During the winter months, deicer is essential for preventing ice buildup and reducing slip hazards. However, it can create a mess when tracked indoors, damaging carpets and floors. A properly designed entrance matting system is crucial in minimizing this issue by capturing dirt, moisture, and deicer residue before they enter your building.
The Ideal Dual-Mat System
The best approach to entrance matting involves using two separate mats, each serving a distinct function:
Scraper Mats (Exterior)
Placed outside the building, scraper mats are made from durable rubber and feature raised patterns or textures to remove large debris, snow, and deicer from shoes before they enter the building. These mats are designed to withstand the elements and prevent heavy contaminants from reaching interior floors.
Important: Do not apply deicer directly to outdoor scraper mats. The chemicals can break down the rubber material and reduce its lifespan.
A great example of an effective scraper mat is the Andersen SuperScrape Mat, designed for high-traffic entrances.
Wiper Mats (Interior)
Once inside, shoes should meet a wiper mat, which is made of carpet-like fibers to absorb moisture and remove finer particles that the scraper mat didn’t catch. This type of mat helps protect interior carpets and floors from tracking in water, dirt, and deicer.
A high-quality wiper mat option is the Colorstar Plush Indoor Wiper Mat. Its plush, absorbent fibers trap remaining moisture and particles, keeping your floors cleaner.
Combination Scraper/Wiper Mats
For some applications, a single mat can serve as both a scraper and wiper, though this is not as effective as using two dedicated mats. These combination mats feature a rougher surface to scrape dirt and moisture while also absorbing finer debris.
One of the best combination mats available is the Andersen WaterHog Classic Mat, which is designed to both scrape and absorb, making it a versatile option for many entryways.
Triple Mat System – The Ultimate Setup
For the best possible protection, buildings with sufficient space should implement a Triple Mat System. This consists of:
- Scraper Mat (outside) – Removes heavy debris and deicer before entry.
- Combination Scraper/Wiper Mat (middle, between entry doors) – Adds an extra layer of protection, catching anything the first mat missed while also absorbing some moisture.
- Wiper Mat (inside) – Absorbs remaining moisture and fine dirt before people reach interior floors.
This setup is most commonly found in larger professional buildings, such as office towers, hospitals, and commercial facilities. You often see it where buildings have two sets of entrance doors, designed to minimize heat and cooling loss. Many of these buildings also incorporate a recessed floor grill between the doors, which helps collect dirt and debris. These grills can be lifted for easy cleaning, making them an excellent addition for high-traffic locations.
A Triple Mat System makes the most sense in areas with inclement weather, especially during seasons of heavy rain, snow, or extreme winter conditions. It provides superior protection on stormy or snowy days, significantly reducing the amount of moisture and debris tracked indoors. While a dual-mat system may work well in moderate conditions, buildings in regions with frequent snow or wet weather will benefit greatly from the added scraping and absorption of a three-mat setup.
If the space allows, a Triple Mat System is the best option for keeping floors clean, dry, and safe year-round, particularly in harsh weather conditions.
Mat Length Matters
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, an entrance matting system should be 10 – 15 feet long to ensure adequate foot contact and maximize contaminant removal. The longer the matting system, the more effective it is at preventing dirt and moisture from spreading inside the building.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right entrance mat system significantly reduces maintenance costs, extends the life of interior flooring, and improves overall cleanliness. While combination mats are an option, the ideal setup includes:
- A rubber scraper mat outside (like the Andersen SuperScrape)
- A fiber-based wiper mat inside (like the Colorstar Plush)
- A long matting run to maximize effectiveness
By implementing this strategy, building owners can combat the effects of winter deicers while keeping interiors cleaner and safer.
