Feb 16, 2022 | Access Mats, News
With winter finally on its way out, it’s time to make sure that your swamp mats (more commonly referred to as access mats throughout Canada) are ready for peak construction during the summer months. Thanks to the superior strength and versatility of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats set up doesn’t need to be complicated. GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s leading source for site safe access mats and to assist you with all of your site access needs from delivery and installation to mat washing and storage.
Below, we’ll cover some basic tips for the upkeep of swamp mats to help extend the lifetime of your access mats and keep them in top condition from job to job. Read on to learn more!
Make the Right Selection
The number one way to ensure your mats last as long as possible is to select the right fit for the specific needs of your job site. For sites with heavy equipment or intensive hauling needs, for example, consider looking at easy duty mats like CLT 500 or 800 models that can handle the same capacity as rig or crane mats. When speaking with your dealer, be honest about the needs of your project, the condition of your job site. We’ll be able to help you find the best fit for your specific needs and advise you of any specific needs that you’ll want to keep in mind.
Installation
Choosing the right mats is key, but making sure they’re installed correctly is just as important. Mats that aren’t placed properly run a higher risk of breakages, and can lead to headaches in the long run. GFI Solutions is happy to offer onsite installation services all year round to make sure you can operate with full confidence and minimal issues!
Placement
Not unlike installation, placement plays a huge role in ensuring you get the most out of your mats. The superior performance of CLT mats hinges on the unique overlapping plank design of the timber, so making sure that these strong points are best leveraged after installation is vital for the best outcome. Your installation experts will make sure that everything is put where, and how it needs to be for success.
Monitor Vehicle Speed
One of the biggest onsite factors that can degrade your mats quickly is undue stressors like vehicle speed, especially if your fleet has chains on during the winter or other abrasive/impacting features that will put a strain on the wood. To reduce the damage caused by transport convoys, have your trucks reduce their speed and proceed carefully in areas where access matting is used; doing so will go a long way towards keeping things safe and strong.
Cleaning and Storage
Finally, once your job is complete, your next phase of maintenance should ensure that all mats are cleaned to avoid any chemical damage as well as the risk of cross-contamination. Storage will also play a part in avoiding damage from the environment, so having safe options in place should always be a priority for enhanced ROI on your swamp mat investment.
GFI Matting Solutions: Your Choice for Worksite Success
GFI Solutions is proud to offer full-scale worksite matting support, including rentals, sales, delivery, installation, and mat washing, Canada-wide. Our inventory of site safe swamp mats features both 300 and 500 series mats, the ability to customize as needed multiple sizes for all models 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. Contact us today to learn more!
Dec 14, 2021 | Access Mats, News
In need of fast site access solutions that make it easy to stay on track, on budget, and keep clients satisfied? GFI Solutions is here to help! As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access solutions, including swamp mats, rig mats, access bridges, and more, our team is here to make sure you have the resources you need when it matters most. From the oil & gas to the power sector, and other industrial applications, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) matting is one of the most trusted tools of the trade.
GFI is proud to offer comprehensive services including delivery, rentals, mat washing, inventory management, all so you can tackle your job site with confidence.
No More Delays
At GFI we know that there’s never a good time to be stuck waiting for access mats to arrive. As one of the best ways to create safe transport and navigation around your site, protect equipment, and mitigate environmental damage, CLT mats are a must for any major operation. Delivery delays cause massive issues for project managers and lead to unnecessary stress for the rest of your operation. That’s why our team always has you covered with 24/7 service, 365 days a year. With same-day shipping available, there’s no need to worry about waiting for the products you need and paying extra for heavier expedited loads. Simply put, you can count on GFI to provide the solutions you need with no hassles, no headaches, and superior performance that’s sure to leave you satisfied.
Upgrade to CLT Mats Today
While bolted mats once were the traditional choice of industry leaders, these days, Cross Laminated Timber mats have taken their place as one of the most trusted and depended upon site access options on the market. Unlike bolted mats, which get their strength from the bolts in their planking, CLT mats are designed to provide even better results by bonding the mats together in alternating perpendicular layers. This method of bonding planks together makes the finished product much more flexible and capable of equally distributing loads throughout the entire mat to prevent breakages.
As an added benefit for those in the heavy-duty sectors: the toughest CLT mats, which are available in 500 models and up, are able to handle the shock of rig and crane machinery with ease.
GFI: Your Source for Site Safe CLT Mats
GFI Solutions proudly offers comprehensive matting services all across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, as well as washing and more. In addition to a robust inventory of the most 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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Jun 29, 2020 | Access Mats, News
In need of heavy-duty access mat solutions? Whether you’re in the oilfield, pipeline, or power industry, crane and rig mats are a highly valuable resource that can help mitigate accessibility challenges, as well as increase worksite safety and environmental sustainability. For decades, traditional timber mats have been the primary choice by default, but with newer innovations now available on the market, companies stand to benefit from the many advantages CLT benefits offer, including superior performance, increased savings, and more. Learn more about the reasons you should consider making the switch from timber to CLT crane mats below.
Why It’s Time For a Change
While it’s fair to say that timber matting has served its intended purpose over the past few decades, there is a common misconception that timber solutions are the strongest available. In actuality, however, bolted timber mats are made from a mixture of hard and soft woods that are not held to any specified standards. This means they cannot always be counted on to be as durable, and the required bolts can cause breaks at stress points when subjected to heavy pressure by cranes or other heavy machinery. Add in the fact that timber mats take multiple truckloads to transport and require complicated installation to get started, and it becomes apparent that timber mats are not always the most preferable option for the job.
As an innovative new solution, CLT mats address each of these issues, offering superior and long-lasting performance, as well as a significantly lighter weight profile (up to 40% less than bolted mats) that allows for up to 25% more mats to be shipped per load. Designed to perform under even the toughest of circumstances, CLT mats are versatile, long-lasting, and suitable for use in a wide range of industries including oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and more.
What Makes CLT Mats Different?
The secret to success where CLT mats are concerned comes down to their unique build and 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. Able to flex under the pressure of extreme loads like cranes, CLT mats evenly disperse weight throughout the entire mat as opposed to specific bolt points, 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 is proud to carry TerraLam®’s 500 series 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.
Jun 8, 2020 | Access Mats, News
When it comes to finding the best access solutions for your project, the ideal option offers a combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. With tight deadlines looming, knowing that you can trust your mats to perform as needed no matter the challenges at hand is invaluable. High-quality access and rig mats stand up to the pressure of heavy loads, helping you keep your job site safe, efficient, and on track. GFI Solutions is Western Canada’s leading supplier of CLT access matting solutions, including Sterling Solutions’ extensive range of TerraLam® products. Crafted from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine fibres, these mats offer exceptional durability and strength, as well as unbeatable return on investment. Learn more about the benefits of CLT rig mats below.
Innovation At Its Finest
As a relatively new addition to the field of access mats, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have quickly made a name for themselves as an indispensable resource for those in the oil & gas, construction, chemical, infrastructure, and related industries. Weighing up to 40% less than traditional bolted mats, CLT mats allow for the transport of 25% more units per load, saving you valuable time and money per load. With a life cycle that is typically 3-5 times longer than bolted mats and a superior strength profile, CLT mats can withstand heavy-duty applications, with certain models able to serve as rig and crane mats.
What Makes CLT Mats Different
The secret to the success of cross-laminated timber lies in its unique design. CLT mats are created through the process of bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to as opposed to the traditional methods favoured by bolted mats. The end result of this process is a product that is flexible and durable, with its strength coming from the fact that weight is evenly distributed through the entire mat leading to unbeatable performance in even the toughest of conditions.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the best available and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes TerraLam® mats ideal for heavy-duty applications, including acting as a foundation for cranes, and more.
Unparalleled Performance
In addition to their unique structure, CLT mats offer a wide variety of benefits, including:
- High impact resistance
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges makes it easier to repel moisture and rot.
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions, include heat and cold.
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tire damage to vehicles
- Able to handle heavy-duty applications
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats (more CLT mats can be shipped compared to bolted products), and more.
CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry TerraLam® products within our inventory, 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. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
