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!