Mats to Protect Floors – Why and When to Use Them
Put a stop to the worn path appearance on your carpets and floors, as well as saving on the cost of relaying, repainting or repairing by making a small investment in effective floor protection matting. There are many things that can cause damage to your flooring, we discuss just some of these below:
The Importance of Mats to Protect Floors During Autumn and Winter
As the seasons change, the need for effective mats to protect floors becomes more critical. Autumn and winter bring rain, snow, and mud, which can quickly turn clean floors into a mess. Investing in high-quality entrance mats can help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Here’s why mats to protect floors are essential during these seasons.
Dirt and Moisture Control
During autumn and winter, the amount of dirt and moisture tracked into buildings increases significantly. The best mats to protect floors have high dirt and moisture trapping capacities, preventing these elements from being spread indoors. This helps maintain the cleanliness of your floors and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.
Enhanced Safety
Safety is a top priority, especially in wet and slippery conditions. High-quality mats to protect floors provide a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas where accidents are more likely to occur.
Durability and Longevity
The best mats to protect floors are made from durable materials such as rubber, polypropylene, or coir. These materials can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, ensuring that the mats remain effective throughout the seasons. Investing in durable mats means they will last longer, providing continuous protection for your floors.
Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to their functional benefits, mats to protect floors can enhance the overall look of your entrance. Available in various designs, colors, and sizes, these mats can complement your décor and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests and customers.
Dirt, Mud, and Grit
One of the main culprits of bringing dirt and grit into your building is simply the footwear of your visitors. Without effective entrance matting in place, all of the elements that the weather brings, be it rain, mud, grit or ice, will work its way inside your building. If you have carpets laid, they will begin to become sodden with water and dirt will start to imbed into the pile. With hard floors, they will become scratched and scuffed. A tatty carpet or hard floor in your entrance way won't do much for the appearance for your business and can even tarnish its reputation.
Effective entrance matting will protect your flooring from dirt, mud, water and grit which may be walked in from outside and prevent it from being tracked around the rest of your building.
Scuff Marks
Another unsightly problem that is a frequent frustration in public buildings with hard flooring, are the black rubber scuff marks from the bottom of shoes. These marks are very difficult to remove and no sooner than you have your floor looking spotless again, they are back! To keep this problem to a minimum, place floor protection matting in areas with high footfall, in busy corridors for example. Not only will you save on the valuable time spent cleaning up those stubborn marks, it will keep your floors looking at their best for longer, reducing the need for costly replacements.
Wheeled traffic
Foot traffic isn't the only thing that can compromise the quality and appearance of your carpets and floors. Wheeled traffic including wheelchairs, shopping trolleys and forklifts can also cause damage and wear to your floors if the right protection is not in place. Mats to protect floors from wheeled traffic need to be able to take any dirt off the wheels, as well as be strong enough to take the weight of the wheeled traffic, without cracking, crushing or splitting, particularly for a forklift or a shopping trolley with the contents of the weekly food shop!
If you have a requirement for mats to protect floors from forklift trucks, Mats4U have specialist matting for this.
Chairs and Furniture
Protecting Your Floors
One of the primary benefits of office chair mats is their ability to protect flooring from damage. Rolling office chairs can cause significant wear and tear on various types of flooring, including hardwood, laminate, and carpet. Over time, the constant movement can lead to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. An office chair mat acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the chair wheels and the floor. This helps to preserve the appearance and longevity of your flooring, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
Enhancing Mobility and Comfort
Office chair mats provide a smooth, even surface that allows for easy movement of rolling chairs. This is particularly beneficial on carpeted floors, where chair wheels can become stuck or difficult to maneuver. With an office chair mat, you can glide effortlessly across your workspace, reducing strain on your legs and back. This enhanced mobility can lead to increased comfort and productivity, as you can move freely without interruption.
Reducing Fatigue
Sitting for extended periods can lead to fatigue and discomfort, especially if you have to exert extra effort to move your chair. Office chair mats help to reduce this fatigue by providing a stable and smooth surface for your chair. This means less effort is required to move around, allowing you to focus more on your tasks and less on adjusting your position. The result is a more comfortable and efficient work environment.
Improving Ergonomics
Ergonomics plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and productive workspace. An office chair mat can contribute to better ergonomics by ensuring that your chair remains at the correct height and position. Without a mat, chair wheels can sink into carpeted floors, altering your seating position and potentially leading to poor posture. A mat provides a consistent surface, helping you maintain proper alignment and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to their functional benefits, office chair mats can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your workspace. Available in various shapes, sizes, and designs, these mats can complement your office decor and create a more polished and professional appearance. Whether you prefer a clear mat that blends seamlessly with your flooring or a decorative mat that adds a pop of color, there are options to suit every style.
Easy Maintenance
Office chair mats are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy work environments. Most mats can be wiped down with a damp cloth or vacuumed to remove dust and debris. This low-maintenance feature ensures that your workspace remains clean and tidy with minimal effort.
Vending Machines and Water Butts
Areas around vending machines and water butts are highly prone to spillages. Placing a mat underneath will not only protect your flooring from the weight of the machine, it will also protect your floor from becoming wet and stained from food and drink spillages.
Do you need more help choosing mats to protect floors?
We hope that our blog has helped you to understand the importance of using mats to protect floors. However, if you are unsure which mats are right for you, please feel free to contact us on 0121 313 6748 or use our live chat facility during normal office hours. We will be more than happy to help right the right mats for you.
To stay up to date with new products and information please follow us on Linkedin
