From Sun, Shower, Snow & Slush: The Year-Round Power of a Smart Mat Program

The power of commercial floor mats lies in their ability to withstand the big four S’s: sun, shower, snow, and slush. In other words, commercial matting is beneficial for facilities year-round, across all seasons. Yet, despite this, many businesses remove their matting during the summer months and requests for more during the fall and winter.

We often draw a parallel to car mats when discussing this topic with our customers. Just as most vehicle owners leave their car mats in place during the summer to protect their vehicle's interior, the same principle should apply to the facilities you own and manage. In this post, we will explore the benefits of maintaining mats year-round and why they are particularly necessary during the peak fall and winter seasons.

How Do Mats Address The 4 S’s?

The advantage of a mat rental program is the flexibility it offers. We understand that your matting needs may vary throughout the year, which is why a mat rental program allows you to adjust the quantity and type of mats in your facility to accommodate changing weather conditions and foot traffic.

Summer Sun -During the summer months, many mistakenly believe that the absence of snow, slush, or rain means that mats are unnecessary. They may assume that a quick vacuum, sweep, or mop will suffice for floor maintenance. However, even in dry conditions, granular dirt can be tracked into your facility. This not only reduces the friction between footwear and the floor, increasing the risk of slips, but it can also lead to wear and tear on your flooring. According to 3MCompany, with 1,500 people passing through a facility, this dirt can potentially remove up to 42% of your floor's finish. For large facilities, such traffic is often a daily occurrence, making the presence of matting even more essential for maintaining safety and preserving your flooring.

Fall Showers – Manitoba's fall weather can be unpredictable, often resembling spring conditions with warm temperatures, rain, and even early snow. The increase in moisture raises the risk of slips within facilities and impacts overall cleanliness.

To address these challenges, some may purchase matting from retail stores as a quick fix, but this can lead to higher long-term costs due to increased maintenance and replacements. For example, a commercial Waterhog mat can trap up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard. This mat requires less frequent washing because of the hydrophilic fibres that help evaporate moisture more efficiently than standard mats, while still effectively trapping dirt and moisture.

In contrast, other mats may need more frequent washing, resulting in premature wear and tear and the need for replacement. Investing in quality matting provides better long-term value and enhances safety for your facility.

Winter Snow – The onset of winter brings a significant presence of snow. If snow and moisture are not effectively managed in the initial steps of your facility, debris and moisture can be tracked inside, resulting in slippery floors and an unkempt appearance. Additionally, during the winter months, materials like sand and salt are often used outside to melt ice or create traction. When tracked indoors, these substances can contribute to the wear and tear of your flooring, especially if a large amount is brought into your facility. Scraper mats are often placed just outside a facility or immediately inside an entryway. Made from durable materials, they are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including Manitoba winters. By covering about 80% of the doorway’s width, these mats effectively brush off dirt, moisture, and debris from footwear, helping to keep your facility clean and safe.

Spring Slush – In spring, as the snow begins to melt, we often experience a mix of weather conditions that can lead to significant accumulation of dirt and moisture. Without proper matting, mats can become oversaturated, causing moisture to spill over onto your flooring and increasing the risk of slips.

It’s essential to have the right type and amount of mats in place. This can be achieved through a combination of different mat types to address specific concerns.

Why Mat Demand Spikes in Fall and Winter

As we mentioned, there is a noticeable increase in mat requests as we move into fall and winter. For most, they often request mats in anticipation of the arrival of snow. However, there are other key reasons why more matting is needed:

Safety Concerns‍

Rain, snow, and ice create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents. Our mats feature universal cleated backing, making them suitable for various surfaces, including smooth and carpeted flooring. This design helps keep the mats in place, further reducing the risk of trips. Additionally, matting effectively traps dirt and moisture, helping to keep your floors as dry and clean as possible. Notably, a study conducted by BST Laboratory over an 11-month period revealed that during wet weather conditions, the amount of dirt tracked into a facility is 12 times greater compared to dry weather.

Maintaining a Clean Facility‍

In addition to enhancing safety, mats play a vital role in preserving a clean and professional appearance. Visitors often associate a facility's cleanliness with the level of care and attention a company will have for their customers. If your facility appears less maintained, it may lead customers to question the quality of service you offer. In fact, according to Progressive Grocer, 91% of shoppers select a store to shop in because of its appearance.

Cost Savings‍

Mats are a smart investment for reducing cleaning and maintenance costs. By minimizing the amount of dirt and moisture entering your facility, you can significantly cut down on both cleaning time and expenses. Additionally, mats protect flooring from damage caused by tracked-in dirt, water, and salt during winter, helping you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Opting for rental mats further enhances savings, as it eliminates the need for regular cleaning, maintenance, or replacement. To illustrate the impact, removing just one pound of dirt from an office building can cost over $500 (International Sanitary Supply Association), which is equivalent to the weight of roughly three smartphones.

By choosing a year-round mat program, you can effectively combat the challenges posed by the big four S’s—sun, shower, snow, and slush—ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for your facility. Investing in quality mats not only enhances safety and maintains a professional appearance but also allows you to adjust your matting strategy based on changing weather and foot traffic. Take control of your facility’s cleanliness and safety—opt for a smart mat solution that reflects your commitment to excellence and creates a positive experience for everyone who walks through your doors. If you would like to know more about our mat rental program please feel free to reach out to us, we are always happy to help!