Jan 13, 2022 | Access Mats, News
If your crew is ramping for a new project, you’re likely in the process of procuring the many assets you need to keep things on schedule and efficient. Access mats (also known as swamp mats) are one of your best bets to overcome the challenges presented by the Canadian landscape and seasonal changes, all while keeping your equipment and your crew safe. With a diverse inventory featuring industry-leading site safe access solutions, GFI Solutions is one of Canada’s leading suppliers of swamp mats and more. We offer 24/7 sales and shipping, delivery, as well as on-site installation and mat washing to make keeping your job site on track easier than ever. Learn more about our solutions below!
Swamp Mats at GFI
It’s no secret that the Canadian landscape and weather can be one of your biggest enemies during construction. Sudden temperature shifts or precipitation can leave your job site full of mud and ice, making it almost impossible to transport heavy equipment and resources safely. Fortunately, CLT Access mats make it easy to conquer treacherous terrain and get the job done on time. Designed to improve on the old school structure and performance of traditional bolted mats, CLT mats are up to 25% lighter, have a life-cycle that’s 3-5 times that of a standard bolted mat, and can help you save up to 40% on labour and 60% on shipping. With superior performance and savings, it’s no wonder that CLT mats have become the go-to choice for industry heavyweights!
Swamp Vs Access Mats
If you’re in the market for access mats but aren’t sure what models best fit your needs, there’s no need to worry. Our inventory spans from standard 300 level mats all the way to heavy-duty 500 level models, access bridges, and more. If you’re a Canadian company that’s wondering what the difference between a “swamp” mat and an “access mat” is, we’ve got you covered there as well. Here’s a little breakdown of the “difference”:
Typically speaking, in most cases, swamp mats and access mats usually refer to the same products and are simply used interchangeably. “Swamp” terminology is simply more relevant in humid climates where they have more marsh and swamps than we do up north, hence the change in the phrase. With that being said, it’s important to remember that if you’re needing heavy-duty solutions for use with equipment like excavators, you will likely need a rig mat instead.
Site Safe Access Mats At GFI
GFI is your home for leading CLT access mats that give you a leg up on the job site and help to stack on track. Unlike traditional bolted mats, CLT mats are constructed by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood and with a special adhesive for unmatched strength and performance. This method of bonding planks together instead of bolting means that the mats are able to flex with each load to distribute weight evenly, resulting in increased strength and longevity. Additional benefits of site safe CLT mats include:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Able to withstand the Canadian climate, all year-round.
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tired damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs due to the lightweight nature of the mats (up to 60% more load capacity), and more.
Swamp Mats and More at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site access products across Canada and is proud to offer a wide range of mats and access bridges for every application. 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!
Nov 25, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Does your team need swamp mat solutions that you can count on? Tired of going over budget on mats that just don’t work and leave you having to constantly replace failure after failure? Whether you’re looking for short-term swamp mat rentals or a long-term investment, GFI Solutions has you covered. As Western Canada’s top source for access mat rentals and sales throughout Alberta’s hot spots like Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and more, our team partners with major players in multiple industries to provide exceptional site access support from CLT mats to bridges, inventory management, delivery, installation and more.
Learn more about site safe CLT mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
CLT Mats: Your Job Site’s Best Friend
We all know that Canada’s landscape can be less than kind when it comes to running a smooth project from start to finish. From changing seasons to shifting weather and tough terrain, site access mats are a no-brainer when it comes to helping your team stay on track.
If you’ve been stuck using traditional bolted mats for years and are looking for a new solution that’s guaranteed to save you time and money, it’s time to make the switch to CLT access mats.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are one of the newest options on the market; but have quickly become one of the most trusted and depended on for those in the heavy industry sectors. Weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, CLT mats give you unbeatable ROI for both rentals and purchases, and keep your job sites secure, no matter the circumstances.
With the heavier duty models capable of tackling jobs once reserved for rig and crane mats, all while still offering a lighter profile, your savings are ready to roll in. In fact, that lighter weight profile we mentioned allows you to ship up to 25% more mats per load, and with same-day shipping and extra fast delivery from GFI available, you’ll never have to worry about breaking the bank for subpar resources ever again.
How They Works
The secret to the success of Cross Laminated Timber mats lays in their unique design and composition. Unlike other mats that are bolted together, CLT mats are made by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This process of bonding planks together makes the mats extremely flexible, allowing them to evenly distribute weight and pressure and alleviate the concern of sudden failures.
When you choose CLT mats, you gain the advantages of highly innovative design as well as increased safety and performance that’s sure to blow your previous mats out of the water.
GFI: Here When It Matters Most
With decades of combined experience in the industry under our belts, GFI Solutions understands just how important it is to have access to reliable, cost-effective solutions when it matters most. Our commitment to our customers extends well beyond offering superior products to exceptional round-the-clock service. From 24/7 rental and sales support to inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation and more, GFI Solutions is here to ensure that your project has everything you need to continue on schedule. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats, we’re here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
Sep 3, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Access matting plays an integral role in keeping today’s job sites safe, accessible, and upholding environmental standards. Site safe access mats make it easy to overcome the challenges presented by uneven terrain, the Canadian climate, and other related topographical issues. GFI Solutions is proud to offer reliable access matting solutions that allow you to create temporary roadways, lay down stable foundations for heavy equipment. Our inventory features leading site safe access mats backed by a dependable warranty and unbeatable customer service. With CLT mats readily accessible, as well as delivery and installation services at your services, GFI has you covered. Learn more about CLT mats and partnering with GFI below!
Finding the Right Fit
One of the most important parts of making the most of your access mats is ensuring you have the right fit, as well as the right model for your specific needs. While you’re likely familiar with the term “access mats”, you may not be aware that this is often used as a “catch-all” for three different kinds of products. These products include:
Access Matting
Site safe access mats are the most common and dependent on resources when it comes to access solutions, and refers to any standard mat used on a job site. Access mats are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide variety of applications, including building temporary roadways, eliminating environmental hazards like cross-contamination, and more. Another term used in this category is “swamp mats”. It’s important to note that this is only a regional distinction in areas where swampland is prevalent and does not indicate a different kind of matting unless clearly specified. If you are unsure of what you need when ordering, please feel free to speak to one of our representatives for more information.
Rig/Crane Mats
Where access mats are best suited for your everyday applications, rig and crane mats are best saved for heavy-duty jobs that require intense strength and durability. As the name(s) indicate, rig and crane mats are often used as platform mats for rig and cranes, as well as any other heavy machinery that may be used on your job site. Heavy-duty mats can usually be identified by their steel frame, which provides extra durability and prevents breakages, even under extreme circumstances.
The main reason you’ll want to know the difference between access and rig/crane mats is that the latter will cost you more upfront and the former may not be able to handle the weight of extreme loads. Make sure you clarify what kind of safe site access mats you need with your GFI representative to ensure the best fit.
Meet The New Industry Leader
It’s time to say goodbye to heavy, inefficient, bolted mats. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are designed to offer superior performance, as well as:
- High impact resistance and durability.
- 3-5 times the lifespan of bolted mats.
- Solid matting tops that reduce tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles.
- Lower shipping costs
GFI Solutions is proud to be your source for CLT safe site access solutions, including a vast inventory of access mats, rig mats, access bridges, and more. Our team knows what it takes to stay safe and on target, and is here to assist every step of the way.
GFI Solutions Is Here To Help
GFI’s team of experts is available for 24/7 support including sales and rentals all throughout Canada. Contact us now to learn more!
