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Can
we get one mat that covers the whole stable floor? |
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No,
these mats weigh too much to come in larger sizes. For example,
a 1.8m by 1.2m mat weighs 48 kilograms, a 2.1m x 1.5m weighs 73 kilograms. |
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With joins
in the mat on the stable floor, will urine run under it? |
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The
mats have accurate machine cut edges. If the mats are carefully
laid, so they are pressed tightly together, the joint will
be tight enough so that no urine can seep through and cause
a problem. |
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Do stables
get smelly when these mats are installed? |
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No.
These mats do not absorb any urine and the same hygiene practices
apply to stables without mats as those with them. Cleaning
is a lot quicker and easier with mats installed. |
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What do we
do about gaps around a mat? |
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There
are no gaps around correctly installed mats. Make certain
when measuring for cutting that you cut each mat oversize
to ensure a good "squish" so the edges are tight
against each other. Allow about 3mm per metre of wall length.
If the junction of the wall and floor is uneven we recommend
pouring a narrow concrete plinth, 19mm thick, to provide
a straight edge with square corners to the floor. This
is easier and better than trying to cut the mat to suit.
Any small gaps along the walls can be filled with polyurethane
windscreen sealant. Apply a bead of sealant along the
wall about 5-10mm above the floor and press the mat into
the sealant when installing.
In areas used for veterinary procedures we recommend
spreading a strip of Flexitec 4020 Adhesive about 100mm
wide on the concrete floor along the lines of all edges
of the mats before installation.
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Can urine
soak into these mats? |
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No,
Flexitec Stable Mats are 100% re-vulcanised tyre rubber and
are completely non-absorbent. The mats will not support bacteria
growth and the smooth surfaces on both sides reduce the risk
of excreta build up that can harbour illness-causing bugs.
The mats are extremely tough and will withstand lime, chlorine
and other powerful cleaning agents. We can supply grooved
mats for wash bays and trailer ramps. |
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Could a determined
horse paw the mat up? |
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No,
the mats are far too thick, heavy and tough to be pawed up. |
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Can we partially
cover a stable floor? |
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Yes.
Some cover is better than none. It's better to cover the
entire stable floor so the animal is always on rubber. Besides,
the real benefits of savings in cleaning time and bedding
won't be realised with a partly paved stable. |
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Will we save
money on bedding material? |
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Yes,
experience shows that you will only need enough sawdust or
straw for urine and droppings cover — about 30-70mm — which
usually makes the smelly manure pile at least 50% smaller.
That means lower costs for handling and disposal. |
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Can we install
the Flexitec Stable Mats ourselves? |
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Yes,
the weight of the mats prevents curling and buckling and
keeps them in place without adhesives or other fastening
systems. You only need a "Stanley™" knife
or similar to cut them and a straight edge. |
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How should the floor
be prepared before installing mats? |
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Flexitec Stable
Mats can be laid over any level compacted base. If the stables
are currently bitumen or concrete, clean the surfaces carefully,
allow to dry, then lay the mats. (Don't lay them on a wet
surface.) If the floor is loose paving, dirt or clay, smooth
the surface and compact it, then lay the mats. |
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Are wet mats slippery? |
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No. These mats are
purpose-built for animal stalls, so they never get slippery
unlike a conveyor belt that is not designed for this purpose.
The horse's hooves indent the mat surface and form a grip.
If the stables are correctly maintained they rarely get wet
anyway. Mats with a ribbed surface are available for wash
down areas etc. |
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How long will Flexitec
Stable Mats last? |
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The maker's first
customer in the early 1970's is still using some of the original
19mm mats. That makes them about 30 years old. To back up
our belief in these mats we offer a 5 year guarantee against
wear out and a pro-rata guarantee for a further five years
on 19mm thick Flexitec Stable Mats. That's 10 years in all. |
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What mat can we
use for walls, floats and trailers? |
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We recommend the
standard 12mm Trailer Mat for these applications to save
weight. A grooved model of the 12mm mats is available for
ramps. |
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What sizes are the
mats? |
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We stock the
19mm Stable Mats in both the following sizes 1219 x 1829mm / 1219 x 2133mm and 1524 x 2133mm.
The 12mm Trailer Mats are stocked in 1500 x 2100mm only.
Special sizes (no larger than 1500 x 2100mm) are available
by indent for large orders only.
Our new two way mats which
are suitable for wash bay or float are available in 1219
x 1829 x 17mm only.
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