Oct 12, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Need dependable swamp mat solutions that save you time, money, and offer a long-lasting lifecycle that provides superior ROI? GFI has you covered! As one of Canada’s most trusted suppliers of site access solutions, including swamp/access mats, bridges, and a wide range of support services GFI Solutions makes it easy to overcome the challenges of the Canadian landscape and seasons, all while staying on track and on budget for your project. With a vast inventory of site-safe access mats, 24/7 shipping, and delivery as well as on-site installation and more, keeping your job site safe and efficient has never been easier!
Swamp Mats at GFI
Tired of dealing with equipment constantly getting stuck in the dirt or mud, facing constant challenges due to sudden weather changes, and losing valuable time and money on the job? You need access mats! CLT access mats are one of the leading site access solutions on the market today and are designed to improve on traditional bolted mats by helping you save up to 40% on labour and equipment, and up to 60% on shipping costs. For swamp mats, rig mats, and everything site access-related, GFI Solutions is your first choice provider, Canada-wide!
Swamp Vs Access Mats
Not sure what site access solutions you need? No problem! GFI’s highly qualified team is here to help. While many of us are familiar with the popular terms “access mats” and “swamp” mats, not everyone knows that they actually refer to the same product. This is vital to know when ordering, especially if you’re looking for heavy-duty solutions that can handle oversized equipment. In this case, you’ll want to look at rig or crane mats instead.
Why the confusion where swamp and access mats are concerned?
Simply put, the use of access matting terms tends to vary regionally, particularly down south where there are marsh and swamplands that require access solutions as opposed to the issues faced here in Northern Canada.
Site Safe Access Mats At GFI
Are you ready to experience the best access matting solutions on the market? CLT access mats blow the competition out of the water, and despite being newer in the industry, have quickly become the go-to standard for major projects. Unlike traditional bolted mats, CLT mats are constructed by alternating perpendicular layers of wood and bonding them together with a special adhesive for unmatched strength and performance. This method of construction 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.
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges of the mat to make it less vulnerable to moisture and rot.
- 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 at GFI
GFI Solutions distributes site access products across Canada and is proud to offer a wide range of mats 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!
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!
Nov 5, 2020 | Access Mats, News
In need of new sites access mats that are built to perform? Whether you’re in the oil & gas, petrochemical, or energy sector, there’s no doubt your job sites can benefit from reliable access solutions that allow you to conquer the Canadian wilderness and keep your project on track. Access mats, also known industry-wide as “swamp mats” are an invaluable resource that makes it easy to create makeshift roadways in less than ideal solutions to facilitate the safe transportation of materials to and from site. At GFI, we’re proud to be one of Canada’s top suppliers of CLT access/swamp mats, as well as your exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ TerraLam® products. Our team is here to answer your many inquiries about all things access matting, including what the difference between access, swamp and rig mats are. Below we’ll talk a little bit about the main differences to be aware when choosing the right CLT product for your application. Read on to learn more!
Let’s Talk Phrasing
If you’re confused as to what the difference between access, rig, and swamp mats is, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the biggest sources of confusion amongst customers, and even professionals, is ensuring that everyone is on the same page when talking about a product. Because the matting industry tends to use all three terms interchangeably, it can be understandably difficult to figure out which is which, and more importantly, which one you need! To save you time and a few headaches, the following is a brief rundown of each category as defined by manufacturers:
Access Mats AKA Swamp Mats (commonly called Swamp Mats)
Access mats are the most widely used site access product and depending on the region you’re in, may be also referred to as a “swap mat”. Standard access mats are ideal for creating temporary roads and on-site infrastructure to facilitate the safe transportation of goods and equipment and can handle a wide range of weights.
Rig Mats
Rig mats specifically refer to any access mat designed to handle heavier loads, such as those found when handling a crane or rig. Rig mats usually feature a steel frame that reinforces the mat in order to prevent sudden breakages. As a result of these steel frames, rig mats tend to cost more, meaning that you’ll want to ensure you know exactly what you need prior to ordering to avoid sticker shock.
Why Choose CLT Mats Over Bolted Models
Created to be an innovative alternative to bolted mats, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have a wide range of benefits to consider. Such benefits 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 (25% more CLT mats can be shipped compared to bolted products per load), and more.
GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s only supplier of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including both the 300 and 500 models mats, access bridges and more. Built from the highest quality Yellow Southern Pine wood fibres, which are up to 30% stronger than Douglas fir trees, TerraLam® CLT mats are bonded together with an environmentally friendly adhesive and distribute weight through the entire mat for superior performance. This translates to increased savings, better performance and a killer ROI that just can’t be beat.
Looking For Access Mats? 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!
Aug 13, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Facing the challenges of Canadian terrain and need site access solutions you can depend on? Hoping to test drive high-performance swamp mats before making a permanent investment? GFI Solutions is here to help! As one of Canada’s leading sources for site access products and services, our team is here to provide sales and rental support nationwide. GFI is proud to be the exclusive Canadian dealer of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® access mats, including both the 300 and 500 lines that are built for unbeatable performance. Learn more about TerraLam® mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
CLT Matting: The New Standard For Site Access Solutions
Tired of dealing with sudden breakages and the many other issues that can plague traditional bolted mats? As a relatively new but highly-regarded option in the matting field, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) improves on many of the pain points encountered when using previous matting models. Weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, CLT mats are designed to provide exceptional results, even under heavy pressure. With a 500-series lineup that’s capable of tackling heavy-duty loads like those expected of rig mats while still allowing you to transport up to 25% more mats per haul, CLT mats are turned to by leading names in the oil & gas, mining, construction, petrochemical, and related heavy industries. Saving up to 60% on transport is just one of the many perks associated with CLT mats, allowing you to save even more when renting.
The CLT Method
Cross Laminated Timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive in contrast to the once-standard bolted methods. Unlike oak or bolted mats, CLT mats are able to flex and evenly distribute weight throughout the entire surface area of the product, which leads to incredible durability and performance for every load, job after job.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the best available on the market and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes them ideal for standing up to the toughest of jobs over long periods of time, as well as a tough contender that can best Canada’s climate, year-round.
GFI: Your Canada Wide Source For Swamp Mat Rentals and More
At GFI Solutions we know that staying on time and on budget often comes down to having access to reliable, cost-effective solutions. That’s why we offer a diverse range of services, including 24/7 rental and sales support, 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, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
