Have you ever walked into a commercial property, such as an office or retail store, and noticed those mats at the entrance and wondered what they were for?
Barrier matting is more than just decoration; it serves an important purpose. In today’s blog, we will discuss exactly what barrier matting is, the types available, and the benefits of installing entrance barrier matting in commercial spaces.
What is barrier entrance matting?
Barrier matting ( also known as entrance mats or entrance flooring) is a specialised type of flooring or mats made from durable materials placed at buildings’ entrances. Barrier matting is tougher than regular mats or carpets. It is designed to trap debris, moisture, and all the mess on people’s shoes before they enter the building so that it doesn’t spread everywhere.
In addition to preventing the build-up of dirt, barrier matting can also effectively prevent slips and falls. As entrance mats capture moisture from shoes, they prevent floors from becoming wet. Commercial barrier matting maintains cleanliness and enhances safety, making it an indispensable feature for building entrances.
Barrier matting is often installed in places such as:
- Commercial buildings ( entrance of offices, retail shops, hotels and restaurants )
- Public buildings ( airports, train stations, bus terminals and museums )
- Educational facilities ( schools, colleges and universities )
- Healthcare facilities ( hospitals and medical centres)
- Industrial buildings ( factories and warehouses )
Types of barrier matting
Barrier matting comes in various types, each designed for specific reasons. Typically, barrier matting is available in 3 different types.
Scraper Matting
These are designed to remove large debris and dirt from shoes. Typically, they have rigid bristles and raised patterns that scrape off mud and debris from people’s shoes.
Scraper mats are often placed at outside entrances and in high-traffic areas.
Wiper Barrier Matting
Wiper barrier mats, also called wiper mats, are all about soaking up moisture from shoes. Their dense, absorbent surface is great at wiping away moisture, keeping it from getting indoors.
Unlike scraper mats, they don’t focus much on scraping off dirt; instead, they’re perfect for indoor areas where maintaining dry floors is super important.
Scraper mats are often placed at outside entrances and in high-traffic areas.
Waterhog (Scraper/Wiper)
Waterhog mats are a special type of entrance mat that does two jobs: scraping off debris and wiping away moisture. They’re made from durable materials like polypropylene or rubber, so they’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Their unique raised pattern makes them great at trapping dirt and water. So, when you see a “scraper/wiper” on a mat, it means it’s designed to clean shoes effectively by scraping off dirt and drying them off, too.
Barrier matting material types
There are plenty of materials used for barrier matting besides these specific types. Here are the most common types used for entrance mats.
- Coir matting: Made from coconut husk fibres, coir matting is durable and offers good scraping and moisture absorption properties. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Rubber matting: Made from rubber, rubber matting is durable and offers excellent slip resistance. It’s most commonly used in high-traffic and outdoor areas.
- Nylon matting: Made from nylon, this matting is tough, resistant to wear, and soaks up moisture well. It is the most common type used for commercial entrance mats.
Benefits of barrier matting in commercial properties
In this next section, we’ll delve into the numerous benefits that barrier matting offers for commercial properties. From being able to maintain a cleaner environment to reducing maintenance costs. These are the top 5 benefits:
Cleaner environment
Barrier matting serves as the initial defence against dirt, trapping particles at entry points to prevent further spread into buildings. This enhances floor cleanliness while maintaining healthy indoor air quality, reducing airborne contaminants that can cause illness.
Cost savings
Barrier matting reduces the frequency of cleaning by capturing dirt and moisture before they reach interior floors, thus extending the lifespan of flooring materials. This translates into savings on cleaning supplies, labour, and repairs over time.
Improved appearance
A well-kept entrance creates a positive impression of a commercial space. Barrier matting keeps entrances clean and inviting, contributing to a professional atmosphere and overall image enhancement.
Customisation options
Barrier matting is available in various sizes, colours, and designs to suit diverse commercial environments. Customised mats with logos and patterns enhance professionalism and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
How to care after barrier matting
Barrier matting is crucial in keeping our commercial businesses clean by trapping dirt at entrances. However, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.
Below is a list of the top tips for barrier matting maintenance:
- Regular vacuuming: Vacuum barrier matting regularly to remove dirt, dust and debris. This should be done at least once a week but ideally daily, depending on the level of foot traffic.
- Spot cleaning: Promptly clean up spills or stains using a mild detergent or a carpet cleaner.
- Deep cleaning: Use carpet or steam cleaners to deep clean barrier mats once a month.
- Rotate entrance mats: If your barrier matting is a mat rather than a section of flooring, you should rotate it occasionally to distribute wear and tear.
- Protect from sunlight: If the mat is placed in an area with a lot of sunlight, consider using window UV protectors to minimise exposure to direct sunlight and prevent fading.
Install barrier matting in your commercial business
Barrier matting is a silent hero in commercial spaces, keeping them clean and safe. We hope this blog has helped you understand the types of barrier matting available and the benefits of installation.
Should you wish to enhance your commercial space with barrier matting, we invite you to contact our team at London Commercial Flooring for a free complimentary installation quote.