System7™ Mats vs Laminated Mats
Laminated mats and composite mats are known alternatives to solid wooden mats. However, only System7™composite mats offer a guarantee of greater strength and longer workspans. Here’s what you should know when deciding which is right for your job site.
Laminated Access Mats vs Composite Mats
Instead of a single piece of wood, the manufacturer uses multiple planks of wood to create a laminated access mat. Compared to timber mats, they are cheaper to buy and lighter to transport.
Plus they have verifiable PSI ratings. However, that’s not to say they can handle more weight. It just means they can be tested for strength in a way that regular wood cannot.
System7™ is a composite matting system. Made of HDPE, the composite has proven PSI ratings. Comparing individual mats of the same size, this Spartan composite is lighter than regular wood access mats and laminated 3-ply access mats.
Do Laminated Mats Have PSI Ratings?
A laminated mat can be tested for strength. Generally the rating is 40 to 80 PSI. This number is far less than the standard PSI rating for Spartan composites. A System7™ mat has a 650 PSI rating.
A PSI rating is used to determine how much weight can safely roll across the surface of an access mat. Higher ratings indicate that a Spartan composite mat will stand the test of time and usage.
With the highest PSI ratings among composites, System7™is one of the few mats you can really trust in extreme weather conditions. Strength allows it to be a temporary road in environmentally sensitive areas. Strength helps it manage heavy equipment on big construction projects. It is heavy duty and can match the capability of hardwood mats.
Spartan composite road mats have a special design that provides traction. This stops sliding and other dangers on temporary access roads and jobsites.
What is the Laminated Mat Lifespan?
A laminated mat is made of wood, glue, and nails. It cannot maintain its shape and function for longer than a 1.5 to 2 years. For some managers, this means replacing laminated mats as the project is underway.
On the other hand, if care is taken to handle them gently, composite construction mats have a long, long, long lifespan. In comparison, the Spartan composite mat can be expected to last 10, 15 or 20 years.
How Much Do Laminated Mats Weigh?
A 3-ply laminated mat may weigh 2000 lbs to 2,850 lbs, based on its size of 8 ft x 14 ft or 8’ x 16”. A single System7™ mat weighs 1,050 pounds. It measures 8 ft x 14 ft.
The weight of an access mat really matters in two ways. First, transportation costs are lower with a lower weight product. System7™ covers the same ground and is stronger than laminated mats.
Owners of System7™ mats will find that they can put about double the number of mats on a truck compared to laminated mats. That’s reducing the number of trucks needed by about half. And that’s saving money on transportation.
Furthermore, the lower weight of a System7™ mat allows workers to load more onto a forklift. That helps reduce how much time it takes to set up your access road and worksite.
Are Laminated Mats Easy to Clean?
As a wood-based, engineered product, laminated mats are not simple to clean. The material can absorb water, chemicals, and invasive species. It’s nearly impossible to truly clean all of that out before moving to a new site.
If you are concerned about contamination, you’ll appreciate how System7™ mats are simple to rinse clean. They don’t retain moisture so they can’t retain chemicals or contaminants.
When they arrive at your next site, you can assure your stakeholders that System7™ mats are truly clean.
Are Laminated Mats Effective in Wet Conditions?
Just as wood mats absorb water, laminated mats will absorb water. They can work in wet conditions, but users should be aware that laminated products start to bloat and lose shape over time. This makes them a poor choice for environmental protection.
In comparison, Spartan composite mats don’t absorb water and mud. This ensures that they maintain their shape. Just as important, System7™ PSI ratings won’t be affected by water or mud.
Which One is Most Flexible?
Spartan composite mats keep their shape, but they have enough give to adjust to an uneven surface and/or a truck rolling over. This gives System7™ an advantage when terrain is rough.
With their wood construction, CLT mats cannot bend.They may rock on uneven ground because they cannot provide any flexibility. On many construction sites, this may be a big disadvantage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, laminated mats have their uses, but System7™ can outlast them and outperform them. Spartan composite has proven heavy duty strength and durability. Plus
Looking for the right temporary road mat, access mat or crane mat? Give a quick call to our matting solutions experts. Or use our contact form.
