Description
WaterHog Entrance Mats represent four decades of proven commercial flooring protection. The distinctive bi-level surface design features hundreds of raised squares that mechanically scrape shoes clean, trapping dirt, debris, moisture, and contaminants beneath shoe level before they reach interior floors. This aggressive scraping action reduces tracked in soil by up to 80% when properly sized, dramatically extending the life of interior flooring and substantially reducing maintenance costs.
The signature water dam border sets WaterHog apart from standard entrance mats. This raised perimeter containment zone holds up to 1.5 gallons of water per square yard, preventing rain, snow, sleet, and spills from spreading across adjacent flooring. The solution dyed PET fabric actively wicks moisture from the surface while resisting fading, staining, and degradation for years of dependable service. The 78 mil SBR rubber backing features reinforced nubs that prevent carpet crushing in high traffic areas, maintaining peak scraping performance throughout the mat’s extended lifespan.
Universal Floor Mats sources sustainable materials without sacrificing performance. The PET surface fabric contains at least 90% recycled content reclaimed from plastic bottles, while the SBR rubber backing incorporates 20% recycled rubber from automotive tires. This environmental commitment helps commercial facilities meet sustainability goals while delivering superior entrance protection indoors or outdoors through every season.
WaterHog mats accommodate any commercial entrance requirement. Choose from 11 professional colors in classic rubber borders for maximum durability or fashion fabric borders for refined aesthetic appeal. Select universal cleated backing for secure anchoring to carpeted floors, or smooth backing for hard surfaces including tile, marble, and concrete. Standard sizes range from 18″ x 27″ to 6′ x 20′, with custom configurations available up to 60 feet in length and widths of 3′, 4′, or 6′.
Ideal Applications
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants and food service establishments
- Corporate office buildings and business centers
- Educational institutions and university facilities
- Commercial buildings and multi-tenant facilities
- Government and institutional buildings
- Healthcare facilities and medical offices
- Industrial and warehouse entrances
- Banks and financial institutions
- Schools and academic facilities
- Apartment complexes and residential buildings
Maintenance Tips
Daily Maintenance
Vacuuming Protocol
Use a commercial vacuum with strong suction daily in high traffic commercial areas, or weekly in lower traffic applications. For optimal performance, employ a wide head vacuum attachment that reaches between the raised squares. Vacuum in multiple directions to capture trapped dirt and debris from all angles. During wet weather, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove moisture without damaging standard equipment.
Quick Spot Cleaning
Address spills and stains immediately to prevent setting. Blot liquids with absorbent cloths rather than rubbing, which spreads stains. For sticky substances, apply ice to harden before carefully scraping away residue.
Weekly Deep Cleaning
Shake Out Procedure
Remove the mat from service location by rolling with edges facing inward to contain debris. Transport at least 25 feet from the entrance to prevent recontamination. Vigorously shake to dislodge trapped dirt and debris. While the mat is removed, thoroughly vacuum and clean the underlying floor to prevent dirt accumulation that could cause mat shifting.
Extraction Cleaning
For embedded soil and heavy soiling, use a carpet extraction machine with counter rotating brushes. Apply mild pH neutral carpet cleaning solution. Multiple passes may be necessary in heavily soiled areas. Ensure thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup that attracts dirt.
Monthly Maintenance
Comprehensive Deep Clean
Hose off the mat outdoors with water pressure (standard garden hose or low pressure washer) to flush trapped dirt. Start with mat face down to clean the backing, then flip and clean the carpet surface working from edges to center. Alternative method: transport the mat to a professional cleaning facility for thorough deep cleaning.
Drying Protocol
Stand mats on end in a well ventilated area to air dry, or use a wet/dry vacuum to extract excess moisture. Deploy air movers to accelerate drying in humid conditions. Never return a wet mat to service; moisture attracts dirt and creates conditions for mold growth.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Care
De icing salts can leave white residue on darker colored mats. Apply neutral pH cleaner with a soft cloth and buff dry. Increase cleaning frequency during snow and salt season to prevent chemical buildup that degrades mat fibers.
Summer Preparation
After winter months, conduct thorough deep cleaning to remove salt and chemical residue. Inspect mats for wear patterns or damage from harsh weather exposure.
Cleaning Products
Recommended:
- Mild pH neutral carpet cleaners
- Standard household carpet cleaning solutions
- Warm water with mild dish soap
- Gentle extraction cleaning solutions
Avoid:
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons
- Bleach or oxidizing agents
- Harsh alkaline or acidic cleaners
- Solvent based products
- High pressure washers (use standard water pressure only)
Inspection Schedule
Conduct monthly visual inspections checking for:
- Water dam border integrity and performance
- Backing separation or delamination
- Excessive wear patterns indicating need for rotation
- Fiber degradation or color fading
- Mat shifting or movement during use
Rotate mats 180 degrees every quarter to equalize wear patterns and extend service life.
Technical Specifications
Construction Details
Carpet Surface
- Material: Solution dyed PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
- Weight: 24 ounces per square yard
- Construction: Needle punched
- Pattern: Bi-level raised squares
- Recycled Content: Minimum 90% from reclaimed plastic bottles
Backing System
- Material: 78 mil SBR rubber with reinforcing nubs
- Body Thickness: 78 mil
- Border Thickness: 143 mil
- Types Available: Universal cleated backing or smooth backing
- Recycled Content: 20% from automotive tire rubber
Overall Dimensions
- Mat Thickness: 3/8 inch (0.375″)
- Size Variance Tolerance: 3-5% (due to rubber shrinkage and expansion with temperature and time)
Border Construction
- Design: Raised perimeter water dam
- Water Retention Capacity: Up to 1.5 gallons per square yard
- Border Styles: Product 200 (Classic rubber) or Product 280 (Fashion fabric)
Performance Characteristics
Water Management
- Capacity: 1.5 gallons per square yard
- Drainage: Naturally wicks moisture from surface
- Quick dry time due to PET fiber properties
Durability Ratings
- Traffic Classification: Heavy commercial traffic
- Expected Lifespan: 3-5 years high traffic; 5-7 years moderate traffic
- Crush Resistance: Reinforced rubber backing prevents fiber matting
- Fade Resistance: Solution dyed construction resists UV degradation
Safety Features
- NFSI High Traction Certification: Documented slip resistance performance
- Beveled Edges: Safe transitions from floor to mat
- Slip Prevention: Water dam design prevents overflow
- Flammability: Passes CPSC FF 1-70 standard
Environmental Specifications
Sustainability Features
- Recycled Plastic Content: Minimum 90% of PET fabric
- Recycled Rubber Content: 20% of SBR backing from automotive tires
- Recyclable at End of Life: Components can be properly recycled
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower manufacturing footprint compared to virgin material products
Operating Conditions
- Temperature Range: Standard indoor/outdoor temperature variations
- Humidity Tolerance: All humidity conditions
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to standard cleaning solutions and de-icing salts (with proper maintenance)
- UV Stability: Solution dyed construction resists sun damage and fading
Shipping & Customization
Custom Sizing
WaterHog mats are available in custom configurations to meet any entrance requirement. Choose from:
- Custom Widths: 3′, 4′, or 6′ wide
- Custom Lengths: Up to 60 feet in 1-foot increments
- Backing Options: Smooth or universal cleated (cleated only on mats up to 40 feet)
- Border Styles: Product 200 (classic rubber) or Product 280 (fashion fabric)
- Colors: All 11 colors available in custom sizes
Contact Universal Floor Mats for custom size quotation and production timeline.
Shipping Information
Shipping Methods
- Standard Ground Shipping: UPS or FedEx Ground for most orders. Larger custom sizes ship via LTL freight carriers.
- Expedited Options Available: 2-Day Air, Next Day Air, and freight expedited services for large orders.
Processing Time
- Standard Lead Time: 3-5 business days for stock sizes
- Custom Size Lead Time: 7-10 business days processing before shipment
- Large/Complex Orders: Contact for specific timeline
Delivery Timeline
- East Coast: 3-5 business days
- Midwest: 4-6 business days
- West Coast: 5-7 business days
- Standard Ground: 2-6 business days from ship date
- Expedited: 1-2 business days from ship date
Packaging
Mats arrive rolled and secured with protective wrapping. Custom sizes ship in reinforced packaging. Oversized configurations may ship on pallets.
Shipping Costs
Shipping costs calculated at checkout based on destination zip code, package weight and dimensions, and selected shipping method.
Free Shipping: Universal Floor Mats frequently offers free shipping promotions. Check website for current offers.
Delivery Considerations
Loading Dock vs. Residential
Large orders via freight require loading dock or forklift access. Residential freight delivery with liftgate service available for additional fee.
Inspection Upon Delivery
Inspect all shipments before signing delivery receipt. Note any visible damage on the freight bill or carrier documentation. Contact Universal Floor Mats immediately if damage is discovered.
International Shipping
WaterHog mats can ship to Canada, Mexico, and other international destinations. Contact customer service for international shipping quotes, customs documentation, and delivery timelines.
Order Tracking
Tracking numbers provided via email once order ships. Track shipments through carrier websites or your Universal Floor Mats customer portal.
