Have you ever wondered why your office floor doesn't get drenched and dirty during a storm? Or how some shops manage to keep their floors gleaming despite the constant foot traffic? The answer lies right beneath your feet, hard-working feature known as barrier matting.

Dual action barrier matting

In this post, we'll unpack everything there is to know about barrier matting - its various forms, functions, and its role in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring safety, all while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your space. Let's take a look at it.

Key Takeaways

Definition and Functionality:

  • Barrier matting is a specialized type of floor covering designed to trap and hold dirt, moisture, and other particles, preventing them from spreading into the interior spaces of buildings. It is often placed at entrances and high-traffic areas as the first defence against unwanted dirt and debris. Barrier matting is used in various settings, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial sites, to maintain cleanliness, enhance safety, and sometimes for anti-fatigue purposes.

Materials and Types:

  • Barrier mats are made from various materials, including coir and rubber, chosen for their robustness, practicality, and visual appeal. Coir, sourced from coconut husks, is excellent at tackling hard-to-remove dirt, while rubber is water-repelling and ideal for areas with high footfall. Coir mats are suitable for dry indoor spaces, and rubber mats are great for wet outdoor conditions or areas exposed to high foot traffic.

Installation and Maintenance:

  • Barrier mats can be installed in a mat well for a neat finish and stability, but it is unnecessary as loose-lay barrier mats are also popular for convenience. They are easy to clean and maintain; coir mats can be cleaned by shaking or using a stiff brush, and rubber mats can be cleaned with a damp cloth or hosed down for thorough cleaning. Make An Entrance is a leading supplier in the UK, offering diverse barrier matting solutions designed to meet various needs.

So, What is Barrier Matting?

Barrier matting is a specialised type of floor covering designed to trap and hold dirt, moisture, and other particles, preventing them from spreading into the interior spaces of buildings. Often placed at entrances and high-traffic areas, it serves as the first line of defense, or 'barrier', against unwanted dirt and debris carried by foot traffic.

Barrier mats are available in a variety of materials and sizes, including rubber and coir, among others. Known for their effectiveness in preserving cleanliness, reducing additional maintenance costs, and enhancing safety by reducing slip hazards, these are a crucial hygiene element in residential and commercial buildings.

What is Barrier Matting Made From?

Here at Make An Entrance, our wide range of high quality barrier matting is crafted from a selection of materials chosen for their robustness, practicality, and visual appeal. Some of the key materials we use include coir and rubber. The tough fibres of coir, a natural material sourced from coconut husks, are excellent at tackling hard-to-remove dirt. Meanwhile, rubber, known for its water-repelling and hard-wearing properties, is an ideal choice for areas exposed to high footfall and large amounts of dirt and moisture.

How Do Barrier Entrance Mats Work?

Barrier entrance mats are the first line of defense against dirt, moisture, and other debris that can be carried into a building on the soles of shoes. When someone steps on the mat, the design and materials of the mat trap these particles. This can help commercial offices to comply with building regulations and other hygiene rules.

Coir mats for instance, feature fibres that scrape off and hold onto dirt, wand they are able to trap and absorb moisture rather than letting it spread to internal floors. As a result, dirt doesn't make its way into the building, keeping the interior spaces cleaner and safer.

What types of Barrier Matting Systems are Available?

As mentioned, coir and rubber are two main types of barrier matting systems available at Make An Entrance, but our offerings extend beyond that. Coir mats are excellent for dry, indoor areas where their natural, rugged fibers can efficiently scrape off dirt from shoes. Rubber mats, which are robust and water-resistant, are great for wet, outdoor conditions or areas exposed to high foot traffic. These types of entrance matting will help prevent any slip accidents cause by wet floors.

Where is Barrier Matting Used?

Barrier matting is used in a wide range of settings due to its ability to trap dirt and moisture, thus protecting interior spaces from contamination and reducing maintenance costs. These settings include:

  1. Residential Buildings: Homes often use barrier mats at their entrances and garages to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside.
  2. Commercial Buildings: Offices, shops, and other commercial spaces use barrier mats in entranceways and other high-traffic areas to maintain cleanliness and ensure safe access.
  3. Industrial Sites: Factories, warehouses, and workshops may use barrier matting in entrances, exits, and workstations for safety, cleanliness, and sometimes, anti-fatigue purposes.

Why do I need Barrier Matting?  

Let's explore the main reasons why you business needs barrier matting systems:

Maintain Cleanliness

Barrier matting is an effective way to control the spread of dirt, dust, and moisture from entrances into the interior spaces of a building. This not only helps to keep the premises clean, reducing the amount of cleaning required, but it also protects floor surfaces from wear and tear caused by debris.

Enhance Safety

By trapping moisture and reducing the amount of water tracked into a building, barrier matting minimises the risk of slips and falls. This is particularly crucial in areas with high foot traffic or where children or elderly people might be moving around.

Improve Aesthetics

Besides the functional benefits, barrier matting can also enhance the visual appeal of an entrance. With a variety of styles, colours, and materials available, it can be tailored to complement the decor of the building, making a positive first impression on visitors.

Do the barrier mats have to be installed in a mat well?

While installing barrier mats in a mat well can offer a neat, flush finish with the surrounding floor, it is not an absolute necessity. The decision largely depends on the specific needs and area the mat will be placed in.

For instance, mats installed in a well are less likely to move, provide a level surface reducing the risk of tripping, and can accommodate larger, heavier-duty mats. However, loose lay barrier mats are quite popular as they're easier to install, can be moved and cleaned more conveniently, and don't require any specific floor modifications like a mat well.

Is this type of barrier matting easy to clean and maintain?

Yes, rubber matting is incredibly easy to clean and maintain due to the material's it is made from. For instance, coir mats can be cleaned by a simple shake to remove the loose dirt. For a deeper clean, a stiff brush can be used if needed once the dirt has dried completley. Rubber mats, on the other hand, can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and can even be hosed down for more thorough cleaning.

Make An Entrance: The UKs No.1 Barrier Matting Supplier

Make An Entrance prides itself on being the UK's No.1 supplier of barrier matting. With our diverse range of products, we have redefined the standard of entrance matting systems, merging functionality with style. Each of our mats is thoughtfully designed and crafted from top-quality materials, including coir and rubber to effectively trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Get in touch with us today to start your journey with barrier matting systems!

In conclusion, whether you're looking to maintain cleanliness, enhance safety, or simply elevate the aesthetic appeal of your entranceway, Make An Entrance offers a comprehensive range of barrier matting solutions to meet your needs.

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