Nov 12, 2021 | Access Mats, News
We’ve all been there, you order new site access solutions to help your project stay on track, only to find that the quality is lacking and you’re now facing sudden breakages that stand to put you further behind. Subpar matting solutions can put a massive strain on productivity, as well as your bottom line.
As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of access mats and site access solutions, GFI Solutions knows just how important it is to have products that you can trust to perform under pressure. We’re proud to carry industry CLT site access mats that make it easy to get the job done safely and with minimal delays thanks to 24/7 365 shipping. Our team is passionate about providing top-tier service as well as inventory, so you can always trust that our mats are ready to stand up to the test of time. If you’re in the market for new access mats, below, we’ll discuss 3 key aspects to look for when assessing quality, as well as the benefits of working with CLT mats. Read on to learn more!
1. Wood Characteristics
Both CLT and bolted mats are made from specific kinds of wood (typically Southern Yellow Pine for CLT and a blend of Oak and Douglas fir for bolted), and despite the differences in their composition, it’s important to take a close look at the overall characteristics of the wood used for your mats. Avoid any matting that uses dried wood and opt for mats made from fresher cuts instead, as the kinds of planks are far more likely to maintain their shape, strength, and integrity when exposed to the elements.
2. Board Quality
Similar to above, you’ll also want to inquire about board quality and keep an eye out for any visible defects such as splits, overly large knots, etc. Certain defects will indicate a greater likelihood of premature failures, while others, like knots or obvious uneven portions, can present tripping hazards or damage your equipment on site.
3. Placement and Design
Finally, take a step back and look at the mat as a whole. Does the placement seem solid and reliable? Your mat is meant to serve as a safe road on perilous terrain, and so placement and design is integral for success. Look at elements such as board spacing (are there any large gaps?), Overhang (is everything flush and even?), as well as finger length and positioning (is everything uniform?). If you find issues with any of the above, the mat may not be of the highest quality and likely isn’t worth your investment.
Why Choose CLT Access Mats?
Cross Laminated Timber differs from its bolted counterparts thanks to its unique method of construction. Instead of relying on bolts that lack the ability to flex under pressure, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special safe adhesive.
By bonding planks together, the mat maintains far greater flexibility in comparison to competitors as well as superior durability and strength. GFI Solutions is proud to offer industry-leading CLT access mats made with high-grade lumber that can be up to 30% harder than Douglas fir while also offering a lighter profile. This means that you can count on our access mats to stand up to even the most demanding of challenges posed by heavy machinery and tough work sites.
If you need site access mats that you can trust to perform, no matter the application, it’s time to partner with GFI Solutions. Contact us today to learn more!
Nov 5, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Stronger than standard bolted mats and safer, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are the new addition you need for your worksite. GFI Solutions is proud to bring customers like you a product that improves your worksite’s efficiency and takes the pressure off your shoulders. Our 300 and 500 level CLT mats can withstand heavy cranes and give your crew the reliability they need to finish the job safely. Here are some reasons why you should have smart access solutions like CLT mats on your worksites.
Why CLT?
The benefits of the CLT design lies in its ability to be more efficient than the standard mats without using bolts. CLT is made with southern yellow pine wood fibre, which is 30% tougher than the more commonly used Douglas fir. Since our matting is tougher, it can handle heavier machinery like cranes and can do it without sustaining the same amount of damage.
Our CLT mats are also bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that keeps the layers of wood sturdy. The binding also saves the wood from dangerous splintering that can help potentially harm the crew or cause a break in your worksite’s productivity.
The standard bolted mats can only transfer weight to the position of the mechanical fastener. CLT mats are great because they distribute the weight of equipment evenly, allowing for better impact. With less damage to your mats, you get to enjoy your product longer. CLT mats give you the peace of mind you need to move from worksite to worksite without having to take a costly break due to damaged mats or unreliable, unsafe access.
In addition to the environmentally friendly adhesive, the bonding agent use in site safe access mats is also great for rot or decay prevention. The bond creates a built-in moisture barrier that keeps your mats looking great and keeping sturdy. Why pay for repairs or replacements when you can invest in mats that keep their high quality longer than the alternative?
CLT mats are not just a purchase; they are an investment that will keep their durability for future projects. You can trust these durable and efficient mats to help you get your work done without any snags.
Contact us to see how our CLT mats can meet your needs today!
Nov 5, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you looking for rig mats you can rely on no matter the application? Do you want a rig mat that makes your job move smoothly and efficiently? Rig mats from GFI Solutions are your most cost-efficient and reliable option. Our rig mats have been used in the oil and gas industry and the petroleum, utility, construction and rigging sectors. Manufactured by Sterling Solution, these mats give you the best ROI and are incredibly reliable on the worksite. Keep reading to learn why you should partner with GFI Solutions today for all your rig mat needs.
Setting the Bar for Site Safe Access
GFI’s CLT rig mats set the bar for site safe access. CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is a highly durable access matting solution. These rig mats can be used for transportation and hold up extremely heavy cranes and rigs with ease. These light, extremely resilient rig mats are ideal for all conditions and can endure harsher climates as well as any moisture. You can trust CLT rig mats to get you through the job safely and efficiently, keeping your crew and equipment safe every step of the way.
CLT rig mats are made from southern yellow pine fibre, an incredibly durable material that perseveres in all weather conditions. Southern yellow pine fibre is also capable of holding extremely heavyweights. Despite having an impressive amount of weight, these mats are also extremely light and can be transported easily. With this high-quality site access solution, you can be assured that transporting anything on your project is easy.
GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s leading supplier of Sterling Solutions’ CLT rig mats. We are excited to bring you the best in site access the world has to offer. With exceptional qualities that make your work easier and safer, we know that you and your crew will appreciate what CLT rig mats bring to the table.
Save Money With CLT Rig Mats
There are several ways you can save money with CLT rig mats. Some of the beneficial cost-saving elements include:
Transportation
CLT rig mats are so lightweight that you can pack a higher load onto freights with ease. Since these mats are much lighter than standard mats, it significantly reduces transportation costs since CLT rig mats require significantly fewer freights for transport. You can cut your freight costs by up to 50% by investing in CLT rig mats.
Labor & Equipment
Installing CLT rig mats is so easy that it saves you money and time. Since these mats are made with much lighter wood, they are easy to install and remove. Saving time on installation and removal means you save money. With both these elements cut down significantly, you will save up to 40% on labour and equipment.
Longterm ROI
Ready for a rig mat that saves you money long-term? CLT rig mats can do just that! These mats are manufactured to handle difficult climates and complex topography for added reliability. Since CLT mats keep their form for years, you get the value of knowing you invested in a product that you can rely on. CLT rig mats are consistently up for the job, no matter the weather conditions!
Ready to Learn More?
GFI Solutions is ready to partner with you to get you the safest and most efficient access. Contact our team to learn more about our rig mats today!
Oct 27, 2021 | Access Mats, News
As an expert operating in the construction industry, your work comes with a host of unique needs and requirements to ensure safe and efficient site access. GFI Solutions has extensive experience partnering with companies within the construction sector to provide reliable and cost-efficient site-safe access mats to fulfill their unique worksite needs.
GFI Solutions is proud to bring you high-quality access mats for your construction site. As the exclusive retailer for Sterling Solutions Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats in Canada, we are proud to provide the most innovative and cost-saving option in safe site access. Here are a few benefits to switching from traditional bolted mats to CLT mats.
Extremely Durable
CLT mats our products you can trust to give you the most durable access you need for all your projects. Made with a stronger and lighter material than traditional bolted mats, these innovative access mat solutions save you money.
CLT access mats are so durable and reliable that we waive damage and replacement costs. We trust that these products can withstand extreme weather conditions, and are able to maintain their structural integrity regardless of the climate.
At GFI, we know that each construction site can look very different. CLT access mats cover all your access needs, whether your construction site is dealing with mud, snow or ice. Our mats are built with a strong surface that makes removal easy, with minimal damage to the mat.
These powerful mats are also made to distribute weight evenly to allow for less damage, both on the mat itself and any machinery. Bolted mats can break because weight is can only be moved to specific points. CLT mats are made smarter and, with an even distribution of weight, are able to hold machinery better without breaking or splintering.
Protruding bolts in bolted mats can also be an obstacle for your crew and machinery. These bolts can puncture or hurt anything moving on its surface. With CLT mats, you get a smooth surface that uses a powerful adhesive to bond layers of wood instead of bolts. This allows for easy and safe transport of goods and crew across the mat.
Save On Transportation Costs
Since CLT mats are made with southern yellow pine fibre, they weigh 33% less than standard bolted mats. This lighter access solution saves you money on transportation. With a loading capacity of 72 mats, CLT mats can cut up to 60% of transportation fees off of your budget.
Save On Installation and Removal
Stronger and lighter than traditional bolted mats, CLT mats also make for quick and easy installation and removal. Given their lightweight structure, you save up to 40% on setup and breakdown, cutting costs and saving time.
Choose GFI For Your Best Worksite Access
Looking to take your worksite to the next level with a cost-saving and extremely durable safe access solution? Contact us to learn more about our CLT access mat options today!
Oct 27, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Winter is just around the corner, are you ready for the deep thaw and next year’s build season? With Canada’s seasons presenting unique challenges to all job sites, GFI Solutions is here to ensure you have the right site access solutions to stay on track and conquer the changing landscape, all year round. As a preferred supplier throughout Western Canada, our inventory includes leading CLT access mats products, as well as access bridges and more and our team proudly partners with those oil & gas, mining, forestry, construction, and related heavy industries when it comes to conquering their work sites!
No matter what challenges your upcoming projects pose, GFI is here to help you succeed, every step of the way. With heavy-duty rig mats available upon demand, you can trust us to have you covered, even when the going gets tough! Learn more about CLT access mats below!
It’s Time for a Reset
We all know that traditional bolted mats have been a constant for decades when it comes to utilizing access mats, but what you may not know is that there’s finally a better alternative waiting to save you time and money. Site safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are designed to improve upon the blueprints left by a bolted mat and offer significant benefits like a profile that weighs up to 40% less than bolted mats and a lifecycle that’s 3-5 times longer. In addition, these newer models are able to handle heavy-duty work as well, with the 500 series being capable of taking on rigs and cranes with ease. Best of all, the lower weight of TerraLam® mats means you’ll be able to save significantly when shipping your mats to the site, with each load being capable of carrying up to 60% more than standard bolted mats.
Discover the CLT Difference
CLT rig and access mats are distinct from their competitors due to their groundbreaking manufacturing process. While bolted mats are created by bolting materials together, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This design allows the mats to flex under heavy loads and evenly distribute weight rather than putting stress on specific bolt points. The flexibility of the mats allows for superior durability and performance, even under heavy loads, project after project. Our 500 series is a 5 ply CLT mat that is available in multiple sizes and is well equipped to handle heavy machinery, cranes, and the various demands faced by those in the oil & gas industry. For those who need even more support, we also offer a 700 series which is a 7 ply CLT.
GFI: There When It Matters Most
With decades of combined experience in the access solutions industry, the team at GFI knows 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.. Contact our team today to learn more.
Oct 18, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If your team is in search of new site access tools that allow you to conquer the Canadian landscape and overcome the challenges posed by shifting seasons, GFI Solutions is here to help. We’re proud to be one of the nation’s top suppliers of new and used site-safe CLT access mats and more. With a dedication to exceptional products, round-the-clock customer service, and knowledge you can trust, GFI has become a trusted partner of clients across western Canada and across multiple industrial sectors. Learn more about the benefits of partnering with GFI and choosing CLT mats below!
Always On Your Side
Life moves fast and if you don’t have the right resources readily available, you can quickly find yourself facing complications that will lead to costly delays and damaged equipment. With decades of experience in the industry, GFI knows what it takes to overcome terrain and operational challenges and is here to make sure you always have access to the tools you need when it matters most. From ensuring you have enough mats to build a sustainable temporary roadway, all the way to repairing damaged existing mats, cleaning your mats after a project finishes, and everything in between, our commitment is to stand by your side as a valued partner, every step of the way.
Why CLT Mats?
If you’ve previously used bolted mats, but are wondering what the buzz behind CLT mats are, you’re not alone. Despite being one of the new options on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have quickly become one of the most trusted and in-demand site access solutions. Unlike their predecessors, CLT mats were created with the intention of improving upon performance and overall longevity. To ensure both objectives are met, CLT mats are made using a much different process that involves bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to form the finished product instead of simply bolting planks into place.
The result of the unique build method behind CLT mats is a product that is much more flexible, and as a result, incredibly sturdy. In fact, compared to standard bolted models, CLT mats are up to 40% lighter, but can easily stand up to the demand of heavy equipment and more. Best of all, for those who need mats that can handle serious heavy-duty work, you can still save on shipping and gain superior ROI; Our 500 level models can perform 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
GFI Solutions offers comprehensive matting services all across Canada, including rentals, used and new sales, delivery and installation, and more. Our Western Canada inventory includes a wide range of site-safe access mats in multiple sizes and weights for your convenience and our 24/7 support means you’ll never be left in the dark. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mat, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help.
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