Unveiling the Importance of Floor Matting

Over the years a lot of research has gone into the design and development of floor mats. Today mats are designed for specific uses. For example, high traffic areas such as retail stores need rough and tough mats; office buildings need nice looking carpeted mats that captures soil brought into the building, while industrial facilities need mats for anti-fatigue and safety for their employees.

The most common floor mat is made of rubber or carpet. New materials are being used to manufacture floor mats such as vinyl, vulcanized rubber, textured and slip-resistant nylon. You can also purchase “green” mats made of 100% post-consumer recycled fiber from beverage bottles & 15% post-consumer recycled tires. When selecting floor mats for your building, pay attention to the backing material of the mat that keeps the mat in place. Decide whether you need a mat for wet, moist, greasy or dry environments.

Entrance mats add to the beauty of a building and keep dirt and water out as people walk in. Some focus on design while others on functionality. Yet you can buy entrance mats that provide both. The entrance mat is going to be your first defense against dirt and moisture getting into your building.

A good entrance mat will reduce 80% of the debris that enters your building and also reduce the number of times your carpets need cleaning. Choose a mat that is non-slip and holds moisture well. Also, a long entrance mat will catch most of the dirt off peoples’ feet as they enter. The more steps you take on the mat, the more dirt stays on the mat and is not tracked in. Short mats are not very effective because you are only taking two or three steps on the mat – not enough to remove all the soil from your shoes; especially in wet or snowy climates.

Interior mats are used in walkways, near the counters or stands for comfort where people need to stand for long hours. Apart from working as anti fatigue mats, they also protect the floors from dirt and moisture. Some will guard against static buildup. When buying an interior mat, ensure that it traps and holds water and soil effectively without leaking onto the floor.

Whether it’s retail, manufacturing/industrial, or office buildings, floor mats are used to trap dirt and moisture, prevent slipping, protect the floor, and help keep the building clean. The initial investment into good quality floor mats will have long-lasting benefits for the building, the public, and employees.

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