A Guide to Entrance Matting

Entrance Matting is a crucial part in creating the first impression in any environment. It is the first thing that you see when you walk inside a building, the first point of contact before and after entering a space and is a much welcome area on a rainy day! Most of us cycle through several entrance mats throughout the years, often aware how fast they tend to wear out. However, with the right Entrance Mat System, the right length of matting and with the right matting materials, they should be able to last much longer than that!

What makes a good entrance mat?

Knowing how a good entrance mat should perform allows you to make informed decisions when choosing the best matting for you. A good entrance mat should:

• Absorb and retain water and dirt
• Prevent slips and trips by having a anti-slip backing
• Dry off quickly (with the help of adequate ventilation or heat curtains)
• Handle trolley and chair traffic
• Look great and fit your interior design
• Have fire resistance to discourage the spread of fires
• Be integrated in the environment’s cleaning method and frequency

Entrance matting system

The entrance to a building or workplace is comprised of three zones.

• Exterior zone (Zone 1) requires outdoor matting. It should be able to handle sunlight, snow, ice and rain. It is the first barrier between footwear and building interiors, and should scrape off any dirt or debris.
• Primary interior zone (Zone 2) requires matting that is durable and absorbent enough to remove debris and most moisture from footwear.
• Secondary interior zone (Zone 3) calls for matting that can remove any residual water and dust.

If your budget allows it, having matting in all three zones is the most efficient way to combat water and dirt. However, if you can only afford one, the primary interior matting is the best option to go for.

Depending on the amount of space available and daily footfall, allow for more matting area to ensure that the surface isn’t saturated too quickly. We recommend at least 6 to 7 metres for up to 400 people an hour.

Ensure that the installation of matting does not add tripping hazards. Make sure that there are bevelled edges around the mat or install the mat in a recessed matwell. This puts the mat at the same level of the flooring surface. Consider matting heights when planning the recessed matwell.

Types of entrances

Depending on the type of entrance you currently have, choose an entrance matting system that complements the environment!

Automatic sliding doors

The most efficient type of entrance has automatic doors that help keep the rain and insects out, maintain indoor temperature and are the most helpful to people carrying objects, or with mobility problems. Creating a recessed matwell to reduce trip hazards is the best option!

Revolving doors

They help control the crowd and can help keep the rain out. However, they are less helpful to those with mobility problems. A recessed matwell under the revolving doors allows for extra dirt scraping and moisture trapping areas.

Push/pull doors

Often used as secondary entrances, push and pull doors aren’t self-closing and are often awkward to install matting around. However, they require the least power but should always be closed to keep the rain out. Make sure that there is enough space under the doorway so that opening or closing the door does not move the mat. Place the mat as close to the door as possible to limit trip and slip hazards.

Entrance Matting Material

Make sure you select the correct material to maximise the efficiency of your entrance matting. Some materials are more absorbent, some UV-resistant and some scrape better. Here we explain the most popular material options as well as recommend the best products!

Nylon

A synthetic fibre that most consider the best material for entrance matting, Nylon is the most resilient and hard-wearing. Environments with high footfalls can benefit greatly from Nylon matting as it can dry quickly and is resistant to stains. It can be used to create a texture that brushes and scrapes. However, it is only used for indoor applications.

Absorbent:

UV Resistant:

Scraping:

Quick-drying:

Washable:

---

Polypropylene

These Thermoplastic Polymer fibres are the most effective at scraping dry dust due to their rough abrasive texture. It is a lower-cost alternative to Nylon matting and is most popular in retail, offices and leisure environments. It is most ideal in reception areas.

Absorbent:

UV Resistant:

Scraping:

Quick-drying:

Washable:

---

---

Coir

A more traditional approach to matting, coir is a natural material manufactured from the husks of coconut shells. While still extremely effective due to its scraping properties, it is not a popular choice for public environments as it is not wheelchair-friendly.

Absorbent:

UV Resistant:

Scraping:

Quick-drying:

Washable:

---

Microfibre

Microfibre mats are commonly made from Polypropylene and Nylon yarn. Super absorbent, this type of matting traps moisture and dirt efficiently. The static charge created from friction with footwear attracts dirt and debris. A more efficient and performing alternative to Cotton, Microfibre matting dries in a third of the time of Cotton matting.

Absorbent:

UV Resistant:

Scraping:

Quick-drying:

Washable:

---

Rubber/Nitrile

The best choice for heavy duty outdoor applications, Rubber matting is available in several designs. Holed rubber mats are the best scrapers and help decrease the risk of slips. Mixing Nitrile to Rubber greatly improves its performance, as it is able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Absorbent:

UV Resistant:

Scraping:

Quick-drying:

Washable:

---

If you have special requirements or need bespoke sizes and colours, speak to our Sales Team for any additional information. View our entire range of Entrance Matting solutions at Matting Direct2U.

Source: COBA Flooring