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!
Feb 10, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Need access mats that are ready to go, fast to install, and built to withstand whatever you can throw at them? If you’re looking for CLT access mats that you can depend on, GFI Solutions is here to help. As Western Canada’s leading source for access solutions and your exclusive source for TerraLam® products manufactured by Sterling Solutions, GFI is proud to partner with customers spanning the oil & gas, power, renewables, construction, forestry, mining, and other heavy industrial sectors to offer 24/7 support. From rentals and sales to delivery and installation, we’ve got you covered.
Lay the Groundwork for Success
Access mats play a vital role in protecting both the environment and offer a safe method of transport for fleets in locations where the topographical terrain is less than ideal. Proper installation is key to ensuring the best performance and long term sustainability. GFI Solutions offers 24/7 delivery with same-day shipping for your convenience, as well as expedited installation to ensure your mats are perfectly laid for your exact needs. From standard access mats to bridges and more, GFI is there to assist when it matters most.
Why it’s Time to Switch to CLT
If you’re looking for the top matting products that offer superior ROI, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are your best choice. TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber mats are designed to improve upon the performance of traditional bolted timber mats and are manufactured using a unique process that bonds planks together with an environmentally safe adhesive as opposed to bolting points. This method allows mats to flex under the weight of heavy loads and disperse the demand evenly to avoid sudden breakages or splintering.
The toughest CLT mats such as TerraLam®’s 500 models are able to handle the load of machinery with ease, meaning no matter your job, TerraLam® has you covered. With GFI’s delivery, setup, teardown and wash down services, you can rest assured that we have your back, every step of the way.
Partner with GFI Today
GFI Solutions offers comprehensive matting services across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, as well as washing and more. Our inventory features TerraLam®’s 300 and 500 series mats, which include multiple sizes 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. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mat, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help.
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Nov 23, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Cooler weather is just around the corner, are your site access solutions prepared?
It’s no secret that Canada is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and terrains, as well as some harsh and unpredictable weather shifts all year round. As summer gives way to winter and eventually to the freeze/melt cycles of spring, having the right access solutions in place can help protect your team and equipment, while also making sure you stay on track with timing.
As a rising star in the matting industry, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have become the go-to solution by the biggest players in the construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, petrochemical, mining, power and related heavy industries. In addition to a lighter profile that makes it easy to haul up to 25% more per shipment, as well as a life cycle that can last up to 3-5 times longer, CLT mats offer exceptional strength under even the toughest of conditions. Learn more about the benefits of using CLT mats for temporary site access solutions below!
What is Cross Laminated Timber?
Cross-Laminated Timber mats, better known as “CLT mats” differ from traditional bolted mats largely due to their unique design/manufacturing process. Where traditional mats, as the name suggests, are made by bolting mixed planks together, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood (southern yellow pine in the case of TerraLam® matting) with a special adhesive. This process allows the mat to flex under pressure and evenly distribute weight through the entire surface area to reduce the chance of breakages, even under heavy loads. CLT mats are preferred industry-wide due to their ability to:
Flex Under Pressure
Despite being 40% lighter than most bolted mats, CLT mats offer superior strength, with certain models even being capable of assisting with heavy machinery like cranes, and more.
Take a beating
Need mats that won’t give out in tough conditions? No problem! TerraLam® access mats have been tested successfully in temperatures as low as -70°F and as high as 150°F and the solid top of the mats makes it easy to clear mud, snow, or ice.
Fulfill Sustainability Requirements
TerraLam® mats are made with an adhesive that becomes chemically inactive once it leaves Sterling’s facility, meaning that it presents no potential to harm the environment and the mat itself will help protect the ground from unnecessary disturbance.
Comes in Multiple Sizes
TerraLam® Mats are available in 3 or 5-ply construction, with multiple sizes available.
Canada’s Exclusive Source For TerraLam®
As Canada’s leading source for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to be the sole Canadian distributor of Sterling Solutions‘ range of TerraLam® products, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Learn more about TerraLam® mats by contacting our team today.
