Temporary Access Mats For Canadian Winter

Temporary Access Mats For Canadian Winter

Mar 30, 2023 | Access Mats, News

It’s no secret that Canadian winter is tough, especially throughout Northern and Western Canada. The inconsistent weather patterns can drastically change the topography in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to predict the weather changes in Canada; therefore, you need to depend on robust and reliable temporary access mats to get you through extreme weather changes during Canadian winter.

While traditional temporary access mats were once the preferred option for projects across Canada, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have started to increase in popularity. In fact, some of the biggest names in the oil & gas, construction, mining, petrochemical, renewable energy, power and other heavy industries replaced traditional bolted mats with GFI’s innovative and reliable Site Safe (TM) CLT temporary access mats. Learn more about the benefits of our CLT temporary access mats below!

How Are Cross-Laminated Timber Mats Manufactured?

Compared to conventional access mats, where wooden planks are fastened together using bolts, CLT wooden planks are laid perpendicular to each other and bound together face to face using an environmentally friendly adhesive. The process of cross-lamination allows the CLT mats to withstand the heaviest of weights while reducing the chance of breakage! But how?! Well, the adhesive used to bond the CLT mat together turns the mat into a solid piece of wood allowing for even distribution of weight across the mat. Bolted mats on the other hand take and disperse the weight through to the bolt points. Once a single bolt is broken, the mat’s structural integrity is compromised.

Durable Temporary Access Mats

It’s a common misconception that bolted mats are stronger and more robust than CLT mats as they are bolted together using bolts. Is an environmentally safe adhesive more durable than bolts? While bolted mats can, in fact, withstand heavy loads, they are much more likley to break and crack than CLT mats. Instead of evenly distributing the weight across the mat, the weight is only fixated on the bolt points. As the pressure is only focused on the bolts, the mat will crack and break at the bolt holes. CLT mats, on the other hand, are versatile and can safely flex under pressure, even with the weight of industrial machinery and heavy loads.

Long-Lasting Temporary Access Mats

CLT mats are not only more durable than traditional temporary access mats, but they are also longer-lasting! The environmentally safe adhesive combined with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fiber creates longer-lasting mats that are 5X stiffer and 30% stronger than traditional bolted mats. Our CLT temporary access mats are engineered for maximum durability and will not diamond or deform if dropped or mishandled.

Cost Effective Temporary Access Mats

The lightweight of GFI’s CLT mats allows us to transport 72 mats per load, increasing your transportation and saving you up to 60%. Since CLT mats are 40% lighter than most traditional bolted mats, you will be able to easily fit more mats on shuttle trucks and loaders, saving you up to 40% on installation and removal costs.

Rent or Buy Temporary Access Mats From GFI Solutions

Contact us today to learn more about our wide range of temporary access solutions for your next project!

Why Your Project Needs GFI Solutions’ Access Mats

Why Your Project Needs GFI Solutions’ Access Mats

Mar 27, 2023 | Access Mats, News

When your project requires access matting, you need mats that will bring incredible value to your project’s bottom line. Fortunately, GFI Solutions is your source for industry-leading access solutions! Our team of experts proudly distributes reliable, safe, and high-quality access mats to companies and projects across Western Canada and nationwide. Regardless of the industry you’re working in, when you need access mats, you need ones you can depend on. At GFI Solutions, one of our most popular access matting products is our Site Safe Cross Laminated Timber mats. Next, we’ll tell you more about our Site Safe access mats and why you should switch and save with GFI Solutions! Continue reading to find out more!

Quality You Can Depend On

As a leading manufacturer and distributor of access solutions, GFI Solutions offers innovative and durable access mats suitable for numerous types of terrain. In particular, our Site Safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats are industry-leading access solutions as they outperform traditional bolted mats in many ways. From overall lifespan to transportation costs, installation, and more, GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats are your top choice for high-performance temporary roadways, staging yards, drilling pads, work surfaces and other applications where you need a stable foundation. When your project needs high-quality access solutions, trust GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats!

Access Products Built to Last

Part of what makes GFI Solutions‘ access matting stand out from the competition is that we ensure our access solutions are built to last. Most notably, GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats are quality control tested to ensure their durability and overall performance. These access mats are manufactured through an innovative process that adheres Long Leaf Southern Yellow Pine wood fiber together perpendicularly instead of using bolts. This process makes Site Safe CLT access mats significantly stronger than traditional bolted mats. Furthermore, since GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats are not manufactured with bolts, these mats evenly distribute the weight of heavy machinery and equipment across the mat’s entire surface, making them more durable and flexible. So if you’re looking for an access mat that will last through even the most demanding applications, trust GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats!

The Lightweight and Industry-Leading Option

One of the critical benefits of GFI Solutions’ access matting is that our Site Safe CLT mats are lightweight and easy to transport and install. The kiln dried lumber and eco-friendly adhesive used on our Site Safe CLT access mats significantly reduces the overall weight of these mats. At the same time, the wax sealer on all four edges provides a moisture barrier that reduces the risk of rot, decay, and cross-contamination. Moreover, since Site Safe CLT access mats weigh significantly less than traditional bolted mats, you can save up to 60% on transportation costs! If you need access matting that is lightweight and cost-effective, GFI Solutions’ Site Safe CLT access mats are your best option!

Access Mats and More at GFI Solutions!

At GFI Solutions, we proudly provide innovative solutions and exceptional customer service. In addition to our Site Safe CLT access mats, we offer a range of A, B, and C-grade bolted access mats, rig mats, access bridges, crane mats and more! Our inventory and value-adding turn-key services make GFI Solutions your one-stop shop for all your access solution needs. To learn more about our offering of access mats, contact our 24/7 customer service team today!

The Benefits of CLT Access Mats For Industrial Projects

The Benefits of CLT Access Mats For Industrial Projects

Mar 27, 2023 | Access Mats, News

Remote industrial projects are challenging, especially with Canada’s harsh and rugged terrain. When it comes to facilitating the transport of equipment and goods, you will need strong, durable and long-lasting access mats to ensure the safety and efficiency of your project. For those in the construction, infrastructure, oil & gas, mining and other heavy industries, CLT mats have become the go-to choice! Learn more about the benefits of CLT mats for industrial projects below!

How Are CLT Access Mats Manufactured? 

While traditional access mats use bolts to fasten wooden planks together, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats are created using a unique adhesive to bond the layers of wood together. Unlike traditional access mats, where Douglas Fir is used as the wood fiber, CLT mats are manufactured from Long Leaf Southern Yellow Pine Fibre, which is lighter, stronger and more environmentally friendly than Douglas Fir. The process of bonding layers of Southern Yellow Pine wood fiber allows our CLT mats to outperform traditional botled douglas fir mats. Some of the benefits include:

  • Strength:

Even though CLT mats are 40% lighter than regular bolted mats, they offer 30% more strength! They can easily and safely withstand the weight of heavy machinery, cranes, rigs, excavators and more!

  • Flexibility:

The unique manufacturing process of CLT access mats allows for better weight distribution across the mat. Unlike bolted mats, where the weight is only focused on the bolts, CLT mats evenly distribute the weight across the surface to prevent breakage and maintain the smooth operation of your project.

  • Durability:

A vital step in engineering Site Safe CLT mats is using a wax sealant and glue lamination to ensure maximum life longevity from rot and decay. CLT access mats offer twice the strength and are 5X stiffer than conventional bolted mats. If dropped or mishandled, CLT mats will not diamond or easily deform.

  • Environmentally Friendly:

CLT access mats are designed to offer project managers and contractors an environmentally friendly access solution. Not only is the adhesive used to bond the wood environmentally safe, but Southern Yellow Pine Wood is also grown to harvestable maturity in 20 years. Instead of using strong metals and unsustainable wood, CLT access mats are manufactured with sustainability in mind.

  • Multiple Options:

At GFI Solutions, we understand that each project has its unique challenges, which is why we offer multiple CLT access mats suitable for your unique needs. Rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all access mat, you can choose one of our multiple sizes available or contact us for custom manufacturing.

Purchase CLT Access Mats Today! 

GFI Solutions is proud to be Western Canada’s leading source for CLT access mat solutions! Contact our team to learn more about our matting solutions today!

Should You Buy Or Rent Construction Mats

Should You Buy Or Rent Construction Mats

Mar 27, 2023 | Access Mats, News

If you work in the construction, pipeline, civil engineering, power transmission or other industries that require safe site access mats, you know that not all jobs and job sites are the same. The type of access mating solution you need will not only depend on the type of project, but it will also depend on the project’s duration, the weather, maintenance and any other factor that can cause delays.

One of the most common factors that could cause delays during a project is supply chain and/or logistics. Oftentimes project managers either can’t find the right access mat for the job or are unable to purchase enough mats for the scope of the project. As a result, projects are delayed and extended beyond their specified timeline.

To avoid costly project delays due to a shortage of access inventory, GFI Solutions is proud to introduce our construction mat rental service. We understand the challenges that many projects face due to a lack of access mats, which is why we offer a variety of matting solutions available for both rental and purchase. Read on to learn more about our access mating solutions for remote worksites, including our rental service.

Rental Service:

Ground protection is essential in all remote locations, especially with heavy industrial projects. One of the most important factors you should consider before sending out an order for access mats is the duration of your project. Many access mating providers charge a daily rate for construction mat rental or set an amount for a predetermined rental period. To avoid any costs that may be charged for additional time, assess your project’s duration before contacting your ground protection provider.

At GFI Solutions, we offer different types of mat grades according to your mat needs. Depending on your project’s needs and the type of certain applications, you can rent or purchase A, B, or C grade mats. Contact our experts to learn more about our mat grading!

Delivery and Installation:

GFI’s Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats can save you up to 60% on delivery and 40% on labour. The unique process of manufacturing CLT mats results in a stronger and lighter product that can be easily transported to your worksite. Compared to traditional bolted construction mats, CLT mats are two-thirds the weight of traditional bolted mats. Not only can we deliver up to 72 mats per load, but we can also fit more mats on shuttle trucks and loaders, which increases your savings on installation and removal.

Save Money and Gain Quality

With GFI Solutions, you will no longer have to worry about sacrificing quality for affordable matting solutions. We work closely with our partners to ensure that they receive the matting solution they need at an affordable price. Looking for an affordable and high-quality construction mat rental? Request a quote today!

The Benefits of CLT Access Mats For Industrial Projects

Tips On Proper Access Mat Installation

Mar 21, 2023 | Access Mats, News

Access mats are essential in many heavy industry projects, especially with remote worksites. Not only do access mats protect the environment from chemicals and hazardous materials, but it also offers safe transportation for equipment and workers on rugged terrain. Many companies rely on heavy-duty access mats as they can withstand the weight of heavy machinery without altering ecologically sensitive areas. Access mat installation is crucial to the performance of the access mats and can help enhance the efficiency of your project. Read on to learn a few tips on proper access mat installation.

Plan For Project Scope

Before purchasing or renting access mats, take your time to plan out how many mats you need. If you need assistance with this, GFI representaives will conduct a site visit to determine how mats you require and the best way to install the access mats on the site. Site visits ensure we have a proper plan for the most cost effective delivery and installaiton of the access mats.

Plan For Possible Delays

With the drastic shift in Canadian weather, you must always plan for possible wetland areas and topical gaps on your worksite. You never know how the weather might suddenly change, so plan for possible scenarios where you might need a variety of different matting solutions like access mats, acess bridges, rig mats or crane mats.

Choose Suitable Products

While all industries are familiar with bolted access mats, they often take much longer to install as they are heavier. Cross Laminated Mats (CLT), on the other hand, are very simple and quick to install. They are lighter, more durable and much more cost-effective than traditional bolted mats. At GFI Solutions, we offer a wide range of CLT products, including:

  • Site Safe Access Mat® 300 Clt
  • Site Safe Access Mat® 500 Mat Clt
  • Site Safe Access Mat™ Bridges
  • Worksite Access Mats
  • Professional Access Mat Installation

Many project managers and contractors opt to have their workers install their access mats, not knowing that improper installation can lead to many worksite delays. Our Site Safe portable access bridge, for example, is an easy-to-deliver access solution but requires the help of GFI experts for proper installation. Our team is professionally trained to effectively install Site Safe bridges, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of your heavy machinery and equipment.

Find Safe Site Access Solutions at GFI

Professional access mat installation is only one of the elements that enhance the performance of your project. At GFI Solutions, we offer the following services to help avoid any possible delays within projects:

  • Inventory Management
  • Mat Washing
  • Turn-Key Services
  • Planning & Consultation
  • Manufacturing
  • Delivery

Contact GFI Solutions For Your Access Mat Installation

Contact us today for more information on our access mat installation service!

Our 24/7 support team is available to help you find the right solution for your matting needs.

CLT Rig Mats Outperform Traditional Steel Framed Rig Mats; Here’s How!

CLT Rig Mats Outperform Traditional Steel Framed Rig Mats; Here’s How!

Mar 21, 2023 | Access Mats, News

Are you looking for a rig mat that can outlast and outperform traditional steel-framed rig mats? If so, GFI Solutions has the access solutions you need! From access bridges and matting to mat washing, delivery, installation, rentals and sales, GFI Solutions is your one-stop shop for access solutions and services. In particular, our offering of Site Safe CLT rig mats is incredibly durable and high-performing compared to traditional rig mats. Continue reading to learn more about how CLT rig mats compare to traditional mats!

How are Rig Mats Different from Access Mats?

When it comes to access solutions, access mats and rig mats are two different types of access solutions. Access mats are 8′ x 14′ and are manufactured using 3-plys of 2′ x 8′ lumber which is either bolted together or cross-laminated to one another. Rig mats are an access solution explicitly manufactured and used to transfer and manage heavy loads. Traditional steel frame rig mats come in two common sizes, 8′ x 20′ and 8′ x 40′. Traditional rig mats are manufactured using a 3 or 4-rail steel frame configuration with cross beams. This creates pockets which are filled with timbers. CLT Rig mats from GFI Solutions are manufactured using five perpendicular cross layers of solid wood, eliminating the need for a steel frame. Like other access solutions, Rig mats provide your workers and equipment a safe way of operating in your project’s remote site regardless of the environment. GFI Solutions has both traditional rig mats and access mats, along with CLT access and rig mats in our fleet, available for rental or sale.

Comparing CLT and Traditional Steel Frame Rig Mats

Traditional steel frame rig mats are common access solutions for many projects; however, lighter, more cost-effective options are available on the market. Site Safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats are an industry-leading product for a good reason! They’re manufactured through an innovative and environmentally sustainable process, which allows these CLT rig mats to outperform the competition. Below are a few ways CLT rig mats stand out from the competition:

  • Made from sustainably sourced Southern Yellow Pine which is 33% harder than Douglas Fir.
  • Adhered with eco-friendly adhesive, all four edges are sealed with a wax solution repelling moisture.
  • Greater flexibility to withstand heavy loads and conform to uneven ground.
  • Lighter weight means you can transport more mats per load.
  • Lighter weight makes them easier to install and move around your job site.

With all these benefits and more, CLT rig mats are a great option when you need access solutions that can withstand the heaviest loads. Our team of access solution experts can help you determine the optimal number of CLT rig mats for your project. In addition, GFI Solutions also offers a range of turn-key solutions, so our team can assist you with your access solutions from the start of your project to the end. We are available 24/7 to support you with your CLT and traditional rig mat and access solution questions. Feel free to reach out anytime; GFI Solutions is here to help!

Rig Mats, Access Solutions, and More!

In addition to our access matting and bridge inventory, GFI Solutions provides various value-adding services like mat inventory management, delivery, rentals and more. When you need high-quality access solutions, let the team at GFI Solutions assist you in finding the right solution for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our CLT rig mats, other access solutions, or services!