Roll out mats specifications?

Victoria, we had a v2009 project in a tropical climate that used outdoor mats, both under covered walkway and in direct sunlight.  Our products and maintenance plan were accepted by GBCI.  I cannot tell you the brand but see here for similar: https://amarcoproducts.com/products/walk-off-matting-tile/3m-matting/3m-...

I think we were successful by addressing the Credit Intent, risks, and operational practicality: a) how effective would it be in capturing dust and dirt from shoes (our primary pollutant/particulate matter), b) durability in and out of direct sunlight, c) how easily, effectively, and quickly could they be cleaned so they could be put back in service without having to keep a large inventory of mats (our facility was large enought to have a few cleaning staff daily).

1) Our mats did not have a backing, so if you held it up to the light, the light was filtering through the fibers.

2) This construction allows the cleaning staff to spray down the mats with water/soapy water, turn them over and spray from the back, etc., whatever they need to do to get the dirt and dust running out of the fibers.  Because of the warm climate they could leave them outside to dry.  We even contemplated the cleaning to be done after most occupants left the building so mats could be cleaned, left to dry overnight, then flipped into place in the morning.  Even if it rained during the day or overnight they would get a further rinse. We estimated cleaning to be once per week or less, as most occupants were entering from vehicles across sidewalks, then across mats into the building...not much chance of picking up a lot of dirt on shoes.  We had no need for snow melt chemicals that could be tracked in.

3) Our ambient winds were 5-15 mph daily, so we considered specifying the weight of the mats so they would be less likely to be blown out of place.

4) This material also comes in many colors; ours was branded with the Owner's company's colors and logo.  You might even be able to have a logo on both sides making it reversible.

5) Lastly, in our case, the direct sunlight will degrade these mats eventually, so consider fading of the colors and UV stability of the plastic resin used to make the mat fibers.

Good luck with your selection.

Hi Victoria,

In addition to Justin’s reply, on LEED v4 page 653, it is mentioned that the permanent entryway system should have a solid backing, a nonporous backing captures dirt and moisture and helps prevent contaminants from collecting underneath. You may also need to consider the permanent entryway systems to be made with mold- and mildew- resistant materials since this specification is mentioned on that page.

Thanks and regards.