Access mats are a great tool for working on large projects when you need help getting to your job site. Also known as temporary road mats or construction mats, access matting is designed to provide temporary ground protection and access over unstable terrain. The can be a great help when needing a safe path across a job site, providing a safer alternative.
Access matting reduces the impact on the work area, which makes the work environment safer and easier mobility around the work site. Because of their versatility, these mats can be used in a variety of ways, and are fully customizable to any work site. However, they don’t last forever, and here are some of the factors to consider when utilizing access matting.
Material & Quality
Access mats are generally made from durable materials, such as composite materials, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or timber. HDPE and composite mats generally have a longer lifespan comparted to timber mats, but all of them have common uses. It also depends on the area and other factors as to which material should be used. Depending on the location, the mats may be exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals or moisture that could cause one material to make more sense than others.
The quality of the mats also plays a large role in their lifespan. Well-built mats with high-quality materials and construction techniques will last longer than lower-quality mats. Again, this will be determined by the type of project they’re needed for, and other factors. Access mats can be used for multiple projects before they need replacement, and opting for the higher-quality option will do wonders in extending their lifespan.
Maintenance & Usage
It’s also important to consider some other factors when choosing a company to provide access matting. For example, making sure the company is versatile enough to fully customize to any job site is important, and making sure the mats are 100 percent recyclable is also important to keep your project environmentally conscious. Making sure you are regularly maintaining the mats can extend their lifespan. This includes cleaning the mats after use and repairing any damage promptly. If you’re using them for multiple projects, also make sure they are stored properly when not in use.
Of course, one of the biggest factors in the lifespan of your access matting is the frequency and intensity of uses. The more they’re used, the higher of an impact it will have on the lifespan of the mats. This means more than just heavy traffic across the mats. If they’re also subjected to large equipment or deal with extreme conditions on a regular basis, they may wear out faster.
Access matting can be sued for everything from temporary roadways and setting up staging areas, to providing fuel storage foundations and disaster response areas. For more information on industrial access matting, and how it can be beneficial to your business or project, reach out to the experts at Diamond Services today.