Doormats for ventilated terraces

Doormats for ventilated terraces

Ventilated terraces are a stylish and practical solution that ensure effective water drainage and protect the building from the effects of low temperatures; they are attractive and convenient to use. The terrace surface can be freely adapted to the upper level of residential or commercial premises. This offers many possibilities for creating modern, barrier-free interiors.

Ventilated outdoor terraces, like all other structures, are, however, exposed to external factors such as rain, dust, leaves and other airborne debris, as well as various substances carried onto their surfaces, such as grass, soil, sand and others.

In line with advances in construction, BELA has developed a versatile product that is installed in the space between the base and the upper surface of the terrace. It is a universal doormat that requires no additional drainage and is suitable for use on ventilated terraces of various heights.

Water from the upper surface of the terrace flows freely onto the membrane insulation layer or other heavy-duty terrace insulation. The openwork structure of the aluminium profiles of the mat, laid on a Wema grating support base, allows any amount of water to flow freely. Only debris remains on the mat or its base.

The height of the mat is adjustable via supports that stabilise the structure on the supporting surface of the lower terrace. Available heights – the minimum is 5 cm (without levelling supports, i.e. the thickness of the 50x50x3 mm angle support). A maximum height of up to 20 cm is possible by using an increased number of adjustable supports up to 15 cm in height. A structure with an area larger than 120x60 cm requires further consultation regarding stability. 3

Cross-section of a ventilated terrace using a BELA cleaning mat

The load-bearing surface of the mat consists of Wema grating with 30x30x3 mm mesh (30x3 mm load-bearing bars) designed to carry foot traffic and light loads, such as those required when transporting loads of up to 200 kg. For heavier loads, structural reinforcement of the support grating is required, or the entire grating structure must be replaced with a product offering higher load-bearing capacity. The Wema grating is horizontally stabilised at a height of 2.5 cm, so that a BELA cleaning mat with the specifications required for the specific location can be laid on top and flush with the grating.

The mat must always be laid perpendicular to the direction of pedestrian traffic; in other words, aluminium profiles of various shapes and with different inserts must be perpendicular to the direction of traffic. The arrangement and colour of the profiles are flexible; the full range is available in the BELA manufacturer’s catalogues.

The dimensions and layout of BELA floor mats on a ventilated terrace with 60 cm x 60 cm x 2 cm ceramic tiles. 

It is recommended to use brush mats to keep entrances clean. BELA’s linear brushes provide highly effective cleaning, as their bristles extend above the surface of the mat. The brush is designed to flex and adapt to footwear. The length and flexibility of the fibres protect it from rapid wear. The BELA linear brush differs from the brush strips used in mats by other manufacturers in that it has a lifespan of up to 20 years, rather than just 2 or 3 years. Its surface is always clean and flexible, and resistant to chemicals and UV radiation.

The range of colours available for BELA’s linear brushes allows them to be tailored to the user’s aesthetic requirements. Based on the manufacturer’s 30 years of experience, the optimal application involves combining the linear brush with strips (ribbons) of felt, i.e. polypropylene. This would be the best solution for covered terraces, as a linear brush with a service life of 10 to 20 years, depending on traffic intensity, combined with polypropylene felt, provides optimal cleaning results that cannot be matched by any other solution. The commonly available and used plastic strips with attached brushes, as well as rubber, vinyl or polyamide felt strips, are solutions that last for a year or two.

Installation of the mat into the ventilated decking structure

1. Order a kit comprising a suitable support frame, sized to fit the decking boards, and supports that match the height from the top surface of the decking to the load-bearing surface of the decking base.
2. Remove the appropriate number of decking boards and move the existing supports so that they do not interfere with the frame supports. 
3. Position the frame in the recess and level it using adjustable supports; check its stability. 
4. Place the Wema grating on the stable frame, test-load it with a weight of up to 100 kg, and verify its secure positioning once again (equal distance from the edge of the slab on all sides, horizontal alignment of each side, and no movement of the entire structure when its outer edges are loaded).
5.  Unrolling the customised BELA aluminium mat and its long-term use.

The external dimensions of the doormat can be customised to suit the modules (the size of the ceramic tiles used on the terrace). The standard module is 120 cm x 60 cm (120 cm – length of the mat profiles, 60 cm – width of the mat). It is recommended to use at least one or two modules so that the entire mat measures 120 cm x 120 cm and provides perfect shoe cleaning before entering the living areas.

Directions for use

BELA cleaning mats on aluminium profiles are intended exclusively for pedestrian use. If heavy machinery needs to pass over them, they must be rolled up and removed from their designated location.

Cleaning instructions

The primary function of cleaning mats is to collect dirt from the shoes of those using the mat. To ensure this task is carried out properly, it is essential to regularly clean the mats of dirt and larger debris that accumulates in the gaps between the treads.

To ensure trouble-free use of the mats, we recommend the following cleaning methods:

• external cleaning using a vacuum cleaner – particularly recommended during the summer months, when the mat does not collect large amounts of water;
• removing larger debris from the outside – using hand tools (brush, broom);
• internal cleaning of the mat’s openings – recommended periodically, depending on footfall, but at least twice a year. 

When cleaning the space under the mat, roll up the mat, lift the Wema grating so that the space is exposed, and remove all the dirt.

To preserve the structure of the mat material, it is essential to remove any sticky substances carried in on footwear. Any cleaning of the mats should be carried out using soft tools, without sharp bristles (such as wire brushes or rice brushes). The mats should be cleaned along the aluminium profiles.

Wet cleaning of the mat’s exterior – recommended during the autumn and winter months, when the mat needs to be cleaned of accumulated wet dirt. During cleaning, avoid any corrosive chemicals at all costs. Lukewarm water with a little washing-up liquid is recommended. After wet cleaning the mat, allow it to dry completely before using it again. Do not dry the mat using external heating devices. Differences in temperature and humidity of the materials will cause deformation and adversely affect the bonded elements of the mat (felt, rubber). Using the mat whilst wet will negate the cleaning effect of the felt profiles.

After the winter season, in areas where chemicals such as salt and others are used, it is essential to wash the mat with water to neutralise the long-term effects of these chemicals. Failure to carry out this maintenance will result in pitting forming on the aluminium profiles over time due to the aggressive action of the chemicals used.

BELA Sp. z o.o. 11 Celna Street, 41-906 Bytom Tax ID No.: 5992740842 www.bela.com.pl