Tips for buying high-quality anti-slip mats

Cheap versus high quality – why you should not use cheap anti-slip mats!

  Why is it important to use only high-quality anti-slip mats? Since load securing is a very sensitive issue for us, great care should be taken when selecting the aids to be used for load securing. You can find high-quality anti-slip mats here in our shop! One such aid for securing loads is the anti-slip mat. However, there are often significant differences between the anti-slip mats available on the market. When it comes to safety, however, you should not make the mistake of looking at the price. After all, anti-slip mats are exposed to very high loads. It is therefore extremely important to only use anti-slip mats that can withstand these loads. Anti-slip mats must be manufactured in such a way that they achieve a high coefficient of friction on the one hand and are elastic on the other. However, this elasticity should not come at the expense of durability. As anti-slip mats are usually made of solid rubber, the surface of cheaper versions often cracks quickly. These cracks can greatly reduce the effectiveness of anti-slip mats. This is particularly noticeable in the cold season. Liquid can accumulate in the cracks and freeze at certain temperatures. The resulting ice naturally no longer provides a reasonable coefficient of friction, and the anti-slip mat no longer lives up to its name. The goods to be secured can slip much more easily. When purchasing anti-slip mats, if you make sure to only use high-quality mats, the risk of the surface tearing is significantly lower. Such high-quality anti-slip mats have a firm and, above all, closed surface. Due to their composition, they offer a very high coefficient of friction and enormous elasticity. When used correctly, a tear in the surface will not occur so quickly under normal loads. This means that the coefficient of friction of such a high-quality anti-slip mat is guaranteed for an extremely long period of time. The cheap version usually does not have a closed surface and therefore cannot achieve the coefficient of friction offered by the high-quality version. High-quality anti-slip mats are also characterised by the fact that the solid rubber used is not further compacted due to high surface pressure. This is precisely the reason why the cheap version of these mats becomes stiff over time, while the high-quality mats retain their elasticity. Another advantage of high-quality anti-slip mats is that they are extremely resistant to operating fluids with which they may come into contact (diesel or oil), whereas cheap mats often suffer from signs of deterioration.

The risk of accidents due to improper securing of cargo is often underestimated during transport. The securing regulations of §22 StVO (German Road Traffic Regulations) apply even to private individuals and not only to commercial transport. However, if an anti-slip mat has high slip and friction coefficients (0.7-1.11), it is ideal for all modes of transport, whether by air, water or land (by lorry or train), and serves to secure goods and prevent accidents in these areas. Warnings are repeatedly issued that there are often counterfeit products on the market that have a non-certified test seal. However, these imitation products pose a high liability risk for the supplier, because in the event of damage to goods, the carrier is liable. However, it is easy to determine whether the anti-slip mats are original or cheap imitation products. The cheap products can be torn by hand, but the original ones cannot! Anti-slip mats and rubber mats are available in rolls 10 metres long and from 0.20 metres to 2.40 metres wide. However, you can also order ready-cut products from the manufacturer. The price for the smallest roll is £36, and for the largest £432. For private use in cars (e.g. mobile phone mats), small, ready-made pieces are also available. The example given measures 20×25 cm and costs £2.50. So there's no reason to take unnecessary risks with accelerated, flying cargo!

What criteria should be considered when purchasing anti-slip mats?

  Everyone knows the potential danger that arises when you step out of the bath and the often wet tiles in the bathroom feel like black ice under your feet. But even getting into the bath, with its slippery surface, can have fatal consequences. Older people who are no longer as steady on their feet, or fidgety children who are difficult to control, are particularly at risk. Getting into the bath slowly and holding on to the bath handle provided can reduce the risk, but of course it cannot be completely eliminated. Even a moment of inattention can lead to serious injury. Just imagine what could happen if you banged your head against the hard edge of the bath. Anti-slip mats are a good underlay to prevent you from losing your footing if you are not paying attention. However, there are certain criteria to consider when purchasing them. Anti-slip mats are available in a wide variety of DIY stores and various bathroom retailers, but not all of them are suitable for purchase. One of the most important points to pay attention to is the workmanship. Are the nubs and edges in good condition, or could the adhesive properties on the bath floor be reduced due to prolonged use of the bath? This is important to ensure that the mat remains firmly in place even during prolonged bathing and that its adhesive properties are not reduced by the addition of foam or bath oil. If the anti-slip mat bears a TÜV mark, which guarantees hygiene, quality, suitability and safety, it is also recommended as a purchase tip. Instructions for use should always be included, explaining exactly how to use the mat. One of the most important rules is to always press the anti-slip mat firmly onto the floor before adding bath foam to achieve the best adhesion. However, anti-slip mats that are intended for use outside the bathtub or outside the home should also meet certain criteria. In addition to standard household anti-slip mats, there are also mats designed to ensure safety when transporting loads, for example. The thickness of the mat and the surface texture are important factors to consider when making a purchase. What about slip resistance when liquids such as oils, chemicals or fats leak, and what about durability? Is there sufficient tear resistance when edges dig into the anti-slip mat due to the weight of the load? When making a purchase, be sure to seek comprehensive advice and pay attention to quality in order to minimise the risk of accidents!