Dispelling 3 Common Floor Matting Myths
Floor mats are everywhere! You probably walked over one on your way to work today, at the grocery store last night and you may even have one under your feet as you’re reading this. But how much do you really know about floor mats? In this post, we will talk about three of the most common myths we hear about floor matting in St Louis , and we’ll give you the facts.
“Mats have a definite lifespan.”
Mats definitely have lifespans, but the length of them depends largely on how they are placed and maintained.
Like any other cleaning supplies or equipment, floor mats last longer when they are properly maintained. To extend the lifespan of your mats, clean them regularly to remove dirt, water and sand. Any debris left on your mats will make them less effective at removing moisture and dirt from shoes. Cleaning anti-fatigue mats regularly will ensure they remain safe and slip-resistant.
Usage also affects the lifespan of floor mats. If you have two identical mats and one is placed in a high-traffic area while the other is in a less busy area, the mat that sees more foot traffic will not have as long of a service life.
“Thicker mats last longer.”
The performance of a mat can be affected by its thickness, but it won’t change its lifespan.
Heavier, thicker mats won’t move as much on floors, making them ideal for spaces that see high traffic. For moderate traffic areas, a thicker and more moderately sized mat will have the same lifespan.
“Softer anti-fatigue mats are best.”
This seems right on paper, but in practice, there is definitely a danger in a mat being too soft. Anti-fatigue mats provide support to people who are on their feet for long periods of time. When standing, restricted blood flow to the legs and feet can cause fatigue and soreness. Anti-fatigue mats support the muscles of the lower extremities, leading to a boost in the flow of oxygen and blood. This prevents fatigue and soreness.
When mat surfaces are too soft, they don’t allow the muscles in the legs and back to move enough to promote blood flow. In fact, on too soft mats, these muscles actually have to work even harder to stabilize the body, which increases fatigue.
The “sweet spot” for anti-fatigue matting is a deflection between 20 and 60%. Mats that displace in that range under a load of pressure equal to a 150-pound person are ideal.
Have more questions about our floor matting in St Louis ? We’re happy to share our expert advice and help you choose the best mats for your facility. Contact us today to learn more!
