Insights Blog
Compression Moulded vs Extruded Ground Protection Mats
Compare compression moulded mats like EnviroMat to extruded mats such as ProMat. Find out which ground protection is right for your site and your project needs.
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Making Ground Reinstatement Easier and More Reliable
Learn how ground protection mats help you achieve fast, effective ground reinstatement. Protect grass, soil, and surfaces for easy site restoration after your project.
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Effective Dust Suppression Starts with Good Ground Protection
Why Dust Is More Than Just a Nuisance Anyone who has worked on or near a construction site knows how quickly dust can become a problem. It gets everywhere - across access roads, into vehicles, onto neighbouring property, and through open windows long before the project has really found its rhythm. Dust is not just annoying. If it starts drifting beyond the site boundary, it becomes a reputational issue almost immediately. It can also create genuine health concerns for people working on site and for nearby residents, especially in dry weather or windy conditions. From a practical perspective, dust is also a sign that the site surface is being disturbed. If vehicles are churning up bare ground, it usually means you are losing control of access routes, housekeeping becomes harder, and you are more likely to end up with complaints and additional site management tasks. Where Construction Dust Usually Comes From Dust on site is rarely caused by one thing. It tends to build up from multiple small sources that add up over time: Vehicle movements on bare earth - tyres and tracks break up the surface and lift fine particles into the air. Haul roads and access routes that are not stabilised - these become constant dust generators, particularly with repeated trafficking. Foot traffic in busy areas - walkways, welfare routes, and storage zones can all contribute when the ground is dry. Stockpiles and skips - loose material can dry out and blow across site if it is not covered or controlled. Site exits - dust and debris can be carried onto public roads, which is where a minor issue often turns into a visible one. The key point is this: if the surface is loose and exposed, dust control becomes a daily fight. If the surface is stabilised, dust drops significantly before you even get to sprays and sweepers. Ground Protection Mats: The Foundation for Cleaner Air One of the most effective ways to keep dust under control is to reduce how much exposed ground vehicles and people are moving across. That is where ground protection mats make a noticeable difference. Most site dust comes from vehicles travelling over bare earth. If you leave haul roads or access routes uncovered, every lorry, telehandler, or van passing through kicks up another cloud. By laying composite mats, you create a stable running surface that stops tyres and tracks from churning up loose ground. Straight away, you reduce the amount of fine material getting airborne. Mats are not only useful for vehicle routes. They can also be used for: Walkways between welfare and work areas Storage and laydown zones where materials are loaded and unloaded High-traffic pinch points such as gates, corners, and turning areas The less exposed soil you have in these busy areas, the less chance you will be battling dust when the weather turns dry or the wind picks up. The site stays tidier and the air is cleaner for everyone - including the team working there day in, day out. Why mats help with dust control (in simple terms) Ground protection mats reduce dust because they help you do three things well: Stabilise the surface - less breakup of dry ground. Control movements - vehicles and people stick to defined routes. Reduce housekeeping pressure - fewer fine particles being created means less cleaning and fewer issues at the boundary. Other Simple Ways to Keep Dust Down Ground protection mats are a strong first step, but good dust control is usually a combination of surface management and routine site discipline. A few practical actions can make a big difference: Keep access routes clear - and stick to them When vehicles are confined to marked, matted routes, it prevents them wandering onto soft ground and disturbing dry areas that then become dust hotspots. It also helps you focus cleaning and maintenance where it matters most. Cover materials and skips If you have piles of soil, sand, or arisings on site, cover them with tarpaulins or netting where practical. This reduces wind-blown dust and helps keep material where it is meant to be. Use water strategically in dry conditions A light spray on high-traffic areas can reduce dust quickly, particularly around haul roads and active work zones. The aim is control, not soaking the site. Too much water can create slip risks and, if overdone, swap dust problems for mud and tracking issues. Keep on top of housekeeping A tidy site produces less dust. Clear loose debris, avoid letting dry spoil build up in corners, and keep busy areas clean. If dust is allowed to accumulate, it will keep reappearing in the air every time traffic passes through. Maintain mats so they keep performing Mats work best when they are installed properly and kept clear of heavy build-up. Routine checks and basic cleaning help them continue to provide a stable surface and reduce the amount of dust and debris that can be carried elsewhere. Don’t Forget the Exits Site exits are where dust and debris become most visible - and where small issues can quickly turn into complaints. Even if dust is controlled inside the boundary, tracking onto the public road can undo a lot of good work. That is why using something like FODS MudStopper mats at the exit can be a smart move. They help catch debris and fine material before vehicles reach the highway, which helps protect your reputation and reduces the likelihood of having to react to issues off site. The Real Benefits of Taking Dust Suppression Seriously Effective dust control does more than keep the council off your back. It helps you run a better site. Stronger relationships with neighbours - fewer complaints, fewer interruptions. Better working conditions - a safer, healthier environment for your team. A cleaner site appearance - which reflects well with clients and visitors. More control over operations - stabilised routes usually mean fewer unplanned movements and less disruption. Most importantly, it makes your operation look sharp, professional, and considerate - the kind of contractor people want to work with again. Need Practical Advice on Dust Control? If you want support choosing the right ground protection mats for your site, or you are not sure where to start with dust suppression, get in touch. We can talk through your access routes, traffic levels, and site conditions, and help you put a practical approach in place that reduces dust without creating problems elsewhere.
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Quieter Construction Starts from the Ground Up
How do you manage noise on construction sites? Learn how ground protection mats help reduce site noise, improve neighbour relations, and support considerate construction.
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Considerate Construction Means Cleaner Sites and Happier Neighbours
Learn how ground protection mats and FODS MudStopper keep construction sites clean, safe, and neighbour-friendly. Improve site standards and reduce complaints.
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The Hidden Costs of Timber and Plywood Ground Protection Boards
Explore the real costs of timber and plywood boards. Discover why composite ground protection mats are safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable.
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A Smarter Alternative to Stone Roads for Site Access
Discover how ground protection mats beat stone roads for temporary site access. Save money, cut carbon, and simplify installation with GroundGuards’ sustainable solutions.
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Why Buy from GroundGuards Instead of Direct from China
Find out why buying ground protection mats from GroundGuards is safer and smarter than importing direct from a factory. Get expert advice, proven quality, and reliable support.
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