CLT Access Mats: Separating Fact From Fiction Part One

CLT Access Mats: Separating Fact From Fiction Part One

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!

Protect the Landscape With CLT Access Mats

Protect the Landscape With CLT Access Mats

Feb 23, 2021 | Access Mats, News

In today’s industrial market, environmental considerations play a huge part in moderating job sites and ensuring that everyone upholds the stringent standards that continue to be put in place. Site access solutions like mats and bridges make it possible to safely navigate your job site while also protecting the environment and reducing the damage caused by equipment and processes. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including both their 300 and 500 level CLT access mats.

TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that creates a flexible, stronger, product that you can depend on. Perfect for a wide range of applications, TerraLam®CLT access mats make it possible to fulfill environmental guidelines without breaking the bank, and can even save you up to 60% on shipping. Learn more about the environmental benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats below!

Protect the Landscape

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to mitigating the damage caused to a remote job site is minimizing the impact that heavy machinery and trucks have when going to and from your location. Without a makeshift road in place, you will face the decision of needing to build a permanent access point or risking damage to your fleet by forcing it to navigate unfavourable terrain. Both options are quite costly in the long run, and the latter can lead to costly fees. Using TerraLam® access mats puts a barrier between heavy equipment and the ground, giving you peace of mind and helping to keep both your fleet and the surrounding landscape safe from harm.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Another challenge of protecting the environment while maintaining your operations is upholding standards and taking precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Those in the petrochemical, oil & gas, mining and related heavy industries often must haul dangerous chemicals to and from a job site, which can risk contamination should they reach the ground’s surface. TerraLam® CLT Mats are easily washable which can, in turn, reduce the chance of this occurring and ensure you’re compliant with all regulations.

Uphold Site Safety

TerraLam® CLT access mats put safety at the forefront, with their benefits extending to both the environment and your crew. Protecting the ground also helps to reduce wear and tear on your vehicles and a stable roadway alleviates multiple job site risks. TerraLam® mats are designed to uphold the highest standards, and with superior durability (3-5 times the lifespan of traditional bolted mats), you can count on TerraLam® access solutions to keep you covered, project after project.

About GFI Solutions

As one of Canada’s leading sources for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to carry the best products available on the market. We are Canada’s exclusive distributor of Sterling Solutions‘ range of TerraLam® CLT products. 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. For all of your site access needs including rentals, sales, mat washing and more, contact our team today!