Nov 30, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Get ready Grande Prairie! We’re excited to bring you mat rentals that work perfectly for all of your access mat needs. GFI is proud to be Alberta’s exclusive supplier of access mats. With our innovative CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) mats, made from durable southern yellow pine fibre, we know you’ll enjoy all the perks of our products. Curious about our CLT mats? Keep reading to get some of the answers to your questions!
What Is the Difference Between CLT Mats and Bolted Mats?
CLT mats are engineered for greatness. While traditional bolted mats have been the standard for access matting in the past, CLT mats are an updated access mat solution that comes with a long list of exciting benefits. CLT mats were created as an innovative upgrade to the industry standard, taking access mats to the next level with their incredibly durable construction and lighter weight.
These mats use an environmentally friendly adhesive to bind the wood planks together. This makes it so that bolts are not used, which means that there are no protruding parts on the plank to cause tire damage or trip and fall accidents. Without bolts, you get a safer and more reliable access mat. These mats won’t splinter from weight because they are constructed as one smooth, consistent surface.
Strength is also a major factor with CLT mats. Made from southern yellow wood fibre, CLT mats can hold more load without getting damaged from the weight. These mats, made in two standard series called the 300-series and the 500-series, are designed with toughness in mind. They are capable of holding cranes, rigs and other equipment with ease.
Thanks to the use of southern yellow pine fibre, CLT mats are engineered with strength at the forefront. While other mats like bolted and traditional mats are made with mixed woods, CLT mats utilize southern yellow pine fibre consistently throughout the mat and bound them in a way that allows for even distribution of weight. By evenly distributing, you have a better chance of avoiding splintering or breaking the mat.
How Do CLT Mats Save Me Money?
These mats are durable even in the most intense weather conditions and are able to help you get the job done comfortably. GFI’s CLT mats make it easy to get goods, equipment and crews through any kind of weather or topography. They are moisture and rot-resistant and can handle any high-impact thrown their way.
You also save up to 60% more on transportation since these access mats are made from lighter wood, making it easier to load several per trip. With CLT access mats, you can rest assured that you are investing in a product that will keep saving you money.
Ready to Learn More?
GFI Solutions offers 24/7 rental support to accommodate all of your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our mat rentals today!
Nov 30, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Looking to make the change from bolted matting to CLT products, but unsure of where to start? GFI Solutions is here to help. Based in Alberta, Canada, we’re proud to partner with clients across the nation to supply leading Cross Laminated timber access mats that are designed to stand the test of time and keep your job site safe. Our team is here to assist with any site access inquiries you may have, and to answer any questions, just like the four below. As for some of our most frequently asked questions, the queries you see below are here to help guide you through the basics of CLT. Read on to learn more!
Question #1 How/Why Are CLT Mats More Durable Than Competitors?
Feeling skeptical? You won’t be for long once you see CLT mats in action. Unlike bolted mats that are fixed at very specific points, CLT mats are engineered to improve on both the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors. CLT mats have the unique ability to flex under heavy weights and disperse loads evenly, reducing their chances for breaking and other significant issues. As well, the unique adhesive barrier that bonds planks together acts as a protective measure against rot and decay, prolonging the life of your mats and giving you better ROI over time.
Question #2 How Long Do They Last?
Access mats are an investment, and it’s understandable that cost would be front of mind for procurement managers. If you’re worried about getting your money’s worth, you have nothing to fear. CLT access mats have a life cycle that is 3-5x that of traditional bolted mats thanks to the unique bonding process used to join planks together. Better yet, the CLT mats that we carry are crafted with southern yellow pine, which is exceptionally durable, and the adhesive used to bind planks adds protection against moisture and rot long term.
Question #3 Are Site Safe CLT Mats Environmentally Friendly?
Yes! Remediation is a huge priority on job sites today, and CLT mats help protect against permanent damage. Site safe CLT mats are constructed using a special method and that entails gluing planks together with an environmentally safe adhesive. As we mentioned above, the majority of the CLT mats carried by GFI are also crafted from high quality southern yellow pine, which can be grown much faster than oak or Douglas fir and have a life cycle that is 3-5 longer than the average mat, meaning that you have to purchase far fewer in the long run. Less mats means less strain on the environment and plenty of time for you to enjoy your perks.
Question #4: What Sizes Do You Carry?
Simply put, all sorts! GFI carries CLT mats in a wide range of sizes and configurations, including 3 and 5-ply configurations, as well as 7-ply for extremely heavy-duty applications. Custom sizes are available upon request.
Want to Learn More?
GFI is proud to be your first choice for Site Access solutions and values the opportunity to be your partner on the job site. Our staff offers a wide variety of services including delivery and installation, repair, mat washing and more to keep you active and agile. Learn more about the benefits of partnering with our team by contacting us today.
Nov 25, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Let’s talk crane mats. If you’re in the heavy industry or construction sectors, you’re no doubt familiar with how useful these mats can be when it comes to keeping your worksite safe and your progress on track, but you may not know the benefits of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats, which offer you heavy-duty results alongside a lighter frame that allows you to save significantly on shipping.
As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access mat solutions, 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. Read on to learn more.
Rig Mats vs Access Mats
If you’ve been around the industry long enough, you’ve no doubt heard “rig” and “access” mats used interchangeably. While crane/rig mats are a kind of access mat, it’s important to know that there is a distinct difference between the two. While access mats are the more generalized solution, rig mats are a much heavier option specifically designed to deal with intense loads, such as equipment and heavy transport. While access mats may be able to handle some aspect of this, it’s best to go up to a rig mat for rougher jobs.
Applications
Crane mats have a wide range of applications and are incredibly versatile on the worksite, making them a worthwhile investment for those in the construction, oil & gas, and related industries. Common uses for crane mats include:
Cranes
As the name suggests, one of the most common applications for crane mats are for use with cranes and other heavy machinery. Thanks to their tough makeup, crane mats are able 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.
Temporary Roadways
Need temporary access roads that can handle heavy loads? Rig mats have you covered! Designed to handle the toughest jobs, your fleet can cross safely, all while minimizing your environmental disruption and avoiding costly mishaps.
Excavation Assistance
As we mentioned above, crane mats are particularly useful for stabilizing heavy equipment like cranes, but they also play a vital role in excavation by keeping your machinery stable and allowing your crew to work safely and efficiently.
Pipelines
Finally, crane mats are essential to pipeline construction as they allow pipe trucks and operators to work without disrupting laying or damaging materials. 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, 365 service, our team is here to ensure you have the support you need Canada-wide. Contact us today to learn more!
Nov 25, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Does your team need swamp mat solutions that you can count on? Tired of going over budget on mats that just don’t work and leave you having to constantly replace failure after failure? Whether you’re looking for short-term swamp mat rentals or a long-term investment, GFI Solutions has you covered. As Western Canada’s top source for access mat rentals and sales throughout Alberta’s hot spots like Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and more, our team partners with major players in multiple industries to provide exceptional site access support from CLT mats to bridges, inventory management, delivery, installation and more.
Learn more about site safe CLT mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
CLT Mats: Your Job Site’s Best Friend
We all know that Canada’s landscape can be less than kind when it comes to running a smooth project from start to finish. From changing seasons to shifting weather and tough terrain, site access mats are a no-brainer when it comes to helping your team stay on track.
If you’ve been stuck using traditional bolted mats for years and are looking for a new solution that’s guaranteed to save you time and money, it’s time to make the switch to CLT access mats.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are one of the newest options on the market; but have quickly become one of the most trusted and depended on for those in the heavy industry sectors. Weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, CLT mats give you unbeatable ROI for both rentals and purchases, and keep your job sites secure, no matter the circumstances.
With the heavier duty models capable of tackling jobs once reserved for rig and crane mats, all while still offering a lighter profile, your savings are ready to roll in. In fact, that lighter weight profile we mentioned allows you to ship up to 25% more mats per load, and with same-day shipping and extra fast delivery from GFI available, you’ll never have to worry about breaking the bank for subpar resources ever again.
How They Works
The secret to the success of Cross Laminated Timber mats lays in their unique design and composition. Unlike other mats that are bolted together, CLT mats are made by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This process of bonding planks together makes the mats extremely flexible, allowing them to evenly distribute weight and pressure and alleviate the concern of sudden failures.
When you choose CLT mats, you gain the advantages of highly innovative design as well as increased safety and performance that’s sure to blow your previous mats out of the water.
GFI: Here When It Matters Most
With decades of combined experience in the industry under our belts, GFI Solutions understands just how important it is to have access to reliable, cost-effective solutions when it matters most. Our commitment to our customers extends well beyond offering superior products to exceptional round-the-clock service. From 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 CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Nov 18, 2021 | Access Mats, News
GFI Solutions is Calgary’s premier source for rig mats. Our site safe access rig mats work perfectly to give you long-lasting performance. We save you money on transportation, installation and removal costs.
GFI Solutions’ rig mats are the best choice for your access mat needs with unmatched quality and ROI.
Save on Transportation
As Canada’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats, we are excited to bring you the benefits of such an innovative matting solution.
Built with southern yellow pine fibre instead of the 30% heavier and more commonly used Douglas fir, CLT mats are much lighter than the standard site access rig mats. With this difference in weight, we can save you up to 50% on freight costs. By saving you up to half of the cost, CLT mats give you more money to stay safely within budget.
Save on Installation And Removal
Installation costs can be a significant strain on your budget. With CLT safe access mats, installation is quick and efficient. These mats take much less time to install and save you up to 40% on labour and equipment costs. Not to mention less time on installation means more time getting the project done.
With easy installation comes easy removal. CLT mats are lighter and make for a quick removal job so you can get your project wrapped as quickly, safely and as efficiently as possible.
Longterm Benefits
With CLT mats, you get to enjoy a long-term ROI. These mats are made to be used over and over again without sustaining extensive damage. Made from southern yellow pine fibre, these mats are 30% stronger than the more commonly used douglas fir. With a Janka Hardness Rating of 870 lbf (3,900 N), these mats last longer and are an extremely reliable staple at any worksite.
Rig mats often feature bolts as an essential part of their structure. With CLT rig mats, you get an environmentally friendly adhesive that joins the wood layers perfectly. This innovative structure allows for even weight distribution that provides better, long-lasting support. This also allows for less damage on the mats and on any machinery.
Partner with the Experts
By trusting GFI Solutions to get the safe and efficient access you need, you partner with proven experts. We have seen it all, and we factor all of our experiences in when we work with you.
As an Alberta-based company, we can cater to Western Canada with a perfect understanding of what it takes to get a job done on a complex and dynamic worksite. Our priority has always been giving you the tools you need for site safety regardless of the terrain. The value of partnering with us is that you get great products that are engineered with your needs in mind.
Partner with GFI Solutions Today
With proven results, the site safe access CLT mats have truly exceeded other rig mats in terms of benefits. As durable and cost-efficient solutions to your site access needs, these mats are an easy choice for anyone hoping to take their worksite to the next level.
Click here to take a look at GFI Solutions’ catalogue for all your rig mat needs!
Nov 12, 2021 | Access Mats, News
One of the major industries that GFI Solutions has serviced for years is the oil and gas industry. We are trusted by experts like you who make their living in this dynamic field. We know that your job has its own set of unique requirements. As Western Canada’s source for oil rig mats, we supply you with the mats you need to get safe and dependable access. Here are some ways we set ourselves apart from the competition.
Reliable Oil Rig Mats
Worried about your bolted mats falling apart when you need them the most? Our Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats are engineered to help you and your crew get the job done. With environmentally friendly adhesive, these mats can withstand even the toughest of loads.
CLT mats are made from southern yellow pine wood fibre. This fibre is about 30% stronger than the more commonly used Douglas fir and can withstand heavy loads. With this powerful material withstanding even the heaviest loads, oil rigs are no problem for these innovative and exceptionally powerful mats.
This dense material is just one reason you should switch from bolted mats to CLT mats. Without the use of bolts, CLT mats are able to flex and distribute any weight placed on them evenly. With our CLT 500, heavy machinery can be moved safely without fear of breaking. Delays are a hassle, and with CLT mats, you can avoid them entirely.
Exceptional Service
GFI Solutions is not only a supplier of CLT mats; we also provide delivery and installation and have served the oil and gas industry with professionalism and expertise for years. With GFI Solutions, you get reliable service that makes your project planning smoother and more efficient. And since we’ve done this for years, we know the ins and outs of your industry.
We are able to provide you with 24/7 support so that you get the answers you need quickly to minimize delays. Let us help you get safe access with our incredible service.
Trust GFI Solutions for Your Oil Rig Mats
GFI Solutions is here to make your life easier with CLT oil rig mats that you can rely on. It is vital that your onsite work goes as smoothly as possible, and adding CLT mats can help make that a reality. 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!
