Difference between PVC and Rubber Backed mats

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We are often asked the difference between PVC and rubber backed entry mats. At every possible opportunity we would encourage customers to use rubber backed entry mats for a number of reasons. We have put together this guide on the major differences and the benefits of rubber backing over PVC backed entry mats. 

Appearance and material descriptions

Rubber backed and PVC backed entry mats will appear very similiar to the eye, However, don’t be fooled by descriptions as many companies will claim and list their products as rubber in the description but if you look at the product description in more detail, the product material is in fact plastic.

PVC backed mats leave gaps making them look old and worn quickly

Cost

An important point is that rubber backed entry mats will be a more expensive then a PVC backed entry mat. However the cost difference will soon pay itself of as you will get up to 4 times the life period out of rubber then you would with PVC backed mats. Rubber backed entry matting is far superior endurance and resilience over PVC backed mats making this product more economical over time. PVC backed matting, although cheaper, is not as hard wearing and will cost more than rubber backing in terms of durability and replacement over its lifetime.

Durability and resilience of rubber backed entry mats

Rubber backed matting is chosen by all types of industries and commercial sectors because it is tough and strong and seen as a good investment. Rubber resists most impacts and circumstances. It is anti-tear, resistant to oil, chemicals and cigarettes. It does not rot or decay. It can withstand heavy impacts, scrapes and bumps. It doesn’t shrink expand or crack. Its highly resilient properties mean that rubber backing retains its appearance for a long time. Rubber is also safer to use because it remains anti-slip and isn’t subject to wear and tear which would cause the flooring to be unsafe.

PVC backing in comparison has little or no resilience and therefore does not have the same durability as rubber flooring.

PVC backed Mats shrink

Noise insulation

Another benefit and quality of rubber backed entry mats over PVC backing is that rubber absorbs sounds and noise. Sound in buildings and on walkways is deadened by using rubber backing and it is ideal in environments with heavy foot traffic such as libraries, offices, retail premises and schools.

Rubber’s safety

Another priority for our customers is when it comes to safety. Rubber backing holds a number of significant and important safety properties that PVC backing does not.

Rubber backing is waterproof, and even when it’s wet it is naturally slip-resistant. Because rubber is also flame resistant and has low smoke emission in the event of a fire, rubber is used in high risk areas in buildings such as fire escapes. Rubber is non-toxic and will not release noxious fumes into the air.

Environmentally friendly

Being eco-friendly and recycling responsibility is equally important and with this in mind rubber backing is far more environmentally friendly than PVC flooring when it comes to its environmental impact.

Rubber is not toxic or hazardous. PVC can contain toxic bi-products and contains toxic additives that can contribute to illnesses and allergies as well as causing a health hazard. PVC is also a high pollutant because it contains heavy metal content and chemical additives and it can also leak chlorine and carcinogens. Softeners known as phthalates can leak out of PVC floors when they are washed or can be emitted into the air and attach to dust causing airborne distribution.

Rubber is easily recycled by shredding or shredding and then processed. Rubber flooring and matting can also be made of up to 80% recycled rubber and contains no harmful substances to the environment.

So there you have it. We hope this guide has helped you to understand the important and beneficial differences between rubber backing and PVC backing.

One of our most common Rubber backed entry mat.

Premium Scraper / Entrano Rollstock Edged

Different Types of Entry Matting

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Are you considering installing walkoff mats in your business? Here are the reasons why you need walkoff mats and how they can help save you money.

Visitors Make Your Floors Dirty

According to research, 70% to 80% of dust, dirt, and grime is tracked indoors from visitors to your business. This means that there could be permanent damage to your floors if you do not do anything to keep this debris off your floors.

While cleaning can reduce the damage, it is better not to have it tracked into your business in the first place. Instead, use walkoff mats to trap the dirt and liquids before they reach your floors.

Cleaning Costs Increase Without Walkoff Mats

It is estimated that the cost of removing a 0.5 kilogram of dirt from a building can costs nearly $800 in cleaning costs. In fact, it takes just 150 people entering your workplace to track in a pound of dirt during a 5 day work week. That means that you will end up spending tens of thousands of dollars every year just to keep your floors clean without walkoff mats.

Carpets Accumulate Dirt Quickly

Some business owners opt to install carpet in order to protect their concrete floors from damage caused by dirt and liquids. Unfortunately, this is not really a cost-effective solution because one square metre of carpet can accumulate nearly a kilogram of dirt in just one week.

Under wet conditions, this figure climbs to twice that. As a result, you will end up spending a considerable amount of money on cleaning your carpets. In high traffic areas, you may even have to replace the carpet more often than advertised by the carpet manufacturer’s warranty.

Walkoff Mats Keep Your Business Clean

Walkoff mats are the most effective way of stopping dirt and moisture at your entranceways, while helping to keep your building maintenance costs to a minimum and your floors in top condition. They are also effective for internal use in high traffic areas, including office hallways, kitchens, freight elevator entrances, and factory entrances.

With branded walkoff mats you can convey a positive image for your business to employees and customers by showing that you care about their safety as well as the overall appearance and cleanliness of your facility.

Contact MatTek

From supply to install, from tile removing to screeding recesses, Allway will do what it takes to make your matting needs effective. To learn more about our products or to request a quote, call us on 1300 255 929 or send an email to sales@allway.com.au.

Allway Matting & Flooring becomes MatTek

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Allway Matting & Flooring has now merged with MatTek. MatTek is the Australian manufacturer and wholesaler of commercial and industrial matting.

This acquisition gives our loyal Allway customers access to the largest range of mats in Australia, as well as customised solutions produced in house with the fastest turnaround times, all backed by the highest level of service that only a passionate family business can offer.


About MatTek
MatTek was founded in 1972 and is still 100% owned and managed by the founding family. We are a 100% owned third generation family business. It is our commitment to having core products in stock, tailor making effecting solutions to customers exact requirements in house and sourcing raw materials from the most suitable sources around the globe that has positioned MatTek as the first choice in mats and matting throughout Australia.


Our Bayswater warehouse will now become the Victorian office and warehouse for MatTek, our best-selling products will be available for pick up from here and all other items will be available for same day despatch from our Sydney factory.


Allway Matting & Flooring will rebrand as MatTek. This transition will occur over three months.


We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship together. Enjoy our expanded product range, backed by our passionate trained team that go the extra mile.


Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact MatTek on 1300 365 012, sales@mattek.com.au or online www.mattek.com.au.

What logo mat is best for my building?

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With products and materials changing constantly to keep up with the demands of life and branding it is important to make sure you choose the right logo mat to suit your area.

MatTek try to keep it simple by providing our customers with 2 categories.

Printed Motif Mats

  1. Great for promotions
  2. Unlimited colours
  3. Moisture absorption
  4. No extra cost for larger prints

Printed logo mats are firstly used for a superior, attractive and colourful finish to promote brand awareness. Secondly they are used to absorb moisture and act as a dirt barrier to the internal building.

Precision Cut Logo mats

  1. For high traffic areas
  2. Eye catching and functional
  3. Fantastic dirt and moisture retention
  4. Large format options.

Unlike a traditional ‘printed’ Logo Mat, precision inlaid logo mats are even suitable for busy entrances, meaning they not only look fabulous, but are functional too. These mats are used firstly for absorbing moisture and dirt and secondly to enhance your entry with colour and brand awareness. These are perfect for high traffic areas.

Contact MatTek

Call us on 1300 255 929 or contact to discuss your project

Allway Matting for greener buildings

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Stockland Shopping Centre Entry Mat

The best performing entrance mats provide a safe, effective, and attractive surface. These are the features of an Entrano Rollstock entrance mat.

  1. Soil and moisture control are provided by the permanent rubber reinforced bi-level construction with a durable textile face. Soil and water are scraped off and held by the mat away from foot traffic.
  2. Safety is provided by a water dam around the perimeter to prevent water seepage onto the surrounding floor thereby protecting against
    slip/fall accidents
  3. Entrano Mats are the toughest, most attractive mats available. With a variety of product types and an extensive array of sizes and colors, they are an integral part of a Green Building entrance.

How big should my entry mat be?

85% of the soil brought into any building can be contained within the first 3-4 metres in a high traffic area.

IEQ 3.5 Green Cleaning: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control

Employ permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, mats) at least 3 metres long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at all public entry points, and develop the associated cleaning strategies to maintain those entryway systems as well as exterior walkways.

Allway Matting by MatTek

Call us on 1300 255 929 or contact to discuss your project

How can rugs help students learn?

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Rugs are an excellent flooring solution for schools. Traditionally they have been used in place of broadloom carpeting, offering the warmth and comfort of carpet, with the durability and easy maintenance of a carpet tile. They are excellent for busy, high traffic areas such as school classrooms due to their hard-wearing nature. Many are also created with stain resistant properties. However, should an area become stained or damaged, the affected tiles can easily be removed and replaced.

In terms of health and safety, carpet tiles are a really good choice for schools. Dust mites rarely live in carpets, and if well maintained, carpet tiles can actually improve air quality. Being soft underfoot means that the tumbles and falls common in primary school environments are absorbed more easily than hard flooring, presenting a much lower risk to children than hard floorings. And as they don’t distort or contract like wood and vinyl, the chances of tripping over them is greatly reduced. Further to this, they are soft underfoot for children and teachers on their feet a lot of the day, and for children regularly sitting on the floor.

Another reason to use this kind of flooring in schools is the impact on noise. Large areas can create distracting acoustics and carpet tiles act as a sound absorber to control noise levels. Also, carpet can be used creatively in different zones to help manage noise levels, for example corridors can be carpeted with calming tones to lower noise levels and help reduce disruptive behavior.

Pairing Your Desk with Anti-fatigue Mat

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When you work in an office you need to remember that movement is of prime importance to keep blood circulation flowing smoothly through your muscles. So though most office jobs entail sitting for long hours you should break the routine and alternate between standing and sitting, at least 12-16 during your 8 hour shift. What will make the standing stretch more comfortable is the use of an anti-fatigue mat.

Benefits of using an anti-fatigue mat

There are specially designed anti-fatigue mats to give relief to people who use a standing desk at work. These mats will alleviate your legs experiencing tiredness while standing, enabling you to concentrate better on your work. The blood flow in your body improves, as in an upright position the muscles in the back of your legs are in use as compared to a sitting position. A good balance while in standing position will reduce levels of weakness and pain in the legs and improve energy.

A study on anti-fatigue mats reveals that they reduce fatigue experienced by people who need to stand on hard surfaces for long hours in the day. Balance is very important while standing. Your weight needs to be distributed evenly and if not achieved, it could put pressure on your joints, spine and back.

While it may prove difficult for a person to change his or her overall standing movements, concentration should be focused on shifting weight from one side to another to alleviate pain and fatigue. By using an anti-fatigue mat this type of set behaviour undergoes a subtle change, almost unconsciously. Energy levels are improved and joint pains are controlled.

Choosing the right anti-fatigue mat

There are a host of anti-fatigue mats available in the market. Check out the selection at Allway matting, focusing on the following features:

  • The mat should be made of polyurethane, puncture resistant and easy to clean.
  • Choose a mat that will fit snugly under your desk, allowing you enough room.
  • Since standing involves continuous body movement, the front and back corners of the mat should be a bit higher than the sides with a teardrop mound in the centre.
  • When standing, the mat should not feel too soft under the feet.
  • The mat should be easy to move from beneath your desk and pushed back in.

Summary

In summation the anti-fatigue is an invention for people who need to stand long hours during their work routine. Key benefits of using an anti-fatigue mat are:

  • Stimulation of blood circulation
  • Improves body posture
  • Keeps energy levels up
  • Prevents body aches
  • Prevents danger of slipping or falling
  • Helps to improve productivity
  • Acts as a safety net for any falling object
  • Generates overall comfort

Use of anti-fatigue mats need not be limited only to places where you would need to stand for long hours – such as restaurants or offices. Wherever and whenever you need to spend long hours on your feet invest in a good anti-fatigue mat. You will immediately notice the lessening of tiredness and pain, and your ability to achieve more in a shorter period of time. Consider getting an anti-fatigue mat as a valuable investment in your general health.

Quality Restroom Mats to Keep Facilities Cleaner

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Matting (rubber, foam, acrylic, etc.) is commercially available for safe, domestic and office use with a high brand-equity value among all types of citizens and corporate employees. These mats are manufactured with exclusive compliance to the requirements of Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Depending upon the application, a specific quality of these mats can be procured and utilized for the purpose. Salient applications of these mats are given below.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are usually constructed with smooth flooring and tiled walls. Being frequently used both at the domestic and office environment, they are prone to accumulation of algae and fungi. These contribute to a slippery area. Apart from this, they are a fresh breeding ground for bacteria to incubate and multiply. This situation leads to infection for human beings and domestic animals as well. Hence, hygiene has to be taken care of in these premises.

Antimicrobial treated-mats ensure absence of algae and fungi and related bacteria. Apart from hygiene, these mats provide high safety for the users from slip and fall and consequent injury. This is especially relevant to business owners and corporate groups as they are responsible for the safety of the workers during office hours. This is achieved because the rubber protrusions of these mats grip to the floor and enable firm flooring for safe use, free from hazards. This is particularly so, as the area remains wet owing to repeated use of water. Hence, such mats are suitable for wet area.

Restrooms

Restrooms are provided with a variety of facilities such as wash basin, commodes and urinals. The maintenance of these restrooms has been done traditionally by frequent washing and use of disinfectants. However, this method involves frequent human labour and temporary shutdown causing inconvenience to urgent users. Restroom mats are a replacement for overcoming these disadvantages. The EPA- approved high-quality mats can be used under wash basin, urinals and within toilets surrounding the commode area. They are eco-friendly good absorbents. The holes in the wet-step mat provide for easy draining of water and provide slip-resistant features.

In recent times, disposables are preferred both for domestic and office use in view of their easy availability as cheap products in bulk quantities. Disposable urinal mats come under this category, providing anti-septic and anti-microbial environment for the users. Apart from this, launderable mats are also available with poly-propylene matrix which facilitates rapid water evaporation. Features such as attractive fabric borders and rounded corners add décor to the interiors.

Hygienic environment in bathrooms and rest rooms are a delight to the users. Maintenance of good health is top priority of individual families and corporate giants as the medical cost for treatment of infection and injury is stupendous. The use of matting supplied by professional manufacturers supports brand equity concept and ensures uniform quality assurance. This adds to the confidence of the employees and benefits the Management in terms of productivity. The use of mats ensures minimal use of water preventing odour and erosion. Sanitation as an important aspect of living is emphasized.

Your Next Marketing Strategy – Custom Floor Mats

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As you put together your next marketing strategy for your business, don’t forget to look down! In fact, your flooring can actually do a lot to boost your business. Even if you don’t have the money to replace your flooring completely, versatile custom motif floor mats are a cost-effective solution that can greatly improve the look of your business.

Here are 5 reason why custom mats should be in your next marketing strategy.

1. They Are Highly Visible

Floors are a largely untapped marketing space with significant potential. Given that they are highly visible and are one of the first things that visitors and employees to your business notice when they enter your business, your floors are an important way to make a great first impression.

As a result, attractive custom mats can help your business to look more polished. They also show that you’ve taken the time to invest in all aspects of your business and not only your products and services.

2. They Build Awareness

Quality, durable custom floor mats can be used to keep floors clean, dry and safe while generating brand and product awareness. You can have mats imprinted with your logo, company name, tagline, website address, social media information, marketing message and more. Place them at entrances, in elevators, at the top of stairs, at checkout counters and reception desks, and other high-traffic, high-visibility areas.

3. They Increase Sales

Custom motif floor mats are great for providing product information or a sales message. In fact, you can use them to increase your sales of specific brands or products by alerting customers to the fact that your business offers those items with branded floor mats.

4. They Can Be Used to Market a Promotion

If you planning to offer a promotion for a limited time, solution dyed mats like Motifmat provide detailed, full-colour images that get your promotions noticed. In addition, since mats are easy to install and remove, you can pick them up and discard them as soon as the promotion has ended. Use them to advertise a contest, special giveaway, or promotional marketing message. Or print a QR code on mats and encourage people to scan them to enter a promotion or follow you on social media.

5. They Make an Excellent Thank You Gift

If you sell high ticket items, floor mats are a good option to give away as a thank you gift. Everyone has an entrance-way in their homes that needs a floor mat, which means that everyone customer will appreciate receiving a custom mat. Give away custom floor mats that have been customised with your logo or product to your loyal customers and referral partners. You can also use custom floor mats as a part of a sales incentive for your employees

Contact Allway Matting

From supply to install, from tile removing to screeding recesses, Allway will do what it takes to make your matting needs effective. To learn more about our products or to request a quote, call us on 1300 255 929 or send an email to sales@allway.com.au.

Different Types of Entry Matting

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Entry Mats play a vital role in the cleaning and maintenance of flooring as well as assisting in meeting the OHS requirements of Commercial buildings. With over 45 years’ experience, MatTek/Allway Matting has worked closely with property managers and understand the right entry mat for the different level of commercial buildings.

Buildings that receive extreme traffic daily, scissor lifts, trolleys and even cars require a durable and effective entry mat. The most expensive is not the best in this case. Below is the reason why.

Aluminium Extruded Mats

These mats are designed mainly for looks. The fibre inserts are designed to stop moisture but if this is a cheap fibre the mat quickly becomes ineffective. These mats are very expensive to purchase and bend and buckle under heavy traffic making them require regular maintenance and replacement. Our recommendation is to only use these in low traffic areas where there is no heavy machinery (scissor lifts, pallet trolleys) entering the building.

PVC Extruded Mats

These mats are very similar to the above but instead of the aluminium extrusion they have a PVC extrusion. PVC shrinks and expands with weather conditions causing the mat to leave gaps around the edges and potential trip hazards. The PVC extrusion does not absorb moisture but does act as scraper bars to help stop dirt and mud. These mats usually have a cheaper insert in the extrusion which will not absorb large amounts of moisture. We recommend to only use these in low to medium traffic areas.

Rubber Backed Entry Mats

These mats consist of a solid fibre surface which absorbs maximum moisture. Rubber backed mats are economical and effective and they won’t remain buckled due to heavy traffic or machinery. They look fantastic and can be easily installed, maintained and cleaned and are not required to be removed to clean underneath the mats. These mats can be used in all types of areas from extreme traffic with machinery to low and medium traffic entrances.

Need help deciding what suits you best? Allway Matting / MatTek can help call us today on 1300 365 012 to discuss

Floor Mat Buying Guide

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Are you looking to buy a commercial floor mat? You’ve probably already realised that research is crucial when buying a floor mat.

The huge range of options that are available in terms of features, styles, brands and more make it all the more difficult. Here’s a brief guide to help you choose the right floor mat.

Price

Start by deciding your budget. The money you are prepared to spend will impact the size and style of the mat you buy. Commercial floors mats are priced anywhere between $25 to $2500 depending on the material used, its durability, the size and even style. Identify the price range you are comfortable with and take it from there. No matter your budget, there’s a wide range of options available in every price range.

Styles

Floor mats are available in a variety of styles each different in their primary function. Essentially, floor mats can be categorised into three styles – wiping, anti-fatigue and customised mats. Scraping and wiping mats help scrape the dirt and any excess moisture from the soles of shoes and help keep the floors clean. These mats are available in a variety of materials including rubber and PET. Anti-fatigue mats help reduce the stress levels and improve the productivity of your staff. They are a great fit in production lines at manufacturing units. They are usually made from rubber for that additional cushioning. Custom made mats offer a wonderful opportunity to display your branding when welcoming your guests to your premises. Placement You can place floor mats indoors, outdoors and at entryways. Where you place your mat will depend on what you want to achieve. No matter what style of mat you choose, a range of options are available depending on where you want to place them.

Size

Commercial floor mats are available in a wide range of sizes. They are offered in sizes as small as 2’ x 3’ and as large as 12’ x 60’. Measure the space you want to fill to identify the size you require. If you are expecting a lot of foot traffic at your premises, a large size is highly recommended as it can hold more dirt and moisture.

Durability

Most of the floor mats available in the market are built to last. However, the durability of the mat depends on the traffic as well as use. If you are looking for hard-wearing and long-lasting floor mats, you must maintain them well. Vacuum the mats every day and rinse them once a week. This will ensure your floor mat stays clean and sparkling for a long time. Once cleaned, ensure that the mat and the floor surface are totally dry. This is the best way to avoid the build-up of bacteria.