You’ll Profit From Cleaning and Storing Construction Mats Properly
Construction mats are built to handle tough jobs, but their lifespan depends on how they’re treated after use. Too many companies overlook cleaning and storage, which leads to unnecessary replacement costs. What if a few simple steps could extend mat life and improve return on investment? Using construction site mats wisely keeps fleets safe, durable, and ready to deploy. Cleaning your site mats may seem like adding an extra step, but proper maintenance is the most direct route to a return on the investment.
Clean Composite Mats After Every Project
Mats pick up soil, chemicals, and invasive plant material. If left unchecked, these contaminants can degrade surfaces and create environmental risk. Power washing or scrubbing after each use keeps mats in top condition and reduces cross-site contamination. For context on why composite mats are easy to clean and sanitize, see our post on load distribution and non-porous surfaces.
Inspect for Damage Before Storage
It’s easy to stack mats and move on. A quick inspection for cracks, warping, and loose connectors catches issues early. Addressing small repairs immediately prevents bigger failures later and avoids downtime when mats are needed again.
Store Mats in Dry, Secure Locations
Moisture and poor storage environments accelerate wear. Stack mats on level surfaces in covered or well-ventilated areas to limit exposure to water, UV, and pests. Organizing by size and connector type makes outbound deployment faster and reduces handling damage. Use dunnage or cribbing to elevate stacks for airflow and to prevent wicking and freeze–thaw damage from ground contact.
Track Mat Maintenance
Simple documentation goes a long way. Log where mats were used, when they were cleaned, and what repairs occurred. Rotating inventory evenly extends service life and helps project managers forecast replacement needs and budgets with fewer surprises. Add asset IDs or QR codes to each mat so crews can scan on issue/return, keeping rotation and maintenance records accurate across teams and sites.
Train Crews on Proper Handling
Even the best mats fail if mishandled. Crews should lift rather than drag and use appropriate rigging for moving and stacking. Good handling practices protect workers and extend mat life. When heavy tracked equipment is in play, interlocking mats distribute loads better and reduce edge damage during turns. The process of mat installation is not difficult, but it must be done correctly.
Quick checklist
Conditions change quickly between demobilization and storage. Use the checklist below at end-of-job and again before the next deployment to confirm cleaning, inspection, and readiness:
Clean mats thoroughly after every project
Inspect for damage before storage
Stack in dry, secure environments
Track usage and repairs in a log
Train crews to handle mats correctly
Proper cleaning and storage may feel like small steps, but they deliver outsized value. By building these practices into your closeout routine, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses and keep assets ready for the next mobilization. A knowledgeable access mat company will be happy to help you make the best choice.