5 Cost-Saving Benefits of Access Mats in Construction Projects

5 Cost-Saving Benefits of Access Mats in Construction Projects

Whether big or small, construction projects have their share of difficulties.

One frequent problem is going over the budget. Unexpected hold-ups, damage to the ground, or heavy equipment getting stuck can all lead to extra expenses.

Access Mats in Construction Projects

But what if there was an easy way to stop these issues and keep your project on schedule? Of course, there is! Access Mats – the crucial tool for construction sites. These adaptable mats can be used as temporary roads, work areas, drilling platforms, and more. They not only offer stability and protection for your site but also help you avoid expensive delays and damages. 

Access mats provide temporary surfaces for vehicles and machinery to move around easily without even harming the ground. So, even if your construction site is muddy, uneven or, it needs a solid surface to run cranes or trucks – access mats are the perfect choice. 

Now, take a look at how these mats can help avoid going over budget.

Prevent Expensive Ground Repairs

When large machines travel over bare/unprotected ground, they can create deep tracks, compact the soil, and harm the environment.

Fixing the ground after a project can be very costly. Using access mats helps by providing a strong, protective surface that spreads out the weight and pressure, keeping the ground safe. This reduces the need for expensive repairs at the end of the project.

Avoid Equipment Delays

When equipment gets stuck in mud or rough areas, it can mess up your project timeline. When machines stop working, progress slows and costs go up. Using access mats gives you a solid, flat surface, which lowers the chance of equipment getting stuck and lets your machines move easily, even in tough conditions.

Prevent Weather-Related Delays

Your project can’t wait on bad weather. However, rain, mud, and other conditions can make it very difficult for vehicles and workers to move around the construction site. Heavy rain and muddy conditions lead to delays, missed deadlines, and of course, increased costs.

Using access mats can eliminate this costly risk. Access mats provide a stable surface that does not get affected by the weather, allowing work to continue even in challenging conditions. Using access mats will help you stay on schedule and avoid costly downtime.

Quick Site Setup and Removal

In construction, time is valuable. Access mats are easy to install and remove, helping you quickly create temporary roads or work areas. The ease of use means you can start your project sooner and finish it faster, avoiding any extra delays that could increase costs.

Extend Equipment Life

Rough or uneven ground can harm your equipment, causing more frequent repairs or replacements. This can become costly over time. Access mats -offer a safe, flat surface for your machinery to work on. This smooth surface reduces damage to tires, engines, and hydraulic systems. As a result, the equipment lasts longer – saving you money on frequent repairs and replacements over time.

Benefits of Access Mats in Construction Projects

Bottom Line

If you have a project, you need to consider buying or renting the best-quality access mats for construction sites? Contact GFI Solutions LTD today!

While we offer traditional bolted diglas fir access mats we also offer many other access solutions. One of our solutions is Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats which are made using advanced Cross Laminated Timber technology. That’s why these mats are 3 to 5 times stronger when compared to bolted mats. All our access mats are extremely durable, eco-friendly, and can withstand harsh conditions. 

Our standard mats measure 8 feet by 14 feet and are 5 inches thick. However, we can also create custom sizes to fit the unique needs of your construction project.

We offer both rental and purchase options for access mats including 3-layer SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats, 5-layer SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats, 7-layer SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats, SiteSafe™ Rubber Access Mats, Traditional Bolted Access Mats, Rig Mats and Crane Mats.

Explore our full product range today at our website! Our experts can also guide you with installation, delivery, or cleaning services.  

Call us today!

3 Types of Access Mat Grades You Must Know About to Choose the Right One for Your Project

3 Types of Access Mat Grades You Must Know About to Choose the Right One for Your Project

When faced with the reality of navigating through rugged landscapes such as mud, swamps, or uneven terrain, access mats emerge as the unsung heroes of construction. But with various access mat grades available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This post will break down the different access mat grades, explaining their basic details to ensure you select the proper access mat for your project.

#1 Grade A Mats

Grade A mats look like new but are used. They typically have minimal field use and negligible wear and tear, Grade A mats retain their original shape and structural integrity. All boards, nuts and bolts  are fully in tact.  Apart from investing in new access mats, Grade A mats are the next best option. They offer unmatched durability and reliability, making them the superior choice among other used options.

#2 Grade B Mats

Grade A and Grade B mats are pretty similar in appearance but not equally matched. Grade B mats are still structurally sound but will have moire wear and tear than a A grade access mat. While these mats may have slight cosmetic variations, their strength and functionality remain unaffected. So, don’t let the visual inadequacies of Grade B mats fool you. Despite showing some wear & tear, Grade B mats retain their fundamental qualities – stability and load capacity – making them a reliable option for most projects. Opting for Grade B mats can prove to be a savvy cost-saving strategy, particularly if you intend to utilize tracked equipment.

Access Mat Grade

#3 Grade C Mats

This type of mat may be missing top boards, nuts, bolts and typically does not have all four corners in tact. Grade C mats are often used as a budget-friendly solution for projects requiring less capacity. Many projects need various layers of matting. Grade C mats can also be used in such scenarios as base layers. 

Now that you better understand access mat grades, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect solution for your project’s specific needs. Whether you require the top-tier performance of Grade A mats or the cost-effective functionality of Grade C, GFI Solutions LTD offers a comprehensive selection of access mats for sale. From traditional bolted access mats to specialized options like CLT access mats, our team of experts is here to guide you toward the optimal choice for your project’s success.  

We have decades of experience helping clients overcome challenging terrain using our access mats. Our experts work hand in hand with clients to assist them in finding the optimum solution for their project. Contact us today to discuss your access matting requirements and experience the difference our products and expertise can make.

 

Rent Relief with GFI Crane Mat Solutions!

Rent Relief with GFI Crane Mat Solutions!

Need some heavy-duty site access solutions to get you through construction season? If you’re on the look for crane matting that you can count on but aren’t sure if you’re ready to make the commitment of purchasing for the long term, GFI Solutions is here to help. As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access matting solutions including both rental and sale options, we’re proud to partner with heavy industry clients in the oil & gas, power, mining, construction, and related sectors to make sure you have everything you need to succeed in 2022! With a wide inventory of access mats, including our heavy-duty 500 lines, you can count on the team at GFI to help you get where you need to go. Learn more about the benefit of CLT access mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.

Performance You Can Trust

At GFI Solutions, our decades of industry experience have taught us the value of having access to the solutions you need when it matters most. Since day one, our goal has been making it easy to get the mats you need fast. Our inventory features the highest quality matting options available on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. Designed to offer superior performance alongside lower costs and a lifecycle that’s 3-5 times longer than bolted mats, it’s no wonder that CLT has taken over as the industry standard, and the preferred solution of choice among many leaders in the construction and heavy industrial world. Simply put, when you need crane and access mats you can count on to stand up to the toughest tasks, you need CLT matting!

Why CLT?

As we’ve mentioned above, CLT mats have made a profound mark on the site access industry, and have blazed a new path forward for safer, more efficient solutions. Unlike their predecessors, CLT rig and access 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. With the strain being evenly distributed, the mat is far less likely to snap under pressure, even when subject to the heaviest loads caused by heavy equipment like cranes, excavators, etc. At GFI, we’re proud to feature our 500 series for rig/crane applications and offer this 5 ply mat in is a 5 ply CLT available in multiple sizes for your convenience. If you require even more strength we also offer the 700 series which is a 7 ply CLT, making it one tough mat to tackle!

GFI: There When It Matters Most

GFI knows just how important it is to have access to reliable, cost-effective solutions when it matters most. Our commitment to you is that we’ll always have your back, rain, snow or shine. With 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.