Entrance Mats – Placement with Purpose
According to Notrax®, who is recognized as one of the largest integrated manufacturers of floor matting products in the world, “ Up to 80% of interior soil is brought into facilities from foot traffic. The utilization of entrance floor matting ensures that the majority of dirt will be stopped at the entrance and will not build up on floors or be carried further into the facility.” With winter in full swing, there is an excess of mud, snow, dirt and debris that can impact the look and safety of the floor in your facility.
Keeping it Clean
The dry soil is the main culprit of dirty floors. This soil can range from large particles to powder-like dust, but an entrance mat can stop as much as 85-95% of dirt that is tracked inside. Keep in mind that a single square yard of carpet can gather as much as a pound of dust and dirt in a week, and it’s worse in bad weather. Notrax also notes that, “Carpet soils have a texture that is similar to a razor, and as carpets are walked on, their fibers can be cut. This shortens the overall life span of the carpet. Within the first 6 feet, 42 % of the floor’s finish or carpet nap will be removed after only 1,500 people have entered. Entrance mats absorb much of the initial abuse to extend the life of the interior flooring or carpeting to protect the investment.”
The majority of dirt and debris are deposited within the first 15-18 feet from the door. Having an entrance mat or a mat system in place for that the initial span of foot traffic can reduce the need for cleaning and save on maintenance costs of the floor. This key 15-18-foot distance allows each foot to contact the mat 3 times in step, thus providing an adequate ability to scrape and trap dirt while reducing the moisture at the entrance. It has been recommended that a single 15-18-foot mat can adequately protect the floor, but a true high-performance “matting system” can more thoroughly protect the entrance.
3-Zone Entrance Mat Systems
Having a multiple mat system in place provides unique functionality. Generally broken down into 3 specific zones of the entrance, using different kinds of mats together is the ultimate in protection.
Zone 1 – This is first place where the majority of heavy dirt, moisture and debris hits your mat. The mat in zone 1 is often outside of the entrance of the building and is designed to “scrape” the dirt and grime from shoes. These mats should be made from heavy weather-resistant material.
Zone 2 – In this zone the scraping continues with a mat that combines tough and absorbent fibers. This mat provides a “wiping” process as well and can be found in a foyer or just inside the entrance to your facility.
Zone 3 – This last zone begins immediately after zone 2 and finalizes the wiping, drying and cleaning process on shoes. This mat has thicker carpet fibers whose goal is to remove virtually all the dirt and moisture.
M+A Matting, Notrax® and R.C. Musson Rubber Co. all offer a full selection of outdoor and indoor matting for all zones. Indoor matting is available in single zone, multi-zone and multi-functional entrance matting in a variety of colors and materials to create the most effective matting system for your facility.
Making it Match
The entrance to your facility represents your first impression. Logo mats have become very popular. Custom mats allow companies to include a logo, slogan, mascot, etc. and are available in multiple colors. Logos or other designs can be replicated on the face of numerous styles of mats without any setup charge. Logo mats add a professional look to any entrance, while acting as a further barrier to keep contaminants from entering a facility. Patterned mats in darker or neutral colors will go a long way in hiding the tracked in dirt, and crush resistant mats will hold up well in high traffic entries.
Safety and Air Quality
Slip-resistant mats are a must. Slips and falls are the 2nd leading cause of workplace injuries. Slip resistant and safety mats help provide safe working areas for employees and visitors to facilities. 85% of worker’s compensation claims are attributed to employees slipping on slick floors. The utilization of slip resistant mats is an ideal solution to prevent such accidents from occurring. Rubber-backed mats provide a better slip resistance than vinyl-backed mats. Rubber-backed mats do not curl as do vinyl mats thus reducing trip and fall exposure. Some rubber-backed mats have cleated surfaces on the bottom that further enhances non-skid properties and allows moisture to dry from underneath the mat.
In addition, the soles of shoes can carry toxic chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants into your building. Dust, chemicals and contaminants can be stirred up during regular traffic, elevating levels of indoor pollution and causing issues for those with asthma, allergies and sensitivities. You never know where people have walked before they come through your door and a good mat will trap contaminants. (It’s important to remember to properly clean and maintain your mats per the manufacturer instructions in order to get rid of the trapped debris.)
Contact us and let us provide you with the perfect product to protect your facility’s floor. We can offer materials only or complete installation services. GSA Buyers may wish to register online to view GSA pricing. This feature allows buyers quick, up-to-date access to 14 different GSA contracted manufacturers. Government buyers can also elect to utilize one of our competitively bid contracts like 1GPA or Omnia Partners. Please feel free to call us for product advice, free samples, assistance in specifications, or to place an order. One call does it all!
