Feb 10, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Need access mats that are ready to go, fast to install, and built to withstand whatever you can throw at them? If you’re looking for CLT access mats that you can depend on, GFI Solutions is here to help. As Western Canada’s leading source for access solutions and your exclusive source for TerraLam® products manufactured by Sterling Solutions, GFI is proud to partner with customers spanning the oil & gas, power, renewables, construction, forestry, mining, and other heavy industrial sectors to offer 24/7 support. From rentals and sales to delivery and installation, we’ve got you covered.
Lay the Groundwork for Success
Access mats play a vital role in protecting both the environment and offer a safe method of transport for fleets in locations where the topographical terrain is less than ideal. Proper installation is key to ensuring the best performance and long term sustainability. GFI Solutions offers 24/7 delivery with same-day shipping for your convenience, as well as expedited installation to ensure your mats are perfectly laid for your exact needs. From standard access mats to bridges and more, GFI is there to assist when it matters most.
Why it’s Time to Switch to CLT
If you’re looking for the top matting products that offer superior ROI, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are your best choice. TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber mats are designed to improve upon the performance of traditional bolted timber mats and are manufactured using a unique process that bonds planks together with an environmentally safe adhesive as opposed to bolting points. This method allows mats to flex under the weight of heavy loads and disperse the demand evenly to avoid sudden breakages or splintering.
The toughest CLT mats such as TerraLam®’s 500 models are able to handle the load of machinery with ease, meaning no matter your job, TerraLam® has you covered. With GFI’s delivery, setup, teardown and wash down services, you can rest assured that we have your back, every step of the way.
Partner with GFI Today
GFI Solutions offers comprehensive matting services across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, as well as washing and more. Our inventory features TerraLam®’s 300 and 500 series mats, which include multiple sizes for added convenience. In addition to a robust stock of 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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Feb 3, 2021 | Access Mats, News
GFI Solutions is your first choice when it comes to site access solutions all across Canada. With an inventory that features the top products from the industry leader Sterling Solutions, our team is proud to help clients in the oil & gas, mining, forestry, construction, and related heavy industries create viable temporary access solutions and offers both sales and rentals of access, crane and rig mats for your convenience. As Canada’s exclusive source for TerraLam® access mats, including their heavy-duty 500 line, you can count on GFI to help you get where you need to go. Learn more about TerraLam® mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
TerraLam® CLT Mats: The New Way Forward
If you’re tired of wasting vital funding on access matting solutions that are prone to breaking between projects, you’re not alone. While traditional bolted mats have been the standby for years, their heavy shipping costs and tendency to crack under pressure have left many looking for a better solution. In a bid to address these issues, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats were designed to improve upon the groundwork left by bolted mats. With a profile that weighs up to 40% less than bolted mats and a lifecycle that’s 3-5 times longer, TerraLam® CLT mats offer superior performance and ROI, regardless of if you choose to rent or buy. As one of the most preferred brands on the market, Sterling’s line of TerraLam® mats offer exceptional value, and the 500 series is capable of tackling the toughest jobs typically reserved for rig and crane mats. 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 Difference
CLT rig and access mats differ from bolted mats due to their unique composition and manufacturing process. Unlike bolted mats, TerraLam® CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This composition allows the mats to flex under pressure and evenly distribute weight rather than putting stress on specific bolt points. This flexibility allows for superior durability and performance, even under heavy loads, project after project. The 500 series is a 5 ply CLT available in multiple sizes and is well equipped to handle heavy machinery, cranes, and the various demands as faced by those in the oil & gas industry. If you require even more strength we also offer the 700 series which is a 7 ply CLT.
GFI: There When It Matters Most
With decades of combined experience in the access solutions industry under our belts, 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. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of TerraLam® CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Jan 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If your job site is experiencing difficulty or delays as a result of impassable terrain, GFI Solutions is here to help! The Canadian landscape is notoriously tough on operations, and without the proper access materials on your side, your transport fleet, equipment and crew can face significant safety risks that lead to costly mishaps. Site access solutions like access mats are the perfect way to conquer the terrain and keep both your resources and your people safe. Designed to serve as makeshift roads and platforms for heavy machinery, access mats offer a wide range of benefits. Below, we’ll explore five reasons to use site access solutions on your job site.
Ease of Access
The number one reason access solutions are used is to circumvent the navigation challenges presented by difficult terrain, especially where uneven ground, slopes, creeks, and other geographical features may cause issues. Access mats make it easy for your fleet to safely and efficiently go to and from the job site regardless of ground condition.
Ground Protection
With environment protection and remediation becoming an increasing concern and point of contention, access plays a vital role in helping to protect the earth and helping to avoid fines, cross-contamination, and costly mishaps.
Built to Last
When searching for access solutions, longevity is key to getting the best ROI. Replacing mat after mat from project to project is costly, and simply isn’t a sustainable practice for your budget. The durability and longevity of TerraLam® CLT mats allows you to consistently use them from job to job saving you time and money.
Easy to Install
TerraLam® CLT Access mats are easy to install and can be set into place quickly, allow you to get back to work than ever before. Temporary worksite access roads can help to prevent costly delays and headaches and make it easy for your crew to get where they need to go.
Versatile
TerraLam® Access matting is incredibly versatile in its application and can be used as a makeshift road for your fleet, as a safety platform for cranes and other heavy equipment, and much more.
Leading Access Mat Solutions at GFI
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 of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Learn more by contacting our team today.
Jan 29, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Do you know the difference between swamp, access, and rig mats? Despite being some of the most in-demand, and certainly the most used terms in the site access solutions industry, you may be surprised to learn that there’s often confusion when it comes to ordering mats for job sites. This confusion stems from the fact that, despite each term referring to a distinct product, they are often used interchangeably; while this may be fine in a day to day conversation, it becomes problematic when placing orders because it can lead to improper quotations and customer confusion.
To help dispel some of the misconceptions and misunderstandings related to access matting products, GFI has compiled a brief overview that covers the difference between each product and how you can ensure you get the fit right for your specific application. Read on to learn more!.
What’s in a Name?
As we mentioned above, the largest source of the confusion where site access products are concerned comes down to terms being used interchangeably without the proper discretion. This is partially because, at present, the industry does not have any regulations as far as the usage of terminology when promoting products. Over time, this has led to rig, access, and swamp maps being used freely when talking about access matting as a whole. The use of each of these terms is somewhat fair as they do all act as a type of access matting, but the reality is, each specific mat category has a distinct design that influences how they perform their intended purpose. Knowing the difference between a rig and a standard access mat, for example, is a huge safety concern on sites where suitable access solutions for heavy-duty equipment like cranes and machinery is necessary, and making the wrong selection not only puts your resources at risk; it could also endanger your crews.
When ordering matting products, you’ll want to be aware of the key distinctions between the following categories:
Access Mats
While access mats can collectively refer to site access solutions as a whole, on a more direct level, a standard access mat is 8′ x 14′ and is bolted together with 3 layers of 2’x 8′ lumber. A standard access mat can be used as a temporary access road, as well as for equipment support and a wide variety of other site access solutions. The traditional standby for access mats used to be bolted products, but in more recent years CLT designs have risen to prominence due to their increased strength and durability. A TerraLam® CLT access mat can be manufactured not only in 3 layers but also in 5 and 7 layers when a stronger access mat is required.
Swamp Mats
Within Canada, the term swamp mat is typically used to refer to access mats above, but in more humid climates where swamp and marsh are prominent such as the southeastern United States, swamp mats may reference matting that is particularly well suited to the specific needs of this kind of terrain.
Rig Mats
Rig mats are best suited for heavy-duty applications such as jobs that require extensive use of cranes and other kinds of heavy machinery. In order to handle the stress caused by such equipment, rig mats are designed with steel frames that allow them to distribute extreme weights safely without fracturing or failing entirely. GFI Solutions now offers a true CLT rig mat that does not have a steel frame. It can be manufactured to any custom size needed and can be manufactured in 5 ply, 7 ply, 9 ply, 11 ply or even 13 ply. This type of TerraLam® CLT rig mat is 50% lighter and can handle the same weights as traditional steel frame rig mats.
How to Choose
Every job is unique, and each job site presents a distinct range of challenges for site access solutions to overcome. From incorporating the versatility of standard CLT access mats to depending on the heavy lifting capabilities of rig mats GFI Solutions is here to help you fit the best fit for your specific needs. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of CLT access mats and the nation’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ TerraLam® products. With 24/7 sales and service support, you can count on us to have your back. Contact us now to learn more!
Dec 11, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Need access mats that can stand up to the toughest of challenges? If you’re tired of dealing with heavy bolted mats that cost an arm and a leg to ship and need to be replaced consistently after demanding jobs, it’s time to make a change. For crane and rig matting solutions you can count on, GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s exclusive provider of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® CLT access mats for both rentals and sales. Learn more about the benefits of CLT crane mats below!
The Revolution Has Begun
If you’re ready to make the shift away from traditional bolted mats, you’re not alone. While it’s no secret that timber mats have been a trusted staple across the industry, bolted matting has left a few performance points lacking. Because bolted mats are made from a mixture of hard and softwoods that are not held to any specified standards, their durability can often be inconsistent and lead to sudden fractures when facing the strain of cranes or heavy machinery. Add in the fact that timber mats take multiple truckloads to transport and require a complicated installation process to get up and running, and it’s not a surprise that many project managers are eager to find a more simplified and reliable solution. Enter CLT mats.
As an innovative new solution available on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are made with the intention to address each of the above issues, while offering superior and long-lasting performance, as well as a significantly lighter weight profile (up to 40% less than bolted mats). With the ability to ship up to 60% more mats per haul and a life cycle that lasts 3-5 times longer even under heavy demand, CLT crane mats have become the go-to for industry leaders in the oil & gas, petrochemical, and power sectors.
How They Work
The key to the superior performance of CLT mats comes down to their composition. Unlike traditional bolted mats which are created using a mix of wood fibres and steel bolts to create fixed points, cross-laminated timber mats are made from southern yellow pine and bond alternating perpendicular layers of wood together with an environmentally safe adhesive that helps keep the mat strong, as well as protected from outside factors like moisture and contaminants. This process of binding planks together creates a far more flexible mat that is able to disperse the weight of heavy loads evenly across the entire surface, reducing your chance of sudden breakages and allowing for exceptional performance in the longterm. Additional benefits of CLT mats include:
- Life cycle that is 3-5 the length of traditional mats
- Easy installation
- Can haul more mats per transport load
- High impact resistance, and more.
Heavy Duty Crane Mat Solutions At GFI
GFI Solutions carries TerraLam®’s 500 series access mats, which feature 2 lengths; 4 feet (TerraLam 504) and 8 feet (TerraLam 508), both of which are lighter and stronger than comparative timber mats. The innovative cross-grain technology allows them to outperform competitors all while saving you money on hauling and installations costs. Learn about our available products and services including sales and rentals, mat washing, installation, and more by contacting GFI today.
Dec 11, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Struggling to create a safe and stable roadway for your crew on a swampy or damp access site? Facing the many challenges associated with fluctuating temperatures and changing terrain? CLT access mats are the perfect way to protect your equipment, facilitate easy transport to and from your site, and save on shipping. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s exclusive source for TerraLam® products manufactured by one of the most trusted names in the site access industry, Sterling Solutions. Learn more about the benefits of CLT swamp/access mats below!
Why Use Access Mats
There’s no shortage of reasons to use access matting (commonly referred to as swamp mats), but for many site operators the ultimate decision-makers come down to safety and efficiency. Access mats help keep your equipment and crew in motion, without the fear of sudden disaster striking midway through a project, while also protecting the surrounding environment. Key benefits to using swamp mats include:
- Creates a solid, secure base for both workers and equipment
- Keep everything and everyone clean and dry all year round
- Protects equipment from mud and other environmental damage
- Improve traction for transport
- Remove easily, allowing you to leave without a trace
- Lightweight, making them much less expensive to ship and transport (up to 25% lighter than traditional oak mats!)
Simply put, CLT access mats are essential to any job site looking to overcome tricky terrain without losing time or eating through your operations budget.
Why Choose CLT Mats
If you’re unfamiliar with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats, you’re missing out on one of the most important additions to the site access industry. Designed to improve on the performance of traditional bolted mats, CLT mats are up to 40% lighter than their oak counterparts and outlast other models with a lifecycle that is 3-5 times length!
Cross-Laminated Timber mats are by binding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive instead of the traditional bolted method. This new approach to construction allows the mats to flex and evenly distribute weight throughout the entire mat with each load, which leads to superior durability and performance, even under the most demanding of circumstances. Simply put, when you need mats that can last under pressure, you need CLT solutions!
GFI Solutions: Canada’s Source For Site Access Solutions
As Canada’s trusted provider of site access solutions, the team at GFI understands just how important cost-effective matting services are to your daily operations. That’s why we’re proud to offer 24/7 support for sales and rentals, as well as advanced site management services including inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation and more. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of CLT mats before buying or are looking to invest in your next matting purchase, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
