Bet if you live in the UK you wish you'd had one of these last (stormy) weekend!
Diversified technology company 3M has launched a new generation of entrance door drop-down matting. Delivering unrivalled performance for water absorbency, Nomad Aqua Plus matting is a low-maintenance, easy to clean product that protects surrounding floor coverings from tracked in dirt.
With 85% of dirt and moisture entering a building on the shoes of its users, the performance of the entrance matting is a critical factor in creating the right first impression for its users. Underspecifying on entrance matting not only affects the appearance of the building’s entrance, it can also pose significant health & safety risks, causing slips and trips.
In Nomad Aqua Plus matting, 3M has created a product that is a significant new interpretation of its concept of a combination of coarse and fine fibres to remove dirt and moisture more effectively than conventional entrance carpet. Designed to combine long life, high performance and low maintenance, it offers a cost-effective alternative to rented matting.
Nomad Aqua Plus matting is based on a three-layer construction. The top layer consists of an absorbent and permeable patented polyamide or polypropylene dual-fibre tuft. Its larger texturised coarse fibres remove dirt while the smaller fine fibres absorb excess water. This improves resistance to traffic for increased durability and sustainability.
The key middle layer is responsible for the outstanding water absorption and retention, with the range offering absorbencies of between 3.7 and 5.5 litres per square metre. It features the 3M patented 3D void structure that is permeable and water-resistant to drain water away more efficiently, incorporating a mildew-resistant draining fleece which ensures durability and resistance to extreme traffic. This has dimensional stability, comfort cushioning and sound-deadening qualities, while conforming to local fire regulations.
Its third layer is a backing that offers a reduction in PVC of more than 50% and incorporates 50% recycled polymers. This can be easily vacuum cleaned, reducing cleaning times and frequency as well as cutting down on labour and energy costs.
The backing is also impervious and will not release dampness after absorbing water and it will not move on the ground preventing friction on the underlying floor from abrasive dirt particles creeping below the matting. From a health & safety point of view, the slip-resistant low-profile backing sticks to the ground so the entrance matting is always secure and is not easily lifted up by foot traffic.
“It would be easy to underestimate the number of factors involved in specifying entrance matting," warns Richard Jones. "The environment in which the matting is used is obviously key and so are issues such as the effectiveness of its dirt removal and water removal performance. Underspecifying on entrance matting can compromise safety and also be detrimental to other floor coverings.
"Nomad Aqua Plus matting has been developed with all of these factors in mind and has the added advantage of an attractive appearance that makes it aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.”
Nomad Aqua Plus matting is available in a full range of new colours, patterns and widths and is available from janitorial suppliers.
*A reduction of more than 50 per cent in PVC weight versus comparable products in the market, depending on the size and type of mat.
Diversified technology company 3M has launched a new generation of entrance door drop-down matting. Delivering unrivalled performance for water absorbency, Nomad Aqua Plus matting is a low-maintenance, easy to clean product that protects surrounding floor coverings from tracked in dirt.