Mar 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If you’ve read our previous piece on five of the most common misconceptions about CLT mats, you’ve likely begun to realize that there are more than a few reasons they’ve become such a relied-upon resource industry-wide. Whether you’re renting or buying, CLT access mats pack a punch and can easily compete with traditional heavy timber mats while affording you plenty of savings in the process.
Thanks to their unique composition (read more on that here) TerraLam® CLT access mats offer a lifecycle that’s 3-5x longer than traditional mats and stands up to even the toughest of demands. GFI Solutions is proud to be the exclusive Canadian distributor of one of the markets’ top products, TerraLam® mats by Sterling Solutions. Read on to learn 5 more misconceptions about TerraLam® CLT mats and the facts to keep in mind.
1. Different Sizes = Big Headaches
Because TerraLam® CLT mats are typically somewhat smaller than their oak counterparts, some may worry that they will be difficult to lay down or interconnect. Fortunately, TerraLam® mats can be fitted with interconnecting fingers that work in the same manner as traditional bolted access mats.
2. Hard to Repair
Another point of confusion where TerraLam® CLT mats are concerned is a misconception that can be attributed to their unique composition. While some may think that the mats being a solid block of wood makes them hard to repair, the opposite is true. In fact, necessary repairs can be done easily and at less expense than with bolted access mats. Repairs to bolted mats often require removing rusted or bent bolts and fragmented boards. Because TerraLam® CLT mats do not have any of these additional risks, they’re much safer on the job site than a damaged bolted mat.
3. Rough On the Environment
There are no two ways around it; this one just isn’t true. TerraLam® CLT mats are made in such a fashion that makes them environmentally friendly thanks to two main points:
- TerraLam® CLT mats are made with Southern Yellow Pine, which in addition to being 30% harder than Douglas fir, grows back much faster, reducing your impact on the environment.
- The adhesive used to bond mats together is eco-friendly, meaning it will not harm your job site.
4. Hard to Recycle
Eventually, even the toughest of mats will need to be replaced. While some may argue that CLT mats are difficult to recycle once they come to the end of their active lifespan, this isn’t true. It is easier and more environmentally friendly to dispose of TerraLam® CLT mats than traditional bolted mats since there are no bolts to worry about, and once they’re removed from use they can be reused in a variety of ways, including being ground for mulch, used for livestock bedding, or even becoming a component of bio-fuel.
5. It’s Better to Trust Something Standard
While it can be intimidating to switch to a new type of product, the fear of innovation should never be allowed to slow your business now. The facts show that TerraLam® CLT access mats offer vastly superior performance, save you time and money, and go above and beyond to protect the environment.
It’s time to supercharge your next project with site access you can count on. Contact GFI Solutions to learn more about the benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats today!
Mar 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
As one of the newest and most in-demand products on the site access solutions market, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats have attracted quite a bit of attention and gained a large following that features some of the biggest names in heavy industry. TerraLam® CLT mats differ significantly in composition from their bolted counterparts and are bonded together with an environmentally friendly adhesive that allows them to flex and evenly distribute the stress of each load. This flexibility leads to unbeatable performance under pressure, and with a longer lifecycle (3-5x longer than traditional mats), a lighter profile (40% less) that allows you to save on shipping and plenty of other benefits, it’s a no brainer to see why TerraLam® CLT mats have become so popular.
Below, we’ll dispel five common misconceptions regarding TerraLam® CLT access mats. Read on to learn more!
1. Flexibility Isn’t The Same As Strength
While this may be true in many cases, the simple fact of the matter here is that a large part of the strength and durability of TerraLam® CLT access mats is due to their flexibility. Why? Think of it this way: imagine a city bridge without its trusses. Over time, no matter how strong the base material of the bridge deck, it would eventually suffer shock and wear and tear from heavy loads and fail. Contrastingly, trusses allow the bridge to have even support all the way across, giving it the longevity it needs. Similarly, the flexibility of TerraLam® CLT mats means that they have support all throughout the mat, and with products like Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® mats being crafted with high quality southern yellow pine, you can count on them to stand the test of time!
2. They Won’t Hold Up Under Tough Weather Conditions
Canadians, there’s no need to fear! It’s no secret that our climate can be tough on mats, but thankfully, TerraLam® CLT Access Mats have you covered. With a high-quality finish and seal that’s as LifeProof as it is waterproof, you can count on products likes TerraLam® to stand up to whatever weather comes your way. In fact, TerraLam mats have been tested successfully in temperatures as low as -70°F and as high as 150°F!
Did you know? GFI Solutions is Canada’s exclusive source for TerraLam® CLT by Sterling Solutions
3. Slippery When Wet
We all know that slippery mats can cause endless problems for crews and equipment alike. Thankfully to alleviate such issues, the solid top of TerraLam® mats makes removing mud, snow, or ice much easier. Once TerraLam mats are travelled on, they become well-seasoned, mitigating slickness in challenging conditions.
4. Tough to Clean
Another misconception is that TerraLam® mats are tough to clean. Luckily, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Simply put, TerraLam® CLT mats are easily cleaned, and GFI Solutions even offers post job cleaning options for your convenience!
5. Difficult to Place
TerraLam® CLT mats are exceptionally easy to install, and with multiple sizes available, both in terms of physical dimensions and weight capacity, you’ll have no issues finding the perfect custom fit for your job site.
Check-in soon for part 2 of our TerraLam® CLT myths for 5 more misconceptions about cross-laminated matting. In the meantime, learn more about the multiple benefits of TerraLam® CLT access mats by contacting GFI Solutions for all your matting needs today!
Mar 22, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Are you ready to hit the ground running with your next project? Need to make sure your job site is protected against the many challenges of the Canadian terrain? TerraLam® CLT access mats are here to help! Designed to improve on the performance of traditional bolted mats, cross-laminated mats offer incredible savings alongside a lifecycle that is 3-5 times the length of bolted mats and have become one of the most in-demand products on the site access market. As one of Canada’s leading sources for access mats, as well as the nation’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® access mats, GFI Solutions is your first choice for transforming your job site. Learn more about TerraLam® mats including the 300 and 500 models below!
TerraLam® CLT Matting: Meet the New Industry Champion
If you’re tired of paying high rates for shipping while constantly having to replace damaged bolted mats between jobs, you can rest easy; there’s a better way!
As a new innovation and extremely well-received matting solution, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) improves on many of the pain points encountered when using previous matting models. Weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, TerraLam® CLT mats provide exceptional results, even under heavy pressure making them compatible with almost every application. TerraLam®’s 500-series lineup is capable of tackling heavy-duty loads like those expected of rig and crane mats while still allowing you to transport up to 60% more mats per haul. Larger transport loads translate to increased savings on shipping, up to 60% compared to standard mats.
The CLT Method
TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special safe adhesive as opposed to bolting planks together. This method of bonding allows the entire mat to flex under pressure which grants superior durability and strength, even under the heaviest of loads. TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the most reliable available on the market and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes them ideal for standing up to the toughest of jobs over long periods of time, as well as a tough contender that can best Canada’s climate, year-round.
GFI: Your Canada Wide Source For Access Mats and More
At GFI Solutions we know that staying on time and on budget often comes down to having access to reliable, cost-effective solutions. That’s why we offer a diverse range of services, including 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 TerraLam® CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats ASAP, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Mar 15, 2021 | Access Mats, News
In need of fast access solutions you can count on? GFI Solutions is your first choice for TerraLam® CLT matting solutions and is Canada’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products. Our team provides a wide range of solutions and services designed to full-service support to clients in the oil & gas, construction, renewable energy, petrochemical, mining, and related heavy sectors, including country-wide delivery and installation. With 24/7 support, a knowledgeable team that you can count on, and a dedication to excellent customer service, GFI is your first choice for site access needs.
Reduce Delivery Costs with TerraLam® CLT Mats
Tired of overextending your budget by paying an arm and a leg for shipping with bolted mats? As one of the newest innovations on the access solutions market, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) offers plenty of perks, ranging from a lifecycle that lasts 3-5 times longer than traditional bolted mats, and weight profile that allows you save up to 40% on labour and up to 60% on delivery. How? The unique composition of CLT mats drastically reduces their weight, allowing you to ship up to 60% more mats per load. This means that not only are you able to get the mats you need at a cheaper cost, but you can rest easy knowing you have the best option for the job, no matter the application.
GFI offers 24/7 shipping all throughout Canada meaning you always have access to the solutions you need when it matters most. From delivery and installation to mat washing, inventory management and more, we have you covered.
Meet The New Site Access Champion
As we mentioned above, Cross Laminated Timber matting is a relatively new addition to the site access field. Despite being a recent addition, TerraLam® CLT mats have quickly become one of the most in-demand resources, and for good reason. In contrast to traditional bolted mats, TerraLam® CLT products are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to create each mat. The end result is solutions that disperse the weight of each load throughout every inch of the wood to provide superior support, alongside long term performance that just won’t quit.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site access products throughout the Western Canada region, as well as nationwide. Our team of experts offers our 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 TerraLam® CLT mats by contacting our team today!
Mar 15, 2021 | Access Mats, News
In need of new access matting solutions, but tired of blowing your budget on mats that only last a few jobs and cost an arm and a leg to ship? TerraLam® CLT mats are here to help! As the newest innovation in the site access industry, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have quickly made a name for themselves thanks to their heavy-duty performance and unbeatable lifecycle. With a lighter profile that saves on shipping and durability you can count on, it’s no wonder TerraLam® CLT mats have become the go-to choice of many heavy industry leaders. Learn more about the benefits of TerraLam® access mats below!
What Is Cross Laminated Timber?
The key to understanding TerraLam® CLT mats can be found right in the name; unlike bolted mats, cross-laminated timber products are created by bonding southern yellow pine planks together rather than bolting them. This unique method of construction allows for increased flexibility, which in turn enables the mat to evenly disperse the weight of loads throughout the entire surface, rather than attempting to handle the stress exclusive at blot points. The ability to flex under pressure greatly reduces the chance of sudden breaks or failures and means that, despite weighing up to 40% less than traditional mats, CLT mats can tackle the same heavy-duty jobs that crane and rig mats are able to handle. TerraLam® 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 to Explore
Alongside the benefits of increased strength and a lighter profile that lets you ship up to 60% more than bolted mats per load (hello savings!), CLT mats offer a wide range of benefits. Key reasons to choose TerraLam® CLT mats include:
- Superior lifespan(3-5 times longer than bolted mats)
- TerraLam® products are crafted from fast-growing southern yellow pine wood, which is more environmentally sustainable than the demand for mixed hardwood mats
- High impact resistance
- Fast 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 the heat and cold, and more.
TerraLam® CLT Mats at GFI Solutions
Ready to make the switch to laminated access mats? GFI has you covered. As Western Canada’s leading source for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to be a distributor of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost quality in mind, TerraLam® is at the top of the CLT market. Learn more about these incredible solutions by contacting our team today.
Mar 9, 2021 | Access Mats, News
It’s time to get TerraLam® tough on heavy-duty loads!
If your project is in need of heavy-duty cost-effective matting solutions that can tackle demanding jobs? Rig and crane mats are an essential resource for projects and job sites related to the oil & gas, mining, petrochemical, forestry, and construction industries, allowing materials to reach their intended destination safely. As a much lighter alternative to traditional fir mats, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats have become the go-to solution and offer unbeatable strength as well as lower shipping costs among many other benefits. Learn more about CLT products, including TerraLam®’s 500 series mats, below.
The New Standard
Despite being one of the newer innovations within the site access industry, TerraLam® CLT mats have quickly made a name for themselves due to their durability, longevity and cost-effectiveness. Designed to improve upon the framework of traditional bolted mats, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This bonding method leaves the mats far more flexible than their bolted counterparts and allows them to evenly disperse load stress through the entire surface, which makes them far less prone to breakages.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats as offered by GFI solutions are crafted from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir, the most common wood fibre used in the construction of bolted mats. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty jobs, even serving as rig and crane mats when needed.
Plenty of Benefits to Explore
CLT access and rig mats offer multiple benefits for job sites, including a lifecycle that lasts up to 3-5x longer than bolted mats. Key features and perks of choosing TerraLam® CLT mats includes:
- Lightweight profile means that you can ship up to 60% more mats per trip, saving money on transport costs.
- Versatile in application and able to withstand the demands of fluctuating climates year-round.
- High impact resistance
- Resistant to moisture and rot, and more.
TerraLam® CLT Access and Rig Mats
For the best of the best where performance is concerned, Sterling Solutions is your go-to manufacturer. Sterling’s line of TerraLam® products have an exceptional reputation for performance and are made from Southern Yellow Pine and are meticulously tested to ensure they are of the highest quality. The 500 series is suitable for heavy industry applications, including use as rig and crane mats, and more.
Want to compare CLT mats to timber alternatives? Check out this quick cheat sheet.
Discover Rig Mat Solutions At GFI
GFI Solutions is Canada’s exclusive authorized distributor of TerraLam® products, including access and rig mats, TerraCross® bridges, and more. With 24/7 access to our leading inventory, qualified team members and more. GFI is your top choice when it comes to heavy-duty rig mat solutions and everything in between. Contact us today to learn more.
