May 26, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Is your worksite in need of access solutions that make it easy to transport materials, equipment and more across difficult terrain? As one of Canada’s most turned to suppliers of access matting solutions, GFI is here to help! With an extensive inventory that features mats in a wide variety of sizes and weights. Our team takes pride in helping connect you with the resting fit for all your access needs. Site safe CLT Access Mat (also commonly called swamp mats) helps overcome the challenges posed by difficult landscapes and can save you up to 40% on labour and equipment, and 60% on shipping costs. For all your swamp mats, rig mats and site access needs, GFI has you covered. Learn more below.
Swamp Mats? Rig Mats? What’s the Difference?
Did you know that one of the most common misconceptions in the site access industry involves the term “swamp mats”? This is because there’s technically no such things as access mats, however, in the United States, where swampy terrain is more common, the term is used synonymously with standard access mats. When ordering new matting, it’s important to know the difference between general access mats or rig mats, both of which have distinct advantages designed to meet your needs. Rig mats, in particular, are designed to handle heavy-duty applications, and due to the steel framing that helps to reinforce the timber, often costs more. Knowing exactly what you need will save you time, money, and help keep your project on track.
Site Safe CLT Access Mats at GFI
When it comes to finding the best solutions on the market, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats takes top marks. Designed to improve on the performance of traditional bolted mats, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats use a new form of construction that involves binding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with a special adhesive for unmatched results. The bonding method used makes the mats much more flexible and able to distribute weight throughout the entire surface as opposed to just bolting points. This allows CLT mats to stand up to even the heaviest, toughest loads, without fear of sudden failures or breakages.
Key benefits of using CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability
- A lifecycle that lasts 3-5x as long as traditional bolted mats
- Resistant to moisture and rot
- Durable even in tough weather conditions
- Cheaper shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.
CLT Access Mats at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site safe access products across Canada. Our team of experts offers our customers access to 24/7 rental and sales service, as well as mat washing, installation, turnkey services, and more. Learn more about our products by contacting our team today!
May 13, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Facing unique challenges when it comes to accessing your job site thanks to Canada’s unique landscape and seasonally shifting terrain? With environmental sustainability and remediation becoming an increasing focal point when it comes to project grants and construction governance, having accessibility solutions that guard the ground as much as they protect your equipment is key. GFI Solutions is Canada’s first choice provider of access solutions including site-safe CLT access mats and bridges, both of which are designed to protect your fleet, as well as the surrounding environment. With environmental stewardship at the front of everyone’s mind, we’ll show you how CLT access mats help keep your operation compliant with all relevant standards. Learn more below.
Setting A New Standard for Protection
With today’s heavy industries evolving faster than ever before, the importance of ensuring that major players go the extra mile to practice environmental safekeeping is invaluable. Over the past decade, the Government has increasingly implemented more stringent standards for those in the Oil & Gas, construction, petroleum, and mining sectors, all with the intention of helping to minimize the long-lasting damage caused to job sites both during and after a project. Access mats and bridges play a key role in upholding these standards, while also increasing overall site safety by providing a stable, durable, roadway for crews and vehicles to navigate. When implemented on job sites, access mats help to maintain environmental standards by:
Reducing Ground Disturbance
It’s no secret that heavy-duty hauling and excavation can do a number on terrain, so implementing safeguards where possible is crucial. Access mats serve as a protective barrier and temporary road/foundation for trucks, excavators, cranes, rigs, and all other equipment that can cause significant damage when left to their own devices. Upon the completion of your project, the mats can easily be removed, leaving minimal damage in their wake and allow the landscape to return to normal as soon as possible.
Avoid Organic Cross-Contamination
It’s not uncommon for job sites to span multiple kinds of terrain and for trucks travelling through to introduce foreign organic material that can cause problems for the native ecosystem in the area. By using site safe access mats, you greatly reduce the chance of this occurring, both by adding a protective barrier as mentioned above, as well as by physically cleaning the mats between jobs or before replacing them in new areas, as should always be the standard.
Prevent Chemical Cross-Contamination
Alongside organic contamination, chemical cross-contamination poses an even bigger threat to the environment. Leaking oil, fluids, acids, and other compounds that may be a part of your operations can have permanent effects on the landscape, making access mats a necessity, as well as thorough mat cleaning at regular intervals to prevent build-up. While access mats alone can’t fully prevent the introduction of man-made chemicals to the environment, they greatly reduce the chances of accidental leaks and spills during transport and allow your team’s safety coordinators to focus on other areas where risks may be prevalent.
Partner With GFI Solutions Today
As one of Canada’s most trusted sources for site-safe access mats, GFI is proud to carry the best products available on the market. Our inventory features a wide range of CLT access mats, available in multiple sizes and weights for your convenience. From standard matting to rig and crane mats, we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit for your site, and with 24/7 service including delivery and installation for both rentals and purchases, we’ll always have you covered. For all of your site access needs including rentals, sales, mat washing and more, contact our team today!
