Sticky mats are surprisingly simple to install, keep in check and remove. When finished, a sticky mat can be easily cleaned up with soapy water and soap. There are many different types of construction sticky mats on the market. This article explains how to choose the right type for your project, including types that are made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber or a combination of both. It also covers important things you need to know about sticky mats before choosing one for your job.
What is a sticky mat?
A sticky mat is a mat that is designed to be sticky and stick to your construction project. You can buy them pre-made and ready to use on site or you can design your own. Sticky mats come in many different designs and materials with a variety of uses. Being sticky makes it easy for workers to stick to and remove from walls, ceilings, and other construction materials. You can also use it as a surface for DIY projects such as woodworking, metal work, and more. The sticky surface of the mat can be removed with a hard, clean scrubbing brush. Some types of construction sticky mats are made from rubber compound, natural rubber, or a combination of the two. Others are made from a softer material, for instance, polyurethane. The two most popular types of construction sticky mats are block and fiberglass.
Types of Construction Sticky Mats
Block Sticky Mat – A block sticky mat is usually made from recycled concrete blocks, fiberglass or a combination of the two. The blocks are stuck to each other with T-bolts or screws and then covered with a plastic sheet or even dirt to prevent water infiltration. Fiberglass Sticky Mat – Fiberglass sticky mats are made from a flexible, high-quality plastic. The plastic is bound to the fiberglass with a glue-like substance to create a high-quality product. Fiberglass mats have excellent adhesion to concrete and other hard surfaces making it easy to stick on sites with uneven or drippy ground coverings. Block and Fiberglass Co-Existed for a Long Time – The two most popular types of construction sticky mats also happen to be the oldest. While fiberglass is more widely known, it was actually developed as a replacement for block construction. Fiberglass was used for seawalls, bridges, and other architectural projects before being used in construction. Know more about sticky mats for construction here.
Benefits of Using Sticky Mats
Good for the Environment – reusable plastic materials such as PVC, HDPE and others are excellent for the environment. They are biodegradable and compostable. They do not end up in landfills or other pollution sources. A single LEGO® block can produce enough greenhouse gas emissions to power a medium-sized city for a year. Easy to Clean – When it comes to maintenance, very few things are as easy to clean as a sticky mat. You can wash a sticky mat in soapy water and soap and then let it air dry. When it is time to put it back up, you can reuse the same sticky mat or purchase a new one. Easy to Assemble – It’s not always easy to put together a structure, especially if you are a male in a remote location like northern Canada. That is where a construction sticky mat comes in handy. Use four superglue sticks to stick the mat to the wall and you are all set.
How to buy Sticky Mats
When looking for construction sticky mats, it’s important to consider your project and the location carefully. For example, if you are planning on using your sticky mat in a basement, you are better off getting a fiberglass version. On the other hand, if you are planning on using your sticky mat on an upper floor, you will want to look for a block version. You also want to make sure the type of construction you are using will support the weight of a heavy duty construction stick. When shopping for construction sticky mats, make sure they are made from durable plastic materials. PVC, HDPE and the like are excellent choices. You also don’t want to get stuck with a cheap stick that breaks apart or tears easily.
Types that are made from rubber
Rubber compounds are durable and long-lasting materials that can be reused over and over again without wearing out. The materials used to make a rubber sticky mat can be any one of a number of different organic compounds. The most popular types are natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and neoprene. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber and neoprene are all made from biological materials. Most construction rubbermaids are made from natural rubber. Natural rubber has a relatively high content of natural rubber compounds, particularly natural maleic acid, which helps the mat stick to hard, non-porous surfaces. You should also consider the type of work environment you will have using a construction sticky mat. Many workers prefer to use their construction sticky mats outside due to the cooler weather and pleasant smell that comes from burning rubber.
Types that are made from other materials
Block and Fiberglass Co-Existed for a Long Time – The two most popular types of construction sticky mats also happen to be the oldest. While fiberglass is more widely known, it was actually developed as a replacement for block construction. Fiberglass was used for seawalls, bridges, and other architectural projects before being used in construction. Rigid and Flexible – Rubber materials are flexible and hard, which makes them great for construction. They are also relatively quiet when working in a garage or construction site parking lot. Strong and Durable – Most construction rubbermaids are made with a combination of rubber, plastic and steel. A construction rubbermaid is very strong and constructed with heavy-duty plastic. Light and Easy to Handle – RUBBERMATS are lightweight and easy to handle. This makes it easy for workers to move the items around on site and make changes without damaging the materials.
Final Words
Construction is a very physical industry. Your tools, especially your hands, need to be incredibly strong and durable. But when it comes to buying gloves, shoes or other protective clothing, it’s always a good idea to get the most functionality from the money you spend. Unfortunately, with construction sticky mats, the functionality is exactly that — functionality. Once you have bought a construction stick mat, you will likely never want to take it off.