Taking A Closer Look at Cross Laminated Timber

Taking A Closer Look at Cross Laminated Timber

With year-end on its way procurement managers across Canada will no doubt be taking a closer look at their project expenses, including their spending on-site access solutions. If you’re not looking forward to seeing the cost of multiple replacement orders after spending the construction season dealing with lacklustre mats that simply can’t stand up to the job, we don’t blame you!

One of the biggest hindrances when it comes to job site safety and productivity is unsafe conditions, and, without the right access mat solutions on hand, you can quickly find yourself going over time and over budget thanks to sudden failures and damage. If you’re tired of dealing with mats you can’t depend on, GFI Solutions is here to help. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access mats, our team is proud to carry high reliable Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats that give you superior performance and ROI job after job. Below, we’ll discuss some of the key highlights to choosing CLT matting. Read on to learn more!

Cross Laminated Timber: Your New Way Forward

What makes CLT mats so different from traditional bolted products? The secret is in the design. Unlike bolted mats, which, as the name suggests are made of planks bolted together, CLT mats are made by bonding alternating crossed planks together for maximum strength. This unique method of bonding gives the mat the distinct advantage of being significantly more flexible than bolted mats, meaning it can flex under pressure and evenly distribute the load to avoid sudden breakages. Best of all, CLT mats are up to 40% lighter than traditional mats, allowing you to ship far more for less, saving you money right from the start!

For those needing access mats capable of standing up to tough jobs, there’s no need to fear! Our CLT access mats offer a 500 level model that is steel reinforced to handle heavy machinery, as well as a more standard 300 level for more generic applications.

More Benefits

In addition to better strength, flexibility, and a lighter profile that allows you to ship 60% more mats per load, CLT mats offer the following benefits:

  • Superior lifespan(3-5 times longer than bolted mats)
  • Often crafted from fast-growing southern yellow pine wood, which is more environmentally sustainable.
  • High impact resistance
  • Easy to install and remove
  • Glue lamination and wax sealer on all 4 edges makes it easier to repel moisture and rot all year round
  • Suitable for use in extreme conditions including heat and cold, and more.

Site Safe CLT Mats at GFI Solutions

Ready to say goodbye to constant mat replacement and change over to CLT mats? GFI has you covered. As Western Canada’s leading source for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to carry a wide range of matting products including 300 and 500 models, access bridges, and more. Learn more about these incredible solutions by contacting our team today.

GFI Solutions: The Oil & Gas First Choice Partner for Safe Access Solutions

GFI Solutions: The Oil & Gas First Choice Partner for Safe Access Solutions

With 2022 just around the corner, it’s time for project managers to be thinking ahead about what their next job sites will need in order to ensure a smooth, efficient workflow. From staying on time and on budget, to guaranteeing safe transport on-site and meeting environmental standards, oil rig mats are one of the biggest assets that can help your project be a success and keep your clients, as well as your accountants, happy.

At GFI Solutions, we know just how important it is to have access to the site safe access products you need when it matters most, and are proud to partner with clients throughout the oil & gas sector, as well as many other industries. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers for CLT access mats, we’re here to make sure you have the support you need, 24/7, 365 days a year. Learn more about our products and services below!

Cross Laminated Timber Rig Mats

As a procurement manager, are you sick and tired of ordering the mats you need…only to find yourself having to buy more once your project finishes? While every access mat will eventually meet its end, you shouldn’t have to spend money hand over fist just to get passable results. While traditional bolted mats do have certain benefits, there’s a new player in town, and it hasn’t taken long for industry leaders to take notice.

Designed to improve on the strength and performance of bolted mats, while also offering a lighter profile that makes it easier to ship for less, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) has become the new favourite on the market, and for good reason. Crafted from southern yellow pine, CLT access mats are made using a unique process that bonds alternating crossed planks together using an environmentally safe adhesive instead of traditional bolts. Thanks to the increased strength of the pine (about 30% stronger than Douglas fir) and the flexibility afforded by the bonding process, CLT mats offer you a solution that’s incredibly durable, even under the heaviest loads. With our CLT 500 rig mats, heavy machinery can be moved safely without fear of breaking and our 300 line performs all standard tasks flawlessly.

Industry Leading Service

The team at GFI knows that reliable site access solutions aren’t just about mats. We offer expedited delivery as well as installation, repair, mat washing, project consultation and more to ensure you’ll always have the support you need. Our crew is ready to assist 24 hrs a day, meaning you’ll never be left high and dry when it really counts.

Make GFI Solutions Your Source For Oil Rig Mats

GFI Solutions is here to make your life easier with CLT oil rig mats that you can rely on. Durable, with excellent service to match, our products give you everything you need to make sure efficiency is the outcome.

Contact us to learn more about how we can make your work site safer and more productive today!

How GFI’s CLT Swamp Mats Can Transform Your Worksite

How GFI’s CLT Swamp Mats Can Transform Your Worksite

GFI Solutions is proud to bring you Sterling Solutions’ CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) swamp mats for your worksite. CLT swamp mats are made from durable material that keeps the mat dry, safe and sturdy throughout any project. Keep reading to learn why you should make the change from bolted mats to CLT swamp mats today.

Affordability You’ll Love

Ready to save money on your access mats? CLT swamp mats save you money from the moment you make your purchase. These mats are lighter than traditional bolted access mats, making them cheaper to deliver and much easier and quicker to install. With CLT mats, you save on:

  • Transportation costs
  • Labour Costs
  • Maintenance costs
  • Replacement costs

These four cost-saving elements are a major selling point for CLT swamp mats. With the money you save, your budget can go towards other parts of your projects. Less replacement and maintenance also means that you have a more reliable access solution that will get you through your project safely without worrying about your mats’ durability.

Stronger Than the Rest

CLT swamp mats are made from southern yellow pine fibre and can hold more than traditional bolted mats despite being lighter in weight. CLT mats perform well under the pressure of cranes, crew or any heavy equipment that they may transfer. CLT swamp mats get the job done and keep their strength and reliability for years, no matter the load.

 

Safety You Can Trust

The standard for access mats is changing with the introduction of CLT mats. While traditional bolted mats have been used for years, CLT swamp mats are the upgraded standard for access mats. CLT swamp mats elevate the standard of quality with their engineered construction and cost-saving benefits. Not to mention these mats are stronger, lighter and safer than bolted mats.

Traditional bolted mats use bolts to keep wood planks together. CLT swamp mats use an environmentally friendly adhesive that bonds wood together to ensure optimal strength and reliability. Bolts can cause uneven weight distribution in the wood, causing it to splinter or break. These splinters or breaks can damage equipment and harm the crew, making bolted access mats a less safe access solution than CLT mats, as CLT mats are completely smooth. Without any bolts protruding from the surface, you can avoid trips and breakage.

Perfectly Moisture Resistant

Looking for a swamp mat that can support your worksite’s needs? CLT swamp mats are great for any topography and climate, making them a reliable staple on your project. These mats are also moisture resistant and will not succumb to mould, rot or decay due to rain or other wet weather conditions. GFI recognizes that it is essential for your mats to stay dry and clean throughout your project to ensure optimal safety for your crew. That’s why customers like you trust our CLT swamp mats for their needs every time.

Choose GFI For Your Swamp Mats

Partnering with experts on your site-safe access solutions is important, especially when considering reliability and safety on the worksite. GFI Solutions is Canada’s number one supplier of CLT site-safe access mats. We have provided access matting solutions to industry experts like you for years and are proud to serve industries across the country with their worksite needs.

As a Canadian company, we know the particular needs of Canada’s complex and unique topography and climate. Our CLT mats are designed to handle any weather conditions or environmental demands that your worksite may require. They are made for experts like you so that you can have the most trusted site access solutions on your side.

Ready to Learn More?

GFI Solutions is ready to bring you the safe and durable access solution you need on your next project. Contact our team to learn more about our CLT swamp mats today.

Access Mat Services at GFI Solutions

Access Mat Services at GFI Solutions

In need of fast site access solutions that make it easy to stay on track, on budget, and keep clients satisfied? GFI Solutions is here to help! As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access solutions, including swamp mats, rig mats, access bridges, and more, our team is here to make sure you have the resources you need when it matters most. From the oil & gas to the power sector, and other industrial applications, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) matting is one of the most trusted tools of the trade.

GFI is proud to offer comprehensive services including delivery, rentals, mat washing, inventory management, all so you can tackle your job site with confidence.

No More Delays

At GFI we know that there’s never a good time to be stuck waiting for access mats to arrive. As one of the best ways to create safe transport and navigation around your site, protect equipment, and mitigate environmental damage, CLT mats are a must for any major operation. Delivery delays cause massive issues for project managers and lead to unnecessary stress for the rest of your operation. That’s why our team always has you covered with 24/7 service, 365 days a year. With same-day shipping available, there’s no need to worry about waiting for the products you need and paying extra for heavier expedited loads. Simply put, you can count on GFI to provide the solutions you need with no hassles, no headaches, and superior performance that’s sure to leave you satisfied.

Upgrade to CLT Mats Today

While bolted mats once were the traditional choice of industry leaders, these days, Cross Laminated Timber mats have taken their place as one of the most trusted and depended upon site access options on the market. Unlike bolted mats, which get their strength from the bolts in their planking, CLT mats are designed to provide even better results by bonding the mats together in alternating perpendicular layers. This method of bonding planks together makes the finished product much more flexible and capable of equally distributing loads throughout the entire mat to prevent breakages.

As an added benefit for those in the heavy-duty sectors: the toughest CLT mats, which are available in 500 models and up, are able to handle the shock of rig and crane machinery with ease.

GFI: Your Source for Site Safe CLT Mats

GFI Solutions proudly offers comprehensive matting services all across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, as well as washing and more. In addition to a robust inventory of the most 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 access mat needs, GFI is here to help.

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Don’t Get Swamped! Rent Swamp Mats from GFI!

Don’t Get Swamped! Rent Swamp Mats from GFI!

With winter on the way and spring just around the corner, the Canadian landscape is getting ready to go through its annual freeze-thaw cycle that laves many job sites swamped with ice, slush, mud, and plenty of other topographical challenges that require site access solutions.

If you’re in the market for access mats (also called swamp mats) but are hoping to test-drive your new products before committing to a long-term purchase, GFI Solutions has you covered. In addition to offering an extensive range of site access support services and sales, we’re happy to offer mat rentals to clients Canada-wide. With solutions ranging from standard 300 mats all the way up to 500 level heavy-duty models, our inventory has it all. Learn more about the benefits of CLT mats as well as our rental solutions below!

Tired of Mats Breaking Down? Get Better ROI With CLT!

It’s no surprise that, despite being thought of as the industry staple for many years, bolted mats aren’t without their share of issues. Aside from their heavyweight that can lead to high shipping fees, bolted mats can be prone to sudden breakages and provide you with a life cycle that may be shorter than anticipated, leaving your crews in a bind. Designed to remedy these inconveniences, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are a relatively new addition to the market that have already made a name for themselves as a superior contender.

Why the hype?

For one, CLT mats weigh up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offer a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, saving you on shipping and giving you a better long-term investment out the gate. As well, instead of cracking under pressure, CLT mats are designed to provide exceptional results, even when exposed to heavy loads. With a 500-series lineup that’s capable of tackling heavy-duty loads like those expected of crane and rig mats while still allowing you to transport up to 25% more mats per haul, there’s no question the CLT mats are a winner for both your wallet and your overall performance. In fact, you can expect to save as much as 60% on transport, giving you extra money to spend where it’s needed. Not bad for the new guy on the block, right?

The CLT Method

The secret to the success of Cross Laminated Timber comes down to their unique design. Each mat is created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive instead of bolting heavier plants together. Since the planks are glued, not bolted, CLT mats can flex under pressure to evenly distribute the load and reduce the chance of failure. This all translates to incredible durability and performance for every load, job after job.

Swamp Mat Rentals and More at GFI

At GFI Solutions we know that staying on time and on budget requires having dependable solutions and support. That’s why we offer 24/7 rental and sales support, 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 CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.

Rough, Tough, and Ready to Rumble: Crane Mats at GFI Solutions

Rough, Tough, and Ready to Rumble: Crane Mats at GFI Solutions

Is your heavy industry team in need of site access solutions that conquer difficult terrain, allow you to uphold environmental standards, and safely transport both equipment and resources to and from site? Site access mats make it easy to tackle Canada’s ever-evolving landscape and protect your equipment from the hazards presented by the terrain. GFI Solutions is proud to offer industry-leading safe site products, including heavy-duty Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats. Constructed using game-changing CLT methods, our mats are built to taking a beating without cracking under pressure. When you need matting that can stand up to the demands of the job without faltering under pressure, GFI has you covered. With access mat rentals and sales for the oil & gas industry and everything in between, we’re your go-to source for solutions you can count on.

CLT Rig Mats: Heavy on Performance

It’s no secret that the heavy industry sector faces unique difficulties when handling its operations, especially when dealing with equipment like cranes and rigs. Designed to handle even the toughest of jobs, crane mats are able to stand up to the demands of extreme applications without the risk of stress fractures or even sudden breakages like bolted mats. Instead, when you partner with a CLT supplier, you gain access to solutions that will stand the test of time and help you get the job done right.

How CLT Mats Work

CLT site safe access mats are specifically designed to improve upon the best features of Unlike their bolted counterparts TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are constructed using alternating perpendicular layers of wood that are bonded with a special adhesive for optimal performance. The adhesive allows mats to flex with each load and distribute weight evenly, resulting in increased strength and longevity.

Key benefits of using site safe CLT mats include:

  • High impact resistance and durability.
  • Increased life span (3-5 times that of traditional mats).
  • Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges of the mat to make it less vulnerable to moisture and rot.
  • Able to withstand the Canadian climate, all year-round.
  • Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.

Site Safe Access Mats at GFI

GFI is proud to be a full-scale solutions provider for the site access industry across Canada spanning key locations from Calgary all the way to the Maritimes and in between! Our team offers customers access to 24/7 rental and sales service, as well as mat washing, installation, turnkey services, and more. Learn more about our products, including our extra tough rig mats by contacting our team today!