Matting can be the single most important element of a Preventive Care program in a building. Using entrance mats outside of doors and carpet mats inside entrances removes dirt and absorbs water from shoes, holding it there until it is ready to be removed. It is easier and more cost effective to remove dirt and water at entrances rather than removing it from the various areas within the building.

It probably will not surprise you to learn that the vast majority (nearly 80%) of the dirt and grit brought into an institution is from people's shoes. But did you know that during winter conditions, 1,500 people could track in twelve to fifteen pounds of dirt?  Not only is tracked-in dirt unsightly, it can be costly. Research conducted by the International Sanitary Supply Association revealed that, depending on the floor covering, extracting a pound of dirt from an institution could cost more than $500. Multiply that by twelve to fifteen pounds and the potential cost is staggering. 

Dirt is not the only substance that pedestrians bring into a high-traffic building such as an educational or health care facility. Moisture, the number one culprit in slips and falls, often accompanies tracked-in dirt and debris. In addition, substances such as ice-melter compound, oil and anti-freeze not only create treacherous conditions but also can contribute to floor staining.  The best defense we have against tracked-in soil is the proper use of walk-off matting at building entrances. By trapping and hiding dirt, grit and moisture, walk-off mats can reduce maintenance costs, help create a safe walking surface and prolong a clean, attractive floor appearance.

Matting that is eight to twelve feet long and at least as wide as the doorway is strongly recommended. However, if pedestrians move left and right—not just straight ahead—immediately upon entering the facility, matting that exceeds the width of the entrance will need to be provided.

Available in a broad variety of materials and constructions, the type of matting you select will depend on traffic patterns and the particular environmental circumstances of the facility. Among the other factors one should consider when selecting mats are water retention, crush resistance, soil retention, wear resistance and slip resistance.

Generally speaking, densely fabricated, carpet-like mats absorb moisture, while open loop mats of rubber, nylon and vinyl remove and trap dirt. Working with a local dealer to find the combination of matting that will work most effectively to reduce grit, dirt and moisture is recommended.

To ensure maximum performance, mats should be cleaned regularly according to manufacturer's directions. Although the mats themselves require maintenance, they are still a substantial time and money saver by collecting, retaining and centralizing grit, dirt and moisture before it reaches the floor's surface.

A smart way to control costs and save time is to hire a company to remove and replace soiled mats with fresh ones on a regular basis. Ask your matting or maintenance supply dealer if such a service is available in the area.

Short of asking pedestrians to leave their shoes at the door, the use of walk-off mats, combined with regular polishing and soil removal, is the best route to a long-lasting, safe and attractive floor.

Check out IHM's Guide to Walk-Off Mats for more information. 

From the technical floor division of Armstrong World Industries and IHM Facility Services