Rigid Grid Mat Systems
Similar to textile mat systems, manufacturers offer a wide range of rigid grid mats. These are a bit more involved in that they are designed with a rigid metal grid and are intended to be recessed into a concrete or other floor. They typically consist of a metal perimeter frame that receives a series of individual metal pieces that are fit together in various ways. In between or on top of these metal components, clean off material of different types are installed. As such, these systems are all custom-made to suit a particular building and provide an outstanding first line of defense against soil and moisture entering a building particularly in zones 1 and 2.

Single sided rigid grid entrance mats include a rigid carrier section and an infill material for removing and retaining dirt and moisture. Photo courtesy of Forbo Flooring Systems

 

There are two generic types of rigid grid mats—single and double sided. The term single sided system means that the metal pieces are rigid carriers that are intended to have clean off material inlaid on only one side (i.e. the top or exposed side). Very often, that clean off material is the same fiber as used in textile mat systems that can be color coordinated with other entrance textile mats. This allows the designer to address the different needs in different zones but still allow for products that are perfectly matched. Rubber inlays are also available, which allow rigid grid mats to be used outside. In any combination, they offer a contemporary and cost effective system that creates a relatively low profile with a variety of colors. They are an ideal solution in high traffic entrance areas where aesthetic considerations are paramount since single sided rigid mats are generally attractive, tough and versatile. Generally, the carrier sections are 100% recycled, extruded aluminum joined together by rubber connecting strips that rest fully on a concrete recess. This configuration allows heavy loads to be spread across the concrete and offers long lasting effective performance in demanding locations.

Double-sided rigid grid entrance mats are assembled with alternating sections of scraper bars and wiper strips in either a closed (bottom center photo) or open (top right photo) format. Images courtesy of Forbo Flooring Systems

 

Heavy-duty rigid grid entrance mats are available for buildings that have material and wheeled traffic in addition to foot traffic. Photo courtesy of Forbo Flooring Systems

Double sided rigid grid mats are designed to have alternating strips of metal scraper bars and cleaning material (called wiper strips) both of which are exposed to the top and bottom. This means that the mats can literally be turned over and used on both sides as needed or desired. This type of system has the durability, strength and structural integrity to deliver excellent performance and appearance retention in very heavy traffic locations and where high levels of soil have to be removed from the soles of shoes and wheel treads. Each rigid grid mat is assembled of aluminum (typically 100 percent recycled), brass or PVC metal scraper bars that alternate with wiper strips made of rubber or fiber composite. Wiper strips can be specified in both single and double format. Double format offers twice the wiping area to increase moisture absorption over a shorter distance. The wiper strips and scraper bars can be assembled in either a closed construction with no open spaces or an open construction sequence meaning that there are visible spaces for soil and water to drop down below the mat. A closed construction is suitable for both interior and transitional areas where soil removed from shoes and wheel treads is collected and retained only within the mat itself. An open construction provides more storage capacity for wet and dry soil since removed particles and moisture can fall through the open sections in the mat. Either way, they are typically strung together with high-tensile galvanized steel wire linkages that run through these alternating scraper and wiper components.

Heavy-duty double-sided grid mats are also available and suitable where heavy-duty loads and intense pedestrian and/or wheeled traffic are to be catered to. These systems typically have a closed construction and a level surface for ease of movement of wheeled vehicles. Heavy-duty scraper bars are commonly formed by linking together two specially designed aluminum strips. These are combined with double wiper strips to create a heavy-duty mat with a thicker, heavier profile than standard products. Heavy-duty grid systems are also available for fire sensitive locations on building interiors. Hence, they are very well suited to entrances that have heavy point loading situations but need the fire protection of an egress area as well.

Warranties on rigid grid systems will vary but are available for as long as 15 years (except for PVC components). It is clear that these are the workhorses of entrance flooring systems with a range of durability to suit different building conditions.