As winter approaches, business owners across Chicago are gearing up to combat the challenges that the season brings by improving their commercial floor mats or matting program. While most people focus on preparing for the drop in temperature and the snowfall, one critical aspect that often goes overlooked is the protection of your facilities floors. The harsh winter weather can take a toll on your floor finish, leading to costly damage and safety hazards. It is estimated that it will cost a business $600 to remove a pound of dirt that makes it into the building. That’s where the three-mat system comes into play, offering an effective and efficient solution to safeguard your floors during the winter season.
Understanding the Three Floor Mat Strategy
The three-mat system is a simple yet highly effective method to protect your business’s floors from the winter elements. It consists of three types of mats, strategically placed at key entry points of your establishment:
1. Outdoor Scraper Mat: The first line of defense against winter’s wrath, the outdoor scraper mat, is designed to scrape off heavy debris, snow, and ice from shoes before they enter your premises. These mats typically have aggressive textures and are made from materials like rubber, bristles, or a combination of both. Placing them outside your entrances ensures that the majority of the outdoor elements are left at the doorstep, reducing the amount of moisture and dirt that makes its way indoors.
2. Transition Scraper / Wiper Mat: The transition mat serves as the bridge between the outdoors and indoors. Placed just inside the entrance, this mat is designed to further remove residual moisture and dirt from footwear. Transition mats are often made from absorbent materials like carpet or microfiber, which are excellent at trapping and absorbing moisture. This step is crucial in preventing slip hazards and keeping your interior flooring dry.
3. Indoor Wiper Mat: The final layer of protection is the indoor wiper mat, positioned just beyond the transition mat. Its primary purpose is to capture any remaining moisture and dirt from shoes before people step onto your main floor. These mats are typically made from high-absorbency materials, ensuring that the last traces of moisture are removed, leaving your indoor flooring clean and dry.
The Benefits of the Three Commercial Floor Matting System
Implementing a three-mat system in your business during the winter season offers numerous advantages:
Floor Protection: The most obvious benefit is that it protects your flooring from damage caused by moisture, salt, sand, and other outdoor contaminants. This proactive approach can extend the lifespan of your floors and save you from costly repairs or replacements.
Safety: Slip and fall accidents are a significant concern during the winter months. The three-mat system significantly reduces the risk by keeping your floors dry and free from ice or snow.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Clean, well-maintained floors contribute to a positive first impression for your customers. It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, which can boost your business’s reputation.
Reduced Cleaning Costs: With less dirt and moisture making its way indoors, your janitorial staff will have an easier time maintaining a clean environment. This can lead to reduced cleaning time and costs.
Environmental Benefits: The three-mat system also plays a role in environmental sustainability. By preventing the spread of salt and other de-icing agents indoors, you contribute to reducing the environmental impact of winter maintenance.
Commercial Floor Mats Chicago
Chemcraft Industries is here for all your commercial floor matting needs in Chicago, it’s essential to implement a good matting program at your facility. The winter season can be harsh on your floors, floor finish and carpets, but with a proactive approach, you can mitigate the damage and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for your customers and employees. We believe having a floor protection plan for your facility will make workplace safer and decrease your long term maintenance costs. Give us a call today at 773-929-6800 or you can contact us here.