Mats move and understanding how to prevent mat movement and why they shift is the first step to preventing it. Several factors influence how much a mat moves, including the mat’s construction, the level of foot traffic, and the condition of the floor surface in your facility. When these elements combine, even a high‑quality mat can slide out of position over time. This article offers clear, practical recommendations to help you reduce or eliminate mat movement in everyday work environments.
The reason mats move comes down to basic physics. As a person walks, each step generates forward force. If a mat isn’t installed or anchored, that force transfers directly into the mat and pushes it ahead. Smooth, polished, or epoxy‑coated floors make this effect even more noticeable because they offer less friction for the underside of the mat to grip. In busy areas, repeated foot traffic increases the amount of forward pressure and accelerates how quickly a mat shifts.
Fortunately, you can take several effective steps to stop or significantly limit this movement. Choosing the right mat backing, improving floor conditions, or installing the mat with mechanical or adhesive methods all help create a more stable surface. With the right approach, you can keep mats securely in place and maintain a safer, more efficient workspace.
TIPS TO PREVENT MAT MOVEMENT
- Install your mats. There are some matting products that are designed to be installed. ErgoDeck is an excellent example. Its wide edging has bolt holes to allow the mat to be permanently anchored to the floor.
- Buy sponge-backed mats with a higher underside coefficient of friction. This is especially important if your facility has smooth epoxy-covered floors. A natural rubber sponge is the best option in this case.
- Adhere the mats to the floor using either a high quality rubber or vinyl glue. This is also an option if you are worried about any mat movement. Contact your local hardware store for the best rubber, vinyl or silicone glue.
- Tape the mats to the floor with an industrial strength tape. This is a good solution if you cannot tolerate any mat movement. In a high traffic area however, the tape may begin to fray after several months of usage and will need to be replaced. GripSafe Reflective Tape is an effective tape solution to prevent mat movement.
