May 13, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Facing unique challenges when it comes to accessing your job site thanks to Canada’s unique landscape and seasonally shifting terrain? With environmental sustainability and remediation becoming an increasing focal point when it comes to project grants and construction governance, having accessibility solutions that guard the ground as much as they protect your equipment is key. GFI Solutions is Canada’s first choice provider of access solutions including site-safe CLT access mats and bridges, both of which are designed to protect your fleet, as well as the surrounding environment. With environmental stewardship at the front of everyone’s mind, we’ll show you how CLT access mats help keep your operation compliant with all relevant standards. Learn more below.
Setting A New Standard for Protection
With today’s heavy industries evolving faster than ever before, the importance of ensuring that major players go the extra mile to practice environmental safekeeping is invaluable. Over the past decade, the Government has increasingly implemented more stringent standards for those in the Oil & Gas, construction, petroleum, and mining sectors, all with the intention of helping to minimize the long-lasting damage caused to job sites both during and after a project. Access mats and bridges play a key role in upholding these standards, while also increasing overall site safety by providing a stable, durable, roadway for crews and vehicles to navigate. When implemented on job sites, access mats help to maintain environmental standards by:
Reducing Ground Disturbance
It’s no secret that heavy-duty hauling and excavation can do a number on terrain, so implementing safeguards where possible is crucial. Access mats serve as a protective barrier and temporary road/foundation for trucks, excavators, cranes, rigs, and all other equipment that can cause significant damage when left to their own devices. Upon the completion of your project, the mats can easily be removed, leaving minimal damage in their wake and allow the landscape to return to normal as soon as possible.
Avoid Organic Cross-Contamination
It’s not uncommon for job sites to span multiple kinds of terrain and for trucks travelling through to introduce foreign organic material that can cause problems for the native ecosystem in the area. By using site safe access mats, you greatly reduce the chance of this occurring, both by adding a protective barrier as mentioned above, as well as by physically cleaning the mats between jobs or before replacing them in new areas, as should always be the standard.
Prevent Chemical Cross-Contamination
Alongside organic contamination, chemical cross-contamination poses an even bigger threat to the environment. Leaking oil, fluids, acids, and other compounds that may be a part of your operations can have permanent effects on the landscape, making access mats a necessity, as well as thorough mat cleaning at regular intervals to prevent build-up. While access mats alone can’t fully prevent the introduction of man-made chemicals to the environment, they greatly reduce the chances of accidental leaks and spills during transport and allow your team’s safety coordinators to focus on other areas where risks may be prevalent.
Partner With GFI Solutions Today
As one of Canada’s most trusted sources for site-safe access mats, GFI is proud to carry the best products available on the market. Our inventory features a wide range of CLT access mats, available in multiple sizes and weights for your convenience. From standard matting to rig and crane mats, we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit for your site, and with 24/7 service including delivery and installation for both rentals and purchases, we’ll always have you covered. For all of your site access needs including rentals, sales, mat washing and more, contact our team today!
May 13, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Do you need fast access to dependable crane mat rentals? Tired of blowing your budget on heavy bolted mats that can fail under pressure and leave you in a bind? Whether your job site needs crane and rig mats that can tackle the heaviest of jobs, or just needs extra access mats to build a safe road to and from key locations on your site, GFI has you covered. As Western Canada’s top source for access mat rentals and sales, we carry a diverse range of site-safe CLT access mats, available in multiple sizes and weights. When you need rental solutions today, we’re here to help. Learn more about site-safe CLT access mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
CLT Mats: The New Way Forward
Move over bolted mats, there’s a new champ on the block! Despite being one of the more recent arrivals on the site access scene, CLT access mats have taken the industry by storm, and it’s no surprise. With a lighter weight profile that’s up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and a life cycle that’s 3-5x the length, CLT mats are ideal for investors and renters that want to make the most of their dollar without ever compromising on quality. Heavy-duty models in the 500 level family are just as capable of tackling difficult jobs like working with rigs and cranes, while still saving you considerable cash flow thanks to the ability to ship up to 25% more per load thanks to their lightweight profile.
How CLT Works
Cross Laminated Timber mats differ from bolted mats thanks to their unique design and manufacturing method. Instead of bolting planks together, CLT are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive that allows the entire mat to flex when heavy pressure or weight is applied. This makes the mat much stronger overall, as well as far less prone to sudden breakages as well as many of the other headaches caused by bolted mats.
GFI: Your Source for Site Safe CLT Mat Rentals
With decades of combined experience in the industry backing our team, GFI Solutions values just how important it is to have readily available rentals accessible when you need them. Our commitment to our customers is that we will always stock superior products and offer round-the-clock service to ensure you have the support you need, 365 days a year. From 24/7 rental and sales support to inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation and more, GFI Solutions is here to help you keep your project on track. Contact our team today to learn more.
May 5, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Safe, dependable, built to last: if you need reliable access solutions for the Oil & Gas, petroleum, construction, and rigging sectors in Calgary, GFI Solutions has you covered. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site access solutions, we’re proud to offer our clients in the prairies and beyond access to the top products and services you need to keep your project on track and on budget, all year-round. If you’re in search of matting that can stand up to the pressure of heavy loads, including rigs and cranes, we’re here to help. With a vast selection of site-safe CLT access mats readily available, we’re your #1 choice for site access solutions. Learn more below
It’s Time to Take the Lead
Tired of spending countless dollars and constantly having to stretch your budget to accommodate failing access mats that just can’t keep up from job to job? Wish there was a better way to ship to site quickly without burning a hole in your bottom line? Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are your perfect solution. Designed to improve the performance and longevity of bolted mats, these revolutionary site access pathfinders have taken the industry by storm and set a new standard of excellence for heavy-duty results.
Weighing up to 40% less than traditional mats without ever compromising on performance, CLT mats allow you to ship up to 25% more units per haul, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck and can get back to work as soon as possible. As an added bonus, CLT mats will last 3-5x longer than bolted mats, even when being used as a platform for rigs and cranes. Find out how in the next section.
What Makes CLT Mats Different
Wondering how a mat that’s so much lighter than the bolted mats you’re accustomed to could possibly outperform them by so much? The answer might be simpler than you think. The key to the performance and success of CLT mats comes down to both their design and method of manufacturing. Unlike bolted mats, which (as the name suggests) are made by bolting planks together, CLT mats are created through the process of bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally The end result of the bonding process is a product that is flexible and able to evenly distribute weight through the whole surface of the mat. This flexibility helps to prevent sudden failures and allows mats to handle heavy loads with ease, job after job
In addition to their unique composition, CLT mats offer a wide variety of benefits, including:
- High impact resistance
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions (perfect for the Canadian climate)
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats, and more.
CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry a wide selection of site-safe CLT access mats in multiple lengths and weights. Designed with the utmost quality in mind, our mats allow the perks of CLT mats to shine, and with our experts always ready to help, you can count on us to have your back. Contact us today to learn more!
May 5, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If your construction, oil & gas, petroleum, rigging, or related heavy industrial site is in need of safe site access solutions that can stand up to the demands of machinery and constant transport, GFI is here to help. As one of Canada’s leading distributors of site-safe CLT access mats, as well as a premier provider of services including delivery and installation, mat washing and more, you can count on our team to have you covered for all your site access needs. Learn more about the benefits of using CLT access mats, as well as partnering with GFI below!
Built Tough, No Compromising
It’s no secret that the heavy industrial sector faces unique challenges when it comes to accommodating the unique needs of their job sites. From handling oversized and heavyweight equipment to transport loads that can weigh far more, the need for matting solutions that make it easy to stay on target is paramount. While traditional bolted mats were once the go-to fix, today’s industry leaders increasingly choose to use Cross-laminated timber (CLT) mats, which offer unbeatable performance, as well as a lightweight profile that allows for faster and cheaper shipping. With mats that are capable of performing under the same demands as standard rig and crane mats and significant savings to be found, it’s no wonder that CLT mats have become the preferred choice when it comes to heavy-duty applications!
CLT Mats: Taking A Closer Look
If you’re one of the many businesses that have been standing by bolted mats for decades but find yourself looking for a more efficient option, you may or may not be familiar with the basics of CLT matting. Unlike bolted mats, Cross-Laminated Timber mats are constructed using alternating perpendicular layers of wood that are then bonded (laminated) with a special environmentally friendly adhesive that leads to optimal strength and safety. The secret to the unbeatable performance of CLT mats comes down to this construction method, which allows the mats to flex under pressure rather than focusing all of the weight on bolted points, which frequently leads to sudden failures.
Additional benefits of using CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- Increased life span (3-5 times that of traditional mats).
- The glue lamination and wax seal on all 4 edges of site-safe CLT mats makes them 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 CLT Access Mats at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to be a full-scale solutions provider for the site access industry. 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 rig and crane mats by contacting our team today!
Apr 27, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Looking to extend the life of your access mats and extend your ROI by preventing sudden breakages as well as damage to your equipment? Made for superior performance and longevity, Cross Laminated Timber mats remove many of the worries and headaches of traditional timber mats and give you a longer life cycle (3-5x the length) before replacement is needed.
As a full turn-key service provider with an extensive inventory of CLT mats readily available Canada-wide, GFI is proud to partner with clients in the oil & gas, mining, petroleum, construction and related heavy industries to care for their mats. To help you care for your CLT mats, GFI has compiled a quick list of tips to extend the life of your access solutions. Read on to learn more.
Fit Matters
As the old adage goes, fitting a square into a circle is bound to end poorly. One of the major ways to make sure you get the most out of your CLT mats today, as well as in the many years to come, is to ensure you have the best fit for your specific needs right from the start. CLT mats come in a wide variety of lengths and weights, with the ability to customize as needed. Knowing what kind of mat you need. For heavy-duty applications involving machinery or rigging, using crane mats is key for optimal performance, and helps to eliminate the risk of excessive strain causing premature failure.
Installation
As with all aspects of your job site, preparation is key for success. Take the time to ensure your mats are laid and installed properly (GFI can assist with this). Doing so will help to prevent costly accidents and keep everyone safe in the long run while also extending the lifespan of your mats. Partnering with GFI gives you access to our installation team, who will happily deliver right to your site and offer same-day setup Canada Wide. This means there’s no need to worry about installation and helps to expedite the process so you can get back to work asap.
Fleet Travel and Tracks
No matter how tough your mats are, failing to exercise caution while crossing and implementing lower speeds for haulers will contribute to increased wear and tear. Make sure your crew knows to proceed slowly, and do your best to limit exposure to corked tracks as they can be particularly rough on mats.
Clean and Sanitize
Mat washing is already given due to environmental standards, but staying on top of regular cleaning and care will go a long way towards giving you increased ROI in the long run. Take the time to cleanse after each job; your mats and your crews will thank you. GFI Solutions offers site washing remotely as well as at our yards across Canada for your convenience.
CLT Mats: Unbeatable Performance, Extra Long Lifecycle
CLT matting is lighter (up to 40%), stronger, and lasts longer (3 to 5 times longer) than its bolted counterparts, making it the first choice among many of the top names in the heavy industrial sectors. CLT mats are created using a unique process that involves bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood together with a special adhesive, which allows for increased flexibility and even weight distribution. Additional advantages of CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions include heat and cold
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tired damage to vehicles
- Reduced shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats, and plenty more.
CLT Mats at GFI Solutions
As Western Canada’s leading source for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to carry the best products available on the market. We are a distributor of a wide range of site-safe access mats, including heavy-duty rig and crane models, access mats, access bridges, and more. To better suit all your site access needs, GFI offers full-scale turnkey support including sales, rentals, delivery and installation, mat washing and more. Find out more about CLT mats by contacting our team today!
Apr 20, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you in the process of sourcing site access materials that makes it easy to reach and navigate your remote job site? Access mats are the ideal solution for sites that face challenges from uneven terrain, the Canadian climate, and many other topographical issues. Designed to serve as a reliable temporary road, as well as a stable platform for heavy equipment, access mats make it easy to operate with confidence, protect the environment, and avoid costly delays.
GFI is proud to be one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site-safe CLT access and swap mats and features a diverse inventory of mats, bridges, alongside multiple services; including delivery, installation, inventory management and more. One of the most common questions and points of confusion our team answers deals with the difference between standard access mats and swamp mats. Below, we’ll take a closer look at these terms to help you find the best CLT mats for your needs. Read on to learn more!
Terminology: What You Need to Know
Did you know that there’s technically no such thing as a swamp mat? Do you know the difference between an access mat and a rig mat? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. The matting industry tends to use all three terms interchangeably, which can lead to orderers mixing up what they actually need. To make sure you’re getting exactly what’s needed for your project, you’ll want to pay close attention to the official designations below:
Access Mats
Access mats are the most prevalent and widely used site access mat, and the term generally refers to any standard matting designed for multi-use purposes. Depending on where you are in the world, access mats may also be called a “swamp mat”, though, as we mentioned above, there is technically no such dedicated map for swamps. Swamp mats are simply a regional term used by those in the south where warm, swampy terrain, requires matting to cross.
Rig/Crane Mats
Rig and crane mats are the heavy-duty counterparts to access mats and can be used both to assist with transport needs, as well as serving as a stable platform for heavy machinery such as cranes and rigs. To handle the increased loads they usually experience, these kinds of mats typically have a steel frame that reinforces the mat in order to prevent sudden breakages. As a result of these steel frames, rig mats tend to cost more, which is why it’s important for those placing orders to know whether they need standard mats, or specifically rig mats to meet the demands of their job site.
CLT Mats: The New Way Forward
Looking for a more cost-effective, durable alternative to bolted matting? Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are designed to offer superior performance, as well as:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Solid matting tops that reduce tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (25% more CLT mats can be shipped compared to bolted products per load), and more.
GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s source for CLT safe site access solutions, including a vast inventory of access mats, rig mats, access bridges and more. With superior performance and ROI just a phone call away, there’s never been a better time to invest in site access solutions.
Looking For Access Mats? GFI Solutions Is Here To Help
GFI’s team of experts is available for 24/7 support including sales and rentals all throughout Canada. Contact us now to learn more!
