Ever wonder how much dirt a person can track into a building? Up to 12 grams per person! That’s not just dirt—it’s pollutants, moisture, tiny stones, and in winter, even road salt. Imagine the long-term damage this causes to your floors and, more importantly, your indoor air quality (IAQ).
We often think about paints, carpets, and insulation when we talk about improving IAQ, but here’s a solution hiding in plain sight: entrance mats and grates. They’re simple, cost-effective, and incredibly powerful in keeping indoor environments cleaner and healthier.
Let’s dive into why these often-overlooked systems are essential for maintaining pristine indoor air quality and protecting your investments year-round.
The Real Dirt on Indoor Air Quality
The mantra "Eliminate, Isolate, Ventilate" is a common strategy when designing for indoor air quality. Typically, we focus on removing toxins from construction materials. But did you know that preventing dirt and debris from entering your building in the first place can offer even more value at a fraction of the cost? This is where entrance systems come in.
Tracking in outdoor pollutants is a silent issue that many building designers and operators ignore. And yet, these pollutants—brought in on the bottom of every shoe—circulate through your HVAC system, lowering air quality and increasing the need for chemical cleaning. That’s bad for the environment, your occupants, and your bottom line. Entrance mats and grates act as the frontline defence, capturing these pollutants before they make their way inside.
What Makes a Great Entrance Mat System?
A well-designed entrance system isn’t just a piece of rubber slapped at the front door. It’s a three-zone cleaning system that stops dirt and debris in its tracks. Here’s how it works:
Zone 1: Exterior Mats – These are the tough guys, the first line of defence. They scrape off coarse dirt and debris before it ever hits your interior.
Zone 2: Transition Mats – Next up, these mats catch finer dirt and moisture, keeping the mess contained before it spreads.
Zone 3: Interior Mats – This final layer absorbs remaining moisture and stops any fine dirt from being tracked further into your building.
With each step a visitor takes, the system works harder, leaving more dirt and grime where it belongs—outside or in your mats, not inside your building.
Why It Matters Year-Round
Many think entrance mats are just for winter slush, but they’re crucial year-round. Summer’s humidity brings dust and allergens. Autumn’s leaves create debris. And spring? You guessed it—mud. High-quality mats and grates aren’t seasonal—they're essential in every season. They trap dirt, moisture, and contaminants, ensuring your building stays cleaner and your floors last longer.
But beyond protecting your floors, these systems play a critical role in improving indoor air quality. By trapping pollutants at the entrance, you’re stopping them from being kicked up and circulated through the air. The result? Cleaner air, fewer allergens, and a healthier environment for everyone inside.
How to Choose the Right System
Let’s make this actionable. Here’s what you should look for when choosing an entrance matting system for your building:
Material Matters – Low VOC materials are a must. They minimize off-gassing and ensure your entrance system isn’t adding toxins to the very air you’re trying to protect. Prospec Specialties' entrance mats are Indoor Advantage Gold certified, which means they meet the highest standards for low VOC emissions.
Size Does Count – Your entrance mat needs to be big enough to capture dirt effectively. A mat that’s too small won’t do the job. Go large or go home.
Durability and Safety – Invest in mats that can handle high foot traffic without curling at the edges or becoming a slip hazard. The last thing you want is for your safety solution to become a safety problem.
Maintenance – Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial. Mats and grates should be cleaned frequently to keep them effective. A dirty mat isn’t helping anyone.
A Real-World Solution for Real-World Problems
Think about this: Every visitor to your building can bring in up to 12 grams of dirt, moisture, and debris. That adds up fast. Imagine the damage this dirt does to your floors, the cleaning costs, and the impact on air quality. An effective matting system can reduce all of this dramatically.
And here’s something every architect, general contractor, or facility manager should know—these systems don’t just protect floors or keep lobbies clean. They contribute to LEED credits and support green building initiatives by improving IAQ and reducing the need for harmful cleaning agents. It’s a win for everyone—occupants, operators, and the planet.
FAQs: Quick Answers for Architects and Contractors
Q: What’s the best product for entryway systems to maintain good indoor air quality?
A: Choose grills, grates, or mats made from low VOC materials. They clean shoes effectively and keep pollutants from entering the building. Prospec’s systems are top-tier for this purpose.
Q: How do I choose the right mat?
A: Look for mats that prevent dirt and moisture from entering, retain the dirt until cleaned, and provide a safe walking surface. The bigger the mat, the better!
Q: Should I have a mat inside the front door too?
A: Yes! Prospec’s 3-zone cleaning system is designed for maximum dirt and moisture removal. It works progressively, with each zone becoming more effective with every step a visitor takes.
Don't Let Dirt Enter the Building
Indoor air quality and floor protection might seem like small details in the grand scheme of things, but they have a significant impact on building health and safety. A simple investment in a high-quality entrance matting system can save you money, improve air quality, and extend the life of your flooring.
At Prospec Specialties, we specialize in durable, sustainable matting solutions that work hard to protect your buildings and the people inside them—year-round, in any weather. Let us help you create cleaner, safer spaces today.
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