Buying Guide: Floor Mats
Protecting your investment is always important. Your floors and your employees are two important investments. The right floor mats are essential to protecting the floors and carpeting in your building and the health of your employees. Today I'll discuss matting and show you some options for the different uses.
By purchasing the correct mats, you can reduce maintenance costs and improve building safety. Statistics show that without proper mats, up to 24 lbs of dirt is tracked in over a 20 workday period and up to 42% of the floor finish can be removed within the first six feet of an entrance. If you are located in a part of the country that gets snow, sleet and ice, you know how messy it can get. Now, that's not to say that rain and mud aren't messy in warm weather areas, but I think the snow - and the salt/ice melt- is worse.
So what do you need to look for?
Step One - Choose the Right Size
A mat that is too small will not fix the area that you are trying to improve and a mat that is too large may cause tripping. Also, consider the thickness of the mat. If it will be used in front of a door, be sure to determine the amount of clearance the door will need to open.
Step Two - Choose the Right Type
What type of area will the mat be located in? High traffic? A wet area? (Rainy climates need more absorbent mats that arid areas.) These type of areas need a wiper/scraper mat to trap dirt.
Will it be used to protect equipment and floors in an office area? Anti-static mats will protect sensitive areas and equipment. Some are cord-grounded, like the Comfort-King Mat,
and some, like the Cordless Stat-Zap Carpet Top Mat have conducive fibers and a type of backing that allows static to dissipate without a grounding cord.
Workers who stand most of the day need mats that lessen fatigue, reduce stress on the body and help reduce slips and falls. For these situations, choose an anti-fatigue mat that has a thick sponge foam, with beveled edges and rounded corners to keep the mat flat and help prevent falls.
Foodservice environments need mats that will channel liquids away from the surface, making the area safer for employees. For these areas, use a drainage mat like the one below.
Browse our selections to find the perfect mats to ensure the safety of your workplace and protect your investments! Don't see what you're looking for? Call us for a quote on a custom mat - we can do that!