GFI Solutions is here to help you create the safest, most efficient job site possible. With clients spanning multiple sectors, we know just how important it is to always have access to the solutions you need when it matters most.
With the high-quality mats of all levels and sizes available, as well as industry-leading services that include delivery, installation, mat washing, inventory management and more, GFI Solutions is your first choice for CLT access mats across the nation, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Full-Scale Support
Construction and development season in Canada is a non-stop endeavour, with no room for delays caused by terrain or weather. At GFI we know that time is money, and that having the right assets in place can help you avoid costly delays and mishaps that set your team back and leave you scrambling to catch up down the line. We believe in providing full-scale site access support that you can count on, all year round. In addition to offering sales and rentals for access mats and bridges, we give you access to 24/7 sales support, same-day shipping, installation services, inventory management, planning and consultation, and more. Partnering with GFI means fewer headaches, increased efficiency, and most importantly, dependable resources you can count on to help you see the job through to the finish line.
WHY CHOOSE CLT MATS?
Cross Laminated Timber mats have taken over as the reigning champion of the site access industry, leaving bolted mats in the dust in terms of cost, performance, and longevity. Carefully engineered to improve the performance of traditional bolted mats, the key difference and secret to the success of CLT mats are found in their manufacturing process. Unlike bolted mats, which rely on the strength of their bolts and the heaviness of their planks to stand up to the demands of transport fleets and equipment, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to form the finished product.
As a result of these bonding methods, the mats are much more flexible and can evenly distribute the weight of each load across the whole unit, rather than localizing the strain on bolt points. Despite weight up to 40% less than standard bolted mats, CLT access mats can stand up to the same demands, with 500 level models performing the same tasks as traditional rig and crane mats, all while saving you money on shipping and transport thanks to the much lighter profile.
PARTNER WITH GFI Solutions
GFI Solutions proudly offers comprehensive matting services all across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, and more. Our inventory is constantly restocked and includes a wide range of site-safe access mats in multiple sizes and weights for your convenience. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mat, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help.
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