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.
REQUEST A QUOTE NOW
Feb 1, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Take on every project with the best access matting on your side with our innovative Cross Laminated Timber mats. Manufactured by Sterling Solutions, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are tough and can take on any terrain without falling apart. Keep reading to learn how CLT mats surpass traditional bolted mats as the new standard for access matting.
What Are Cross Laminated Timber Mats?
Cross Laminated Timber mats are the new standard in site-safe access matting. These innovative access mats are made differently from traditional bolted mats. They can withstand the elements more efficiently and are made stronger so that your project can go through without any issues. These mats are made with southern yellow pine, a stronger material that can handle heavy rigs, cranes, or any other equipment. With two standardized sizes, the 300-series and the 500-series, these mats are always ready to take on the job.
Ready For Any Project
Able to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions, CLT mats are reliable access mat solutions you can trust on your worksite. These mats last 3-5 times longer than traditional bolted mats and are more durable.
While standard bolted mats are made with mixed woods and bound together with bolts, CLT access mats are secured with a powerful adhesive that holds planks of southern yellow wood fibre together seamlessly. This structure allows for each mat to distribute weight evenly across the platform. Since the weight is distributed evenly, CLT mats sustain less damage than their competitors and are capable of holding higher loads more comfortably than bolted mats.
These mats are also tested in extreme heat and cold conditions and are proven to keep their form by not delaminating or breaking in difficult weather conditions. As a more efficient option than traditional bolted mats, you can rest assured that you are getting the quality and reliability you need to get you through each job.
Cost-Saving Benefits You Can Enjoy
Take a break from replacement and maintenance fees when you invest in Cross Laminated Timber mats. Tougher than traditional bolted mats, CLT mats last longer than their competitors. You can save money on delays and safety shutdowns that can have a negative effect on your budget.
Saving on labour and equipment is another major plus when choosing CLT mats as your site safe access solution. CLT mats are incredibly lightweight, making it easier to fit more mats per freight. This allows you to save more on transportation due to lower freight costs. The lightweight design of CLT mats also makes installation seamless as your crew can install mats quicker than heavy, traditional mats. You can get your project moving along faster with CLT mats that are easy to set up and simple to remove.
Ready to Learn More?
GFI Solutions is excited to work with you to ensure your worksite has the best access matting equipment possible. Contact us to learn more about our products and service today!
Feb 1, 2022 | Access Mats, News
The busy part of construction season may be coming to a slower head with the weather getting ready to change for the winter, but as any Canadian will tell you, that doesn’t stop us from getting the job done. As terrain changes and the yearly freeze/thaw cycle begins to set in, the landscape begins to present a wide range of challenges to your operations. From mud to icy roadways, slush, and plenty of other hazards, finding a safe way to navigate your site becomes a necessity. Access mats are the perfect solution for overcoming terrain hazards and setting your operations up for success.
As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site-safe CLT access solutions, we’re proud to carry high-end access mats and access bridges that make it easy to stay on track, stay safe, and get the job done right. Learn more about the benefit of CLT mats as well as working with GFI below!
No More Access Compromises
Being able to transport goods to and from your site is one of the most important factors of project success, and delays can quickly rack up costs that put you way over budget. Whether it’s equipment, crew members, or other resources, you need to be able to get your assets from point a to point b without issue. Access mats make it possible to do so regardless of the challenges posed by the landscape, while also protecting the environment and keeping your team safe. At GFI, we offer you access to the top site access solutions on the market, including high-end mats manufactured with cross-laminated timber. When you need products you can trust, you need GFI!
CLT Mats: Higher Performance, Lower Cost
If you haven’t made the switch from traditional bolted mats to the new industry leader of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), you’re missing out! As a relative newcomer on the market, CLT mats have come the new trusted standard on many job sites, and for good reason. The unique design of CLT mats has been crafted to improve upon the performance of bolted mats to the benefit of procurement and constructions managers across North America. CLT access mats are 40% lighter than bolted mats, offer a lifecycle that is 3-5 times longer, and are often crafted from wood that is 30% stronger than the standard Douglas fir used on bolted mats. The lighter weight profile of CLT mats can save you significant cash by allowing you to transfer up to 60% more worksite mats per load, and thanks to the enhanced flexibility of the mats that comes from the process of bonding planks together instead of opting them, you don’t have to worry about sudden breakages and failures.
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 access 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. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mat, and general worksite mat needs, GFI is here to help.
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