During Canadian Winter, Entrance Mats Remain Essential

Nathalie Thibault
Jan 23
2 min read

Canadian winters put buildings to the test. Snow, slush, sand, and de-icing salts are tracked daily into entrances, lobbies, and corridors. The result: accelerated floor wear, increased slip risks, and higher maintenance demands.

In this context, the entrance mat plays a central role. More than a simple accessory, it is a crucial surface-protection tool during the winter months.

This article is the first in a series on winter maintenance, focusing on mats—the first surfaces exposed.

Why Entrance Mats Are Critical in Winter

A commercial entrance mat serves as the first line of defense against moisture, sand, and de-icing salts. Properly selected, sized, and placed, mats can:

Significantly reduce the amount of dirt and contaminants entering the building; industry estimates show that a well-designed matting system can capture most outdoor debris.
Protect flooring (ceramic, vinyl, polished concrete, wood, or fixed carpets) by limiting abrasion from sand and mineral particles.
Reduce slip hazards by absorbing water from melting snow before it spreads indoors.

Fewer contaminants indoors mean less corrective cleaning, reduced premature wear, and better control of maintenance costs.

When Mats Are the Most Effective

Entrance mats are especially valuable for:

Main entrances of office buildings or institutions
Winter months, typically November to April
High-traffic areas like lobbies, main corridors, and elevator landings
Multi-tenant buildings, where cleanliness affects occupants’ and visitors’ experience

Modular or custom mats offer flexibility, allowing easy maintenance, section replacement, and adaptation to each space’s layout.

Mats and Calcium: A Key Relationship

Mats not only limit contaminants but are also exposed to calcium tracked in on shoes. Over time, calcium can accumulate in fibers, altering mat appearance and making cleaning more challenging.

Future articles will explore how calcium-removal products work and why their effectiveness varies, aiming to prevent premature surface damage.

When to Consider Alternatives

Mats are not always the best solution:

In very small spaces where permanent mats cannot be installed
Industrial or material-handling areas, where anti-slip coatings or rubber surfaces are preferable
During fall or summer, when mats can be partially or fully removed to limit wear

Even in these cases, durable surfaces such as epoxy, commercial vinyl, or rubber benefit from added protection if mats are used during winter.

Best Practices for Maximum Efficiency

To fully leverage entrance mats:

Choose mats suited to traffic volume, 3–5 meters long depending on foot traffic
Implement a regular maintenance plan: daily vacuuming and weekly deep cleaning
Adjust by season: add mats in winter, partially remove in summer
Train staff in inspection, repositioning, and securing mats

Conclusion

In the Canadian climate, entrance mats are more than decorative—they are essential property management tools that protect floors, enhance safety, and reduce winter maintenance costs.

This first article sets the stage for our winter maintenance series.

In the interim, for more insights, consult:

Optimizing Entrance Mats

A professional audit ensures winter entrance management is effective and cost-efficient.

Our services include:

Adjusting seasonal maintenance practices
Equipping staff to extend mat and surface lifespan
Creating targeted rotation and replacement plans for high-traffic areas

This approach reduces premature wear, controls costs, and ensures consistent cleanliness even in harsh winter conditions.