Eagle Mat Shares Tips for Winter Garage Matting Installation

WASHINGTON - Feb. 6, 2014 - PRLog -- Slips and falls are ranked among the #1 cause for compensable injury in the American trucking industry (source: National Floor Safety Institute). This statistic is particularly alarming this winter, as snow and ice plague the Eastern seaboard and bible belt, leaving many communities with dangerous conditions for which they are unprepared. Garage mats and tiles are an excellent solution to this problem, providing floor protection along with a solid layer of grip for pedestrians.

Eagle Mat and Floor Products recommends facility managers consider the following elements prior to purchasing and installing garage floor mats: Humidity, temperature, garage floor surface, and chemical presence.

First, it is recommended that humidity be measured in the garage prior to installation. This can be problematic, as winter months are typically dry compared to spring and summer. However, humidity must be anticipated. In humid environments, Eagle Mat recommends sealing the concrete floor first to prevent moisture accumulation, mold, and mildew from forming below the surface of the mats.

Next, consideration must be given to the temperature of the garage and the surrounding environment. Garage mats and tiles are known to expand and contract when exposed to significant temperature swings, though they maintain their texture and ability to prevent slips and falls. In most cases, a certain degree of expansion and contraction is normal and should be expected. To accommodate for this natural variance, Eagle Mat recommends leaving about a quarter inch gap between the edge of the mats and other vertical surfaces, like walls and steps.

Third, facility managers and property owners must survey the surface of the concrete garage floor to identify certain aspects that need addressed prior to the installation of mats or tiles. Minor divots, flaking, and sprawling are normal and will not affect garage mat installation. Divots wider than a quarter inch, however, must be filled to prevent disruption. Eagle Mat recommends filling these holes with a concrete or vinyl patching material.

Finally, Eagle Mat cautions garage owners to look for tire marks on the concrete prior to installation. Such marks are caused by a unique chemical called 6ppd that is used in the production of certain commercial rubber products, like tires. Tires will create marks on garage mats and tiles just like bare concrete; facilities are advised to invest in dark colored mats and tires should such tire marks be prevalent.

To help American business owners invest in proactive accident prevention, Eagle Mat and Floor Products now offers Free Shipping and a 100% Price Match Guarantee on all garage mats mats and tiles purchased online at http://www.eaglemat.com/garage-flooring.html. Visit http://www.eaglemat.com for more information, or call Client Services directly at 1-877-333-1018.