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Why commercial entrance matting is key to building safety

Commercial Entrance Mat ExtraTread
ExtraTread - Wanaka Sports Centre
Commercial Entrance Mat ExtraTread
ExtraTread - Wanaka Sports Centre

A building’s look, feel and function are defined first by its entranceways. They are its most-trafficked areas, and are the transition point for everything that enters and exits, including the weather. Fitting high-quality entrance matting will preserve the integrity of a building’s interior and ensure the comfort and safety of its users.

 

In New Zealand, ACC claims for slips, trips and falls occurring in commercial locations have averaged around 35,000 per year over the previous decade. Installing the right entry matting will help bring this number down, reducing the public and private costs of such accidents.

Reflecting this, the New Zealand Building Code states that access routes shall have adequate slip-resistant walking surfaces under all conditions of normal use, and recommends that the transition from external to internal space should be level and occur easily and comfortably regardless of weather or the ability of the user.

It also recommends entrance matting always be recessed, fixed to the floor, and large enough to dry wheelchair wheels properly. The recommendation is also that the entrance mat should be at least 1800mm into the building to ensure sufficient foot-strikes to remove sufficient moisture and dirt.

Recessed entrance matting is available in a variety of material, construction and design options. Most commonly, sections of absorbent material such as polyamide and polypropylene are set within a metal frame. As around 80% of dirt and moisture entering a building comes in on the soles of shoes, the quality of these absorbent fibres is fundamental to a mat’s efficacy in preventing slips and falls.

While the comfort and safety of a building’s users is paramount, the building itself needs to be protected from outside elements, particularly its floors. Keeping out dirt is a major factor in reducing the cost of cleaning and maintenance; it also helps prevent stains, scratching and other damage that could otherwise shorten a floor’s useful life.

Alongside these practical considerations, design and aesthetics are also important. The entranceway adds to users’ first impressions of a building, and all design and practical elements need to work in harmony. Entrance matting is available in a large range of styles and colourways, so designers can create stylish and welcoming entrances using products that work with the design.

As a family business with nearly 50 years’ experience over four generations, Advance Flooring are experts in entrance matting systems. Entrance matting is a critical part of any building’s performance, creating a great first impression while serving to protect its interior and its occupants.

Not sure which entrance mat to select? Check out the article here.