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FAQ
Do mats from The Andersen Company meet ADA requirements?
Answer
What is the average shipping time on a non-logo mat order?
Answer
Average ship times for all orders for non-logo mats in the year 2007 were 2.21
working days from the time the order was entered.
What is the average shipping time on a logo mat order?
Answer
Our average shipping time for all logo mat orders in the year 2007 was 4.31 working
days from the time we had approval. Art proofs on new logo mat designs are sent out
within 3 working days.
With the new OSHA ergonomic requirements coming into effect do Andersen
anti-fatigue mats comply with these new standards?
Answer
OSHA has not set forth any standards regulating anti-fatigue mats, however,
Andersen anti-fatigue mats may be used in an ergonomic program to help eliminate
MSD(Musculoskeletal Disorders ) problems. For more in depth information please
refer to OSHA 29CFR1910-900.
How do I determine the best mat for the application?
Answer
Go to our Mats by Placement page in The Andersen Company catalog or to the Mats by
Placement section of our website and click on the desired placement and the mat
recommendations for that specific location will be displayed. If you still have questions
call 800-241-4696 and an Andersen customer service representative will assist you.
Is there a setup charge for new logos?
Answer
When developing a new logo you are allowed one art proof and one revision of
that art proof at no charge. Additional revisions will cost $25.00 each.
Does The Andersen Company have any existing logos to choose from?
Answer
Yes, on our website, www.andersenco.com, we have a logo database with
over 200,000 different logo images.
Are Andersen Company mats guaranteed?
Answer
Are Andersen Company mats guaranteed? All of our mats are covered by our 100%
customer satisfaction guarantee. If at any time you are not happy with one of our
products we will do what ever it takes to correct the problem.
Is it possible to send logo artwork by Email?
Answer
Will high heel shoes catch in the depressions in WaterHog mats?
Answer
The WaterHog mat has been in use since 1986 and walking on the surface of this mat
with high heel shoes has not proven to be a problem. We believe that this is due in part
to the design of the WaterHog mat with its rubber reinforced face pattern and the narrow
gaps between these raised surfaces. Combine this design feature with the beveled border
and you have a safe walking surface that effectively removes and traps dirt and moisture
away from the traffic level. Containing the dirt and moisture on the mat greatly improves
the safety of the surrounding floor surfaces.
Are Andersen mats anti-static or static dissipative?
Answer
Listed below are some of the many mat products that are static
dissipative or anti-static.
| Static Dissipative Mats | Tri-Grip
Anti-Static Mats |
| Happy Feet Anti-Fatigue |
WaterHog Grand Premier |
| |
WaterHog Diamond Cord |
| |
WaterHog Premier/Fashion |
| |
WaterHog Classic/Fashion |
| |
WaterHog Classic/Premier Tile |
| |
WaterHog Logo Inlay |
| |
Masterpiece Select |
| |
ColorStar Crunch |
| |
ColorStar |
| |
ColorStar Computuft |
| |
Classic Impressions |
| |
ClassicCreations |
What causes yellowing of tile floors underneath mats?
Answer
From time to time customers complain that mats cause the floors beneath them to
discolor. This complaint has applied both to carpet and hard surface floors such as
vinyl or tile. The discoloration is usually a yellow or brown color. The most likely
cause for this is moisture. There are several potential ways that moisture can cause
discoloration.
- Moisture from the ground comes up through the floor until it reaches the floor
surface. This moisture normally evaporates and goes unnoticed. Placement of a mat on
the floor prevents the evaporation, therefore trapping the moisture, thus causing the
discoloration. This seems to be most common at entrances where cold or warm air
enters buildings when the door is opened causing condensation (sweating).
- Placement of mats on freshly cleaned and still damp carpet. This prevents carpet
from fully drying, thereby causing discoloration.
- Moisture from the back of mats. If not properly dried, the back of mats can be
damp, thereby providing moisture to cause discoloration.
- There can be a reaction between chemicals in the rubber backing and the floors
or floor finishes used on hard surface floors.
- Lack of exposure to sunlight. It is common to see floors change color when they
are covered by counters, file cabinets, etc. This is caused by both lack of exposure
to sunlight and restricted airflow.
In most instances where mats are placed and floor discoloration results, the customer
is faced with a difficult decision. Use no mat and the floor doesn't discolor, however,
the floor is damaged by tracked in soils, moisture and dirt, and the entire area
deteriorates. Or use a mat and protect the floor with resulting discoloration in the area
underneath the mat. Of the two, most customers select the latter.
Corrective actions. Discoloration can usually be removed by stripping and rewaxing.
In the case of carpet, professional carpet cleaning is usually required.
Are there recommended backing types for different floor covering surfaces?
Answer
Ordering Instructions For The Logo Mat Collection
Answer
Message Overview: The Andersen Company offers 4 different types of logo mats:
Classic Impressions, ColorStar CompuTuft, Waterhog Inlay, and SuperScrape Logos.
Each of these logo mat programs result in high quality products that your customers
will be very proud to use. Pricing is calculated by each individual size and quantity.
Different size logo mats and standard mats cannot be combined for quantity discount.
ClassicImpressions logo mats are manufactured using our state-of-the-art
digital printer. We start with a white 100% static dissipative nylon carpet and
digitally dye your choice of 24 standard colors or your special PMS colors into
the carpet. With this manufacturing process ""Phase-in"" colors and shaded areas
are possible helping to create 3-D designs. Designs with intricate details or small
letters are possible with ClassicImpressions.
ColorStar CompuTuft mats are also produced using a computerized tufting machine.
20 colors of anti-static, solution dyed nylon are available for designing your logo.
Up to 6 colors may be chosen for a single design. ColorStar CompuTuft mats have
excellent colorfastness and should be chosen when the mat placement area is exposed
to direct sunlight.
Waterhog Inlay mats are produced by cutting your design out of fabric with
a computerized cutting machine and then piecing the design back together like a
puzzle. 18 colors of anti-static, polypropylene fabric are available for your designing
needs. There is no limit to the number of colors that are used in a single design.
Standard prices allow for designs with up to 30 letters etc. Designs with 30 or
more letters, characters or pieces will be charged a surcharge.
SuperScrape Logo mats are produced by molding a colored nitrile rubber logo
or design into a black nitrile rubber background. 6 logo colors are available. A
maximum of 5 colors plus the black background may be used in a single design. SuperScrape
Logo mats are available in 3 x 5 and 4 x 6 sizes only.
Design: Designing mats is simple. All we require is good quality original
black and white artwork that is no larger than 8 ½”x 11” in size since the art is
scanned into the computer. On one of our logo order forms please indicate the type
logo desired, size, color and direction of your logo. It is then converted into
a logo file, which can be manipulated to fit the requirements of our different logo
processes. When complete, the design is stored on a computer disc. This disc is
then loaded into a computer that controls the logo manufacturing process.
Artwork Requirements: The Andersen Company is committed to providing the
most attractive logo mats available. Essential to this is the quality of the artwork
that is provided to us. The best artwork is a black and white ad slick. The slick
can be any size up to 8 ½”x 11”. All artwork must be submitted by mail, Federal
Express, or email. E-Mail (in the following PC formats only: jpg, wmf, tif, eps,
dfx, gif, & bitmap)
Faxed copies distort artwork and therefore cannot be used. Below is a list
of different types of artwork. Each is classified as acceptable, unacceptable or
marginal. If we are unable to use marginal artwork, we will advise the person that
placed the order to supply us with different materials. Please try to provide the
best possible artwork on the initial order, as this will expedite the process
|
Acceptable |
Unacceptable |
Marginal |
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Black/White Ad Slicks |
Faxes |
Color Prints * |
|
Letterheads |
Emblems of copies of Emblems |
Newspaper Ads |
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Brochures |
Banners, Flags |
Yellow Pages Ads |
|
Business Literature |
Full Size Mats |
Business Cards |
(*) Color prints, if available can be submitted to show color placement
for a design.
Art Proofs: Art Proofs are available for approval of your designs. Art Proofs
can be viewed on our Internet site, which eliminates the need to mail a printed
version. If you do not have Internet access art proofs will be mailed to you. Art
proofs can be sent via express carriers but The Andersen Company will not be responsible
for the charges. First and second versions of art proof on a single design are provided
at no charge. Additional art proof versions of the same design will cost
$25.00 each. Art proof charges will not be refunded if the design is subsequently
ordered.
Chemical Compatibility Chart
Answer
This applies to Happy Feet, Super Scrape, Safety Scrape, Hog Heaven & AirFlex Nitrile
Rubber Mats, Comfort Flow, Comfort Scrape, Cushion Station, Comfort Flow Modular Tile, Traction Hog, Traction Tread, Traction Tread Soft, SuperScrape Nitrile and Safety Scrape
|
1 = Little or no effect |
2 = Minor to moderate effect |
|
3 = Moderate to severe effect |
4 = Not recommended |
|
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Chemical Tested |
Rating |
|
A |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons - Kerosene, Etc. |
1 |
|
B |
Animal & Vegetable Oils |
1 |
|
C |
Aromatic Hyrdocarbons - Benzol, Toluol, Etc. |
1 |
|
D |
Bleach |
1 |
|
E |
Concentrated Alkali |
1 |
|
F |
Cutting Oil |
1 |
|
G |
Denatured Alcohol |
1 |
|
H |
Diesel |
1 |
|
I |
Dilute Alkali |
1 |
|
J |
Engine Oil |
1 |
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K |
Gasoline |
1 |
|
L |
Hydraulic Fluid Silicate Ester |
1 |
|
M |
Hydraulic Fluid Water Glycol |
1 |
|
N |
L.P. Gas, Fuel Oils |
1 |
|
O |
Lubricating Oils - High Aniline |
1 |
|
P |
Lubricating Oils - Low Aniline Point |
1 |
|
Q |
Mineral Spirits |
1 |
|
R |
Muriatic Acid - 30%, 20 Degrees Baume |
1 |
|
S |
Phosphoric Acid |
1 |
|
T |
Pine Cleaner |
1 |
|
U |
Refrigerants, Ammonia |
1 |
|
V |
Sodium Hydroxide, Rayon Grade, 25% |
1 |
|
W |
Sulphuric Acid - 30% |
1 |
|
X |
Transmission Fluid |
1 |
|
Y |
WD40 |
1 |
|
Z |
Water |
1 |
|
AA |
Window Cleaner |
1 |
|
BB |
Anti-Freeze |
2 |
|
CC |
Brake Fluid |
2 |
|
DD |
Calcium Hypochlorite - 12% |
2 |
|
EE |
Chlorine Bleach - 12.5% |
2 |
|
FF |
Hydraulic Fluid - Petroleum Base |
2 |
|
GG |
Steam |
2 |
|
HH |
Butyl Alcohol |
3 |
|
II |
Isopropyl Alcohol - 99% |
3 |
|
JJ |
Acetic Acid - 56% |
4 |
|
KK |
Acetone |
4 |
|
LL |
Cyclohexande |
4 |
|
MM |
Refrigerants, Methyl Chloride |
4 |
Primary Mat Categories
Answer
Mats are generally divided into three broad categories:
- Entrance Mats
- Interior Mats
- Industrial/Anti-Fatigue Mats
Entrance Mats
Soil is everywhere. It is a part of the earth we live on and managing it is a vital
part of our everyday existence. Even the least sophisticated commercial facility
requires some type of soil management program. At the heart of soil management is
the concept of prevention - prevention of contaminants from entering a building.
85% of all soil enters a building on the feet of building occupants. Of this, at
least 80% is dry soil and the rest is oily. The dry soil can range from large particles
to powder-like dust. Over the years, many products have been developed and sold
to help keep soil at the door and out of the building. The International Sanitary
Supply Association (ISSA) has estimated that it costs 600 dollars to find and remove
one pound of soil after it has been allowed to enter an average building. This cost
is primarily labor. Since entrance mats stop and contain soil and water, it is obvious
that removing soil from a mat can be less expensive than removing it from a building
since the soil is concentrated in a localized area.
Four things an entrance mat should do:
- Stop soil and water at the door
Most, if not all mats claim to do this. The most effective mats provide a combination
of scraping and wiping to stop the maximum amount of contaminants.
- Store soil and water for removal
The most effective entrance mats are designed to provide a place for soil and water
to go to for storage. It is important that the storage be designed for maximum storage
and ease of removal when the mat is cleaned. It is important that the mat provide
a way for the contaminants to be contained so that water cannot spread to the surrounding
floor creating a slip/fall hazard. Water that flows off the sides of the mat is
referred to as seepage. Mats with flat borders allow water to seep off the edges,
thus increasing one’s exposure to slip and fall. Excessive floor damage is also
created by the water seepage around the perimeter of the mat. Higher performance
mats provide a dam that will hold the water back from floor surfaces and from reattaching
to one’s shoes.
- Minimize tracking of soil and water
This capability is best accomplished by a BI-level construction that provides an
upper surface for walking and a lower area where soil and water are stored until
removed by cleaning. The amount of soil that a mat allows to be tracked back on
to patrons’ shoes is commonly referred to as the performance threshold. The best
mats on the market maintain this BI-level construction thereby trapping large quantities
of moisture and dirt keeping not allowing it to reattach to peoples shoes and be
tracked further into the facility. Low performance mats such as those with ribbed
or square patterned face yarn alone will not hold up under foot pressure, thus allowing
more water and dirt to reattach to shoes and be tracked into respective facilities.
Look for a permanent rubber membrane that will support the face yarn throughout
the mat’s productive life. High performance mats have a permanent rubber reinforcing
membrane that will permanently support the textile face, increasing product unity
and extending useful product life.
- Provide a safe surface
The mat should be slip-resistant to prevent slipping on the floor when it is walked
on. Also any water on the mat should be contained in a reservoir below the traffic
surface to prevent slipping on flooring surface adjacent to the mat. Rubber-backed
mats provide a better slip resistance than vinyl-backed mats. Rubber-backed mats
do not curl as do vinyl mats thus reducing trip and fall exposure. Some rubber-backed
mats have cleated surfaces on the bottom that further enhances non-skid properties
and allows moisture to dry from underneath the mat.
Entrance mats may also be scraper mats that provide the first line of defense against
soil. Scraper mats should always be used with other entrance mats that will provide
wiping properties to remove fine soil and water from feet.
Interior Mats
These mats perform many tasks. In many cases, they are used as “dust control” or
“finishing” mats when used in conjunction with a scraper entrance mat in a soil
management program. They are usually made with a nylon textile surface that will
provide good wiping characteristics. Nylon is typically used over olefin because
of the high twist level of nylon fibers which allows the mat to more effectively
remove soil and spring back up after cleaning. Olefin mats will crush out in as
little as 30-days rendering the mat virtually useless. Other uses of interior mats
include spot, spill and soil control in high-use areas such as vending machines,
coffee service areas, copy machines, registration areas, etc. It is important that
mats used in these areas provide safe footing that minimizes trip and fall hazards
as well as slip resistance. The best interior mats are made with a rubber backing
that will resist slippage on any surface – carpet or hard surface.
There are also specialty interior mats designed to provide enhancements to the environment
by controlling the growth of microorganisms that can be disease bearing as well
as odor causing.
Industrial Mats
Industrial mats usually fall into two broad use areas – Traction Control/Floor Protection
mats and Anti-Fatigue mats.
Traction Control mats are engineered to provide safe footing with minimum movement
in any environment. Typical applications include outside entrances, ramps and floor
areas where contaminants such as oil, grease or water are common. For maximum safety,
these mats should be designed for minimum slippage on any surface. In addition,
the mat surface should be constructed with maximum traction properties. Another
use of industrial mats is to protect the floor from contaminants such as food and
liquids.
Anti-Fatigue mats are designed to provide a safe, productive surface for occupations
that require long periods of standing. The best anti-fatigue mats are designed to
comfortably support a person with a cushion that does not crush after months of
use. To do this, an anti-fatigue mat should be resistant to environmental conditions
that can contaminate and deteriorate the cushion in the mat.
Another benefit of higher performance industrial anti-fatigue mats is soil and debris
trapping to help prevent or minimize cross contamination of soil from one department
to another or to office environments.
Custom Logo Mats
Logo mats are available in constructions that allow them to be used as entrance
mats or interior mats.
Logo entrance mats should be made with the same construction as non-logo entrance
mats in that they should provide the soil and water stopping and storage or scraping
properties inherent in the best entrance mats. One of the most common misapplications
of matting products is the use of interior logo mats at the entrance to a facility.
Since interior mats do not provide the permanent bi-level construction required
in an entrance mat, these mats can become saturated with soil and water and become
a source for contaminants. The result is a mat that allows water to seep onto the
floor around the mat causing unsightly and unsafe conditions. Interior logo mats
are designed for dust and moisture control in conjunction with a planned matting
program of scraper and entrance mats.
Mat Placement by Market Segment
Answer
|
Type Facility or application
|
Recommended mat product(s) |
|
Manufacturing |
Entrance mats, traction control, anti-fatigue, interior mats, message mats (safety,
quality, etc.) |
|
Hospitality |
Logo mats – entrance and interior, regular entrance mats, anti-fatigue mats for
registration desks, laundry, and food service areas |
|
Healthcare |
Entrance and interior mats both regular and logo, anti-fatigue mats at nurse’s stations
and in laundry and food service areas, environmental control mats for infection
control |
|
Office buildings/Schools |
Logo mats – entrance and interior, regular entrance mats, interior mats for vending,
coffee and copy machine areas |
Tile Installation Instructions
Answer
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Measuring
Determine the number of tile that you will need by measuring the length (L) and
width (W) of the area of carpet (as shown in Figure 1). Multiply the width times
the length to get the square footage of the room.
For areas that are not rectangular, break up the area into smaller rectangles (as
shown in Figure 2). Multiply the width times the length for each of the smaller
rectangles separately and add up all the results to arrive at the overall square
footage.
Preparation
- Remove any old floor coverings, debris, and adhesives from the floor
- Clean the entire floor surface of any dust, drywall mud, etc.
- Once the floor has been cleaned, allow it to dry completely.
- The carpet tiles must be allowed to acclimate to room temperature prior to installation.
Lay out
- Determine the center of the area by snapping chalk lines between the midpoints of
the areas opposing sides. Measure from the center point (the point at which the
2 chalk lines converge) up to 3 feet and make a mark. Now measure from the center
point to the left 4 feet and make another mark. If the distance between these two
marks is 5 feet then your reference lines are perfectly square (Figure 3).
- Apply your adhesive to the prepared floor according to the adhesive manufacturer's
directions. We recommend Capital Adhesive's Saf-T-Bond 024 permanent outdoor adhesive
for all installations both indoor and outdoor. In all cases, never use any adhesive
that contains solvents.
- Starting with one quadrant, install a row of full tiles along both reference lines
(see Figure 4). First apply the adhesive using a paint roller. Next, place the tiles
along the reference lines applying firm pressure with the palm of your hand to ensure
good contact with the adhesive. Tiles should be placed snug against the adjacent
tiles and their edges accurately aligned with one another.
- Continue by placing tiles row by row or by using the stair step method (see Figure
5) always starting at the center and moving towards the side.
Fitting and Cutting tiles
After you have placed all the full tiles, the perimeter tiles must be accurately
marked and cut to fit snug against the side. Start by placing the tile to be cut
directly on top of the last tile in a row. Next, position another tile against the
wall and on top of the tile to be cut. Make a mark on each side where the outer
corners of the top tile overlap the tile to be cut. Remove the tiles and using a
sharp utility knife and a straight edge, cut through the back of the perimeter tile
between the two marks. Use this same procedure to cut and fit the rest of the perimeter
tiles.
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Instructions for Sending Logo Artwork By Email
Answer
Artwork email instructions can be found here.
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