Many people view access mats as a disposable product. Western Canada’s unforgiving terrain and gruelling weather lay waste to many access solutions, meaning that organizations must continually purchase or rent new mats for their projects. However, this doesn’t have to be the case! Companies that choose the right mats for the job (and take care of them every step of the way) can save thousands of dollars on rentals and replacement over time.

Below, you’ll find Vortex Energy Services‘ top tips for maximizing the lifespan of your access mats. With proper care and maintenance, Vortex matting solutions provide exceptional value by standing up to the harshest conditions and minimizing replacement costs.

Choosing the Right Mats

Maximizing the lifespan of your access mats starts with the mat itself. Many access mats just aren’t designed to be used more than once; inferior materials and construction methods mean some access solutions won’t last for the duration of your next project, let alone multiple jobs. On the other hand, an expertly engineered access mat made from top-quality materials is far more likely to stand the test of time and continually perform under the most demanding conditions.

Vortex access mats are constructed in the heart of Peace Country, AB, using the highest quality Douglas fir for construction. Our 3-ply mats feature solid top and middle plies with a gapped bottom for maximum shear strength and loading capacity. All Vortex mats are manufactured using innovative compression technology and a unique 192-bolt pattern, the most of any major matting supplier. Finally, our mats also feature routered outside edges to minimize wear and tear in transportation, installation, and use. With these unique features, Vortex access solutions are some of the strongest and most durable in the industry today.

Keeping Your Mats Clean

When using access mats on multiple job sites, mats must arrive clean and contaminant-free. Simply put, if a mat can’t be 100% free of noxious weeds and other environmental contaminants, it can’t be used again. Using mats that are easily cleaned (and partnering with an organization with thorough cleaning protocols) is one of the best ways to maximize the lifespan of your access solutions.

Vortex Energy Services’ access mats are engineered for easy cleaning as well as strength and durability. Constructed under compression, our mats’ solid top and middle plies give noxious weeds and other contaminants nowhere to hide, while our comprehensive decontamination procedures ensure your mats arrive onsite clean and ready to handle the most demanding applications.

Protecting Your Mats in Storage

Our clients operate in some of the most challenging climates in the world. Between massive changes in temperature, challenging terrain, and heavy loads, we know access mats need to be able to take a beating. Even in storage, access mats exposed to the elements in Western Canada will ultimately lose their strength and structural integrity. If your organization seeks to use your access mats on multiple job sites, a covered storage solution provides the best protection, ensuring your mats are ready to go for your next project.

Vortex’s 270,000 square foot facility in Peace Country features indoor storage to protect access mats from the elements. Additionally, our main facility is accessible by both highway and rail, allowing for efficient and affordable transportation solutions to get your mats where they need to be. We also maintain a network of outdoor storage yards across Alberta and Saskatchewan. With facilities in Grande Prairie, Peace River, Grande Cache, Wainwright, and Oxbow, we provide fast, efficient matting solutions to any job site, no matter how remote the location.

Access Matting with Vortex

Vortex offers complete access solutions across Western Canada, including:

  • Installation and removal with highly trained, safety-oriented operators
  • On-site and in-house mat cleaning
  • 24/7 operations and logistics support
  • Project management & supervision

No matter the size or scope of your access requirements, Vortex Energy Services offers start-to-finish solutions for any project, anywhere, any time.

Need Mats for Your Next Project?

Contact us today to learn more about Vortex Energy Services’ access solutions.