Jun 16, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Our Canadian terrain faces some unique challenges associated with the ever-changing climate throughout the year. The freeze-thaw cycle and extreme temperatures can leave your work site’s foundation riddled with mud, ice, snow, and uneven ground, making transportation difficult. If you’re a project manager looking to stay on track and budget, site-safe access mats offer safety and affordability with minimal disruption.
At GFI Solutions, we are Canada’s leading provider of access mats, including Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® CLT mats. When it comes to the heavy-duty needs of our drilling sector customers, we know there’s no room for error or subpar mats. Keep reading to learn more about CLT mats!
TerraLam® CLT Matting an Industry Leader
Engineered to be up to 40% lighter than standard bolted mats, GFI’s TerraLam® CLT mats are a step towards incredible quality. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) provides significant improvements over traditional bolted mats. They’re manufactured through a process that involves adhering perpendicular layers of wood together to create a solid structure that has a 3-5 times longer lifespan. Even under heavy pressure, our TerraLam® mats provide exceptional access solutions that make them well suited for a range of applications and job sites.
TerraLam® has two options in their safety access mats the 500-series and the 300-series. The 500-series lineup is ideal for supporting heavy-duty trucks and tracked equipment like those expected of rig and crane mats. Meanwhile, the 300-series are best suited for general ground protection, access roads, and drilling/equipment staging platforms. At GFI Solutions, our offering of TerraLam® access mats is sure to be the drilling mats you can count on.
CLT Mats V.S. Bolted Mats
While bolted mats or timber mats are the traditional choices for access solutions, that doesn’t mean they’re the best option available in the market. One of the main factors that make bolted mats less suited for most industries is that they’re made from hard and softwood. With no specific standard to control the quality, timber mats have a short lifespan. In comparison, CLT mats are made from high-grade Southern Yellow Pine, which makes CLT mats better suited for heavy-duty jobs and challenging conditions. At GFI, our CLT mats also offer the following advantages:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all four edges of the mat results in a mat less prone to moisture and rot.
- Resistance to our Canadian climate.
- Solid top, which reduces tripping hazards.
- Decreased shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (more CLT mats can be shipped in comparison to bolted mats), and more!
GFI Solutions Your Source for Access Solutions
From heavy-duty applications like drilling and rig work to custom roadways for your unique project, GFI Solutions is here to help you build the transportation solutions you need. We are proud to be Alberta’s top choice for safe access solutions; that’s why GFI offers a range of services, including 24/7 rental and sales support, expedited delivery, installation, and more. If you’re looking to try out the durability of our TerraLam® CLT mats before buying or need to replace a failing mat as soon as possible, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more!
Apr 18, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you wondering whether you need swamp mats, access mats or rig mats for your upcoming project? Whether your project is for the oil & gas, energy sector or petrochemical industry, GFI Solutions offers matting solutions for all industries. We are proud to be one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site access solutions offering Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® CLT Access Mat products.
To help you decide which matting is best suited for your project, we have devised an overview of the use of each product, the differences between them and which product would be the best fit for you. Read on to learn more!
Access Mats VS. Swamp Mats
A common confusion in the matting industry is the difference between access mats and swamp mats. Consumers tend to use these terms thinking they’re different products, when in reality, access mats and swam mats refer to the same generic product. “Swamp mats” are more commonly used in southern regions where the weather is more humid, creating a swamp/marsh-like terrain. For Canadian weather, CLT access mat is the term that describes matting solutions used to create makeshift roadways in and out of a job site.
Rig Mats
The term used to describe access mats that are predominantly created to withstand heavy loads or heavy machinery is “rig mats.” These particular mats can handle a wide range of weights up to 2667 lbs. Unlike standard access mats, rig mats generally have a steel frame that enables them to withstand rigs, cranes and several other heavy types of equipment commonly used in worksites.
What Is The Solution For You?
Depending on your worksite, you might need rig mats, access mats, or both! If you’re looking for matting solutions for uneven terrain, then the best option for you would be GFI Solutions’ Cross Laminated Timber mats. Rig mats should be a necessity in your worksite if you will be using heavy loads and equipment.
GFI Solutions ensure lighter, faster and longer-lasting matting solutions for your project. Our TerraLam mats are two-thirds the weight of standard bolted mats, which allows us to transport 72 mats per load, saving you up to 60% of transportation fees. We guarantee long-lasting matting solutions; we won’t charge for any damage or replacement costs. Our team of experts is available 24/7 for any service or support issues.
Contact us now to purchase or rent the matting products you need for your upcoming project!
Feb 25, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Spring is around the corner…are your job sites ready to tackle the challenges of winter thaw? GFI Solutions is here to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed this construction season, including readily available access to site safe access, crane, and rig CLT mats. Designed for unbeatable performance and safety, CLT mats are your first choice for secure and easy-to-navigate construction all year round. Read on to learn more about the benefits of CLT Rig mats, and why you need to partner with GFI today!
Performance You Can Count On
Whether you’re in the oil and gas sector, transportation, or power industries, knowing that you have a safe foundation is key. CLT access mats have quickly become the industry standard for access matting in heavy industries thanks to their ability to stand up to extreme demands and last from project to project. Made from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine lumber, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats outperform competitors in almost every single category including strength, longevity, and overall cost.
What’s the secret to the success of CLT access mats? Their unique design! Unlike bolted mats that use bolted fasteners to hold planks together, unintentionally creating focal points that lead to a higher chance of breakages, CLT mats are bound together using an environmentally safe adhesive. This process of binding mats together instead of bolting allows them to flex under pressure rather than cracking. This enhanced durability makes CLT mats ideal for use with cranes, rigs, and other heavy equipment that require extra strength to perform under pressure. CLT mats also help to increase on-site safety by removing the hazards presented by bolts, which can puncture tires, scratch your equipment, and ultimately present a risk for workers on site.
GFI Solutions maintains a regular stock of site safe CLT rig and crane mats including our CLT 300 and CLT 500 mats, both of which come in various standardizations as follows:
3- or 5-ply Construction
- 300 CLT – 8’ wide x 4’ thru 16’ long
- 500 CLT – 4’ wide x 4’ thru 18’ long
- 500 CLT – 8’ wide x 4’ thru 18’ long
Partner with GFI Today
GFI Solutions is proud to be a Canadian-based supplier of leading right mat solutions, including site safe Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats. No matter where you are in Canada, you can trust GFI to bring you innovation, cost-saving benefits, and the best in quality access matting. With 24/7 support, same-day shipping and even turnkey services designed to get you up to speed, GFI always has you covered. Contact us to get more information about our CLT rig mats and safe access solutions today!
Feb 15, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Get ready for site-safe access matting that you can rely on! GFI Solutions is bringing Calgary the best in site-safe access with our CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) access mats. GFI is proud to be Sterling Solutions’ exclusive Canadian retailer for these innovative and exciting CLT mats. Made stronger and lighter than the rest, these site-safe access mats make worksites safer and more efficient every time, not to mention they save you money long-term. Keep reading to learn why CLT mats are the new standard in site-safe access.
Better Durability
Get ready for the perfect upgrade! Our CLT mats set the standard for greatness with their improved durability. These mats are stronger than traditional bolted mats because they are made with southern yellow pine fibre. Southern yellow pine fibre is a stronger material that can hold higher loads easily and last longer than other materials. Standard access mats are usually made with a mix of hard and softwoods, making them less reliable. Since CLT mats are engineered for higher performance and durability, they last 3-5 times longer, making them a better investment than their competitors.
CLT access mats are also bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that keeps the planks held together securely. This innovative adhesive allows the weight to be better distributed across the platform. As a result, CLT mats can withstand the heavier weight of cranes, rigs and other equipment without breaking or splintering. CLT mats are designed to last longer, no matter the load.
Better Cost-Saving
Saving money on access matting that can surpass standards every time is easy with CLT access mats. From transport to take down, CLT access mats save you money throughout your entire project. With CLT, you save money on:
- Transportation
- Damage
- Replacement
- Maintenance
- Equipment
- Labour
As a more durable and lighter access mat, you get to enjoy the benefits of a product that will outlast the traditional access matting while also saving you money in various other ways. Since these access mats are 40% lighter than their competitor, more mats fit per load, allowing for up to 25% more mats to fit per load.
Their lighter weight also allows for less time to install and remove these mats. As a result, you can enjoy reduced equipment and labour fees since moving CLT mats is easy and much more efficient than traditional access mats. Constructed with several cost-saving benefits in mind, CLT access mats are the best way to save money long-term and enjoy an impressive ROI.
Better Service
GFI Solutions brings you the service you deserve for every worksite you’re on. We know that your needs come first, and we’re ready to help you with any questions you have. That’s why we offer 24/7 service to all of our clients. We know that every worksite is dynamic and can come with its own set of issues. We are happy to support you to make sure everything runs as safely and efficiently as possible. Trust us to get you the support you need when you need it.
Partner With GFI Today
Ready to learn more? GFI Solutions is excited to work with you to upgrade your worksite with the best in site-safe access. Contact us to learn more today!
Feb 15, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you looking for site-safe access mats that increase worksite productivity, safety, environmental compliance, and give you superior ROI on your dollar? You need CLT access mats! If you’re tired of dealing with the hassle of constantly replacing heavy bolted mats and facing sudden failures when they snap under pressure, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) site safe access mats are the answer you’ve been waiting for. As one of Canada’s top supplies of CLT solutions, GFI Solutions is here to help you create the safest, most efficient job site possible. With clients spanning multiple sectors, we know just how important it is to always have access to the solutions you need when it matters most.
With the high-quality mats of all levels and sizes available, as well as industry-leading services that include delivery, installation, mat washing, inventory management and more, GFI Solutions is your first choice for CLT access mats across the nation, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Full-Scale Support
Construction and development season in Canada is a non-stop endeavour, with no room for delays caused by terrain or weather. At GFI we know that time is money, and that having the right assets in place can help you avoid costly delays and mishaps that set your team back and leave you scrambling to catch up down the line. We believe in providing full-scale site access support that you can count on, all year round. In addition to offering sales and rentals for access mats and bridges, we give you access to 24/7 sales support, same-day shipping, installation services, inventory management, planning and consultation, and more. Partnering with GFI means fewer headaches, increased efficiency, and most importantly, dependable resources you can count on to help you see the job through to the finish line.
WHY CHOOSE CLT MATS?
Cross Laminated Timber mats have taken over as the reigning champion of the site access industry, leaving bolted mats in the dust in terms of cost, performance, and longevity. Carefully engineered to improve the performance of traditional bolted mats, the key difference and secret to the success of CLT mats are found in their manufacturing process. Unlike bolted mats, which rely on the strength of their bolts and the heaviness of their planks to stand up to the demands of transport fleets and equipment, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to form the finished product.
As a result of these bonding methods, the mats are much more flexible and can evenly distribute the weight of each load across the whole unit, rather than localizing the strain on bolt points. Despite weight up to 40% less than standard bolted mats, CLT access mats can stand up to the same demands, with 500 level models performing the same tasks as traditional rig and crane mats, all while saving you money on shipping and transport thanks to the much lighter profile.
PARTNER WITH GFI Solutions
GFI Solutions proudly offers comprehensive matting services all across Canada, including rentals, sales, delivery and installation, and more. Our inventory is constantly restocked and includes a wide range of site-safe access mats in multiple sizes and weights for your convenience. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mat, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help.
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