Entrance Matting

Statistics show that between 70% and 80% of the dust, grime and dirt in public buildings is tracked in from outside. Tracked in dirt will lead to premature destruction of any floor finish effectively acting as sandpaper on the bottom of ones shoes. Tracked in moisture can result in the breeding of micro-organisms within the building as well as presenting potential liability problems as a result of a fall. Finally, studies have shown that the cost of removing a single pound of dirt within a modern facility is in excess of $500.00

The most effective means available to solve all of these problems is the proper use of an entrance matting system. Entrance matting is commonly used to perform three different functions: Scraper mats which aggressively remove dirt and particulate, Wiper mats which absorb water and snow, and combination Wiper/Scraper mats which perform both functions where both moderate soil and moisture conditions exist.

By removing the particulate before they enter the building and by removing a potential source of bacteria, a proper entrance matting system also will help improve the air quality in a building. Ideally, a three part system (Scraper then Wiper/Scraper then Wiper) using 5-10 feet of each type of mat will remove 85% or more of the mats and all or most of the moisture. The exact system will be determined by the area and application as well as the soil and moisture conditions for each individual entrance in a facility.

Existing systems are available for such varied applications as hospitals, day care facilities, banks, grocery stores, office buildings, condominiums, hotels, theaters, restaurants, shopping centres and individual stores and factories.

Owning Versus Renting Entrance Mats

The most common objection that customers give to the purchase of matting is that they rent their mats.

Consider the following:

	Rental mats are often available only as a wiper mat which will not remove particulate.
	Rental mats provide a limited range of sizes and colours.
	Frequent laundering causes wear and tear to the mat surface reducing the effectiveness of the wiping action.
	Colours may be inconsistent
	Rental mats get picked up and delivered once a week. In most cases rental mats get soaked and remain on the floor until the next pick-up date. The mats become useless as a barrier against moisture and particulate and may act as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Example:

	Clean rental mats are delivered on Monday.
	Tuesday night there is a heavy snow storm or rain storm.
	The mats are wet and dirty by late Wednesday.

Question:

Do the mats remain on the carpet or floor totally dysfunctional until the next pick-up?
Does the establishment's employees clean the mats?
Is the rental company called for fresh mats which incurs an additional charge and an additional special delivery surcharge?

Generally, the night cleaning staff is already maintaining the mats as part of their routine maintenance program.

Conclusion:

	Mat rental is not cost effective
	Rental mats cannot protect floors and carpets without additional HIDDEN COSTS.
	Owning mats is not only cheaper, but it also allows for the correct selection of matting determined by the traffic patterns of each individual entrance.

For an accurate determination of the savings by owning versus renting matting, please contact us at: sales@canmill.com