7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Floor Mats
How do you know when it’s time to replace your floor mats?
Commercial mats, whether we’re talking about the dust-busting entrance mats or the ergonomic, all-important anti-fatigue mats in your work room, will eventually reach the absolute end of their wear-and-tear capacity. And knowing when to replace them is as important as making the first purchase.
Telltale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Floor Mats
Here’s the thing: there’s no hard-and-fast rule on when you need to replace your floor mats. Each type of mat has different material, and it really depends on the amount of foot traffic and dirt/moisture the mat sees in its lifetime.
However, there are telltale signs of wear that should tell you the mats are not functioning well and that you should already start looking into a replacement. Watch out for these signs:
1) Enough Time Has Passed
The best time to check for signs of aging in mats is in the first year. Most foam and rubber mats have at least one year of usage capacity. This is especially the case with those see heavy foot traffic and are often wet like scraper mats, bathroom, and wet area mats, and anti-slip mats. This is also generally true for PVC sponge anti-fatigue mats. Molded vinyl and the more durable urethane mats should give you five years but it is still best to keep a lookout after the first 12 months, especially for heavy-duty use.
2) Noticeable Fading
Fading in printed or colored mats is a telltale sign of wear and tear. They are not necessarily useless over a little patch of fade but it should be a good metric of how much life your mats have left.
3) Curling Edges
Another obvious sign of overuse is curling around the edges. Not only do these minor flaws make your floor look less than stellar, but they also pose the danger of trips and falls.
4) Difficultly Cleaning
Most mats require a weekly deep vacuuming treatment. Dirt scrapers and outdoor mats also need pressure treatment every so often. When these reliable regular cleanings take a longer time and dirt accumulation becomes more and more impossible to remove, it’s high time you run to your trusted mat supplier for a replacement.
5) Dirt Forms Under Them
Scraper mats are supposed to trap dirt on the surface and protect the floor underneath. When you see more and more grime underneath your mat even after regular cleaning, your mats are no longer efficiently trapping dirt and are no longer protecting your floors like they are supposed to.
6) When They Lose Traction
All mats, and not just anti-slip mats, are equipped with some level of rubber backing to prevent slips. Slips mean the rubber backing that supposedly provides traction is slowly chipping away and may become more hazardous than helpful. The smallest chip should tell you it’s time to replace your floor mats.
7) When They’re No Longer Comfortable
The main point of anti-fatigue mats is to ensure comfort for people who are working on their feet for long hours. When this level of ‘comfort’ is no longer met, it’s time to give your mat supplier a call and talk about replacing your floor mats.
Replace Your Mats with Help from NDC!
Don’t delay replacing your floor mats as soon as you see the first signs of wear and tear! Protect yourself from the risks and costs of overworn, overused mats. Learn more about mat replacement and cost-efficient mat rentals with NDC Mats! Call us to speak with any of our experts about your replacement options – contact NDC at 800-238-2387 today. We’ll help you replace your floor mats.
