Between salt, snow, ice and other chemicals used on parking lots and roads – entrances in a commercial facility can get messy. It can also become hazardous for visitors when the melted slush is tracked into your building. Then it dries, leaving a crusty white stain throughout your building. Left untreated, these chemical stains can ruin your carpet or flooring and diminish your professional image.

When you are trying to maintain a safe, slip-free area around your building, you cannot avoid using salt and other chemicals. And, the weather in Baltimore will certainly keep you on your toes during the snowy and rainy seasons. So, what can you do to save your floors and carpet? Commercial entry mats and a little regular floor maintenance are your best defense.

Commercial Entry Mats

An entry mat can be your first, second and even third line of defense when it comes to slush, snow and any other debris. There are many kinds of commercial entry mats on the market and each works in different ways. The best solution is to develop a mat system that utilizes several different types as the visitor progresses through your entrance.

Commercial entry mats are generally bigger and better performing than consumer-grade mats. They are designed to trap more moisture and particles and they are easier to clean. Some types are designed for large, medium or fine particles – giving you a way to design a complete mat system.

It is one maintenance item where price shouldn’t be the first consideration. Commercial floor mats reduce tracked-in dirt by 80% or more – which saves on cleaning costs, carpet replacement and floor repair. But, they also prevent hazardous slips and falls where just one incident could run well over $20,000.

When shopping for commercial floor mats, don’t pinch pennies. These mats are not only designed to save your carpeting, but, they are designed to save headaches and money.

 

Wiper mat
Wiper mat

Wiper Mats

Often, these mats have a pile surface and rubber or vinyl backing to prevent sliding.  They come in a variety of sizes and serve as a place for people to wipe their shoes. They are relatively inexpensive and capture some of the debris.

Scraper mat
Scraper mat

Scraper Mats

Scraper mats are designed to provide scraping action to remove more dirt and moisture when visitors enter a facility. They are generally better for trapping large particles and can work in tandem with brush type mats or wiper mats. Scraper mats can be placed outdoors, followed by a brush and wiper mat as a person continues into the entrance.

flow-through mat
Flow-through mat

Flow-Through Mats

These mats allow liquid to pass through to eliminate more moisture and prevent slip and falls. They are primarily made for indoors but can work outdoors where slip resistance is necessary.

Recessed mat
Recessed mat

Recessed Mats

High traffic entrances often have recessed wells where mats can cover a larger area at the entrance of a building and still be flat. They can be used in conjunction with an interior wiper mat for maximum performance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regardless of what mat combination you choose, it is important to regularly clean them. Mats are designed to trap moisture and debris; however, frequent cleaning of the mats will help them last longer and be more effective.

Placement is important too. If you place a good quality scraper mat at the direct entry point, you should place secondary mats extending 4-8 feet to capture any remaining moisture or soil.

The bottom line:

  • Keep your outdoor walkways as clear as possible to reduce the amount of chemicals and slush that enter.
  • Provide high quality commercial mats at the entrance and beyond to trap as much as possible
  • Clean and inspect mats more frequently in winter or rainy weather

Winter is a time where your floors and carpet need extra care and attention. The team at the Resh Company is here to help. Our experts will conduct a comprehensive analysis of your facility and tailor a floor maintenance program to keep your building looking its best. Call us for a free assessment at 410-780-9800 or use our online form.

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