Entryway Systems

What are Entryway Systems?

Entryway or “walk-off” systems are grills, grates, or mats that reduce the amount of dirt, dust, pollen, and other biological and non-biological agents entering a residence.[1] As much as 80 percent of the soil, dust and other contaminants found inside a home are tracked in on the shoes of occupants. These substances degrade indoor air quality by exposing building occupants to various irritants. Entryway systems, such as mats, improve IAQ by catching and holding dirt particles and thereby reduce the amount of dirt that enters a dwelling.

How to Incorporate Entryway Systems

Placing doormats at outside entrances help prevents dirt from entering the residence. Shoe racks placed by entry doors can also help minimize soil, dust and other contaminants.[2] Regular entryway maintenance helps reduce contaminants (see Green Cleaning).

Benefits

• Reduces contaminants/pollutants in the home
• Reduces cleaning/maintenance costs
• Protects indoor air quality
• Improves indoor environmental quality
• Protects occupant health
• Protects indoor flooring surfaces
• Contributes to the durability of the home

Costs

The cost of entryway systems varies depending on the type of system installed. An entrance mat may cost as little as $4-6/sf. Reducing the amount of dirt and other particles that enter the home can also reduce the time and cost of cleaning.[3]

Resiliency

Entryway systems help protect indoor air quality and the integrity of indoor flooring materials during events that cause wet conditions such as storms and flooding, contributing to the protection of occupants during and following storm events as well as the long-term durability of the home.

[1] Yale University, Green Cleaning Standards.  Published by the Yale Facilities Management Department and The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), February 2012. https://stars.aashe.org/media/secure/241/7/652/5915/GreenCleaning.pdf (accessed July 28th, 2018)

[2] Rutgers Center for Green Building improving Air Quality: A Guide for Property Owners. December 2018.

[3] Corrine Zudonyi, CleanLink. Floor Care, Rolling out the Welcome Mat.   http://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Floor-Care-Rolling-Out-The-Welcome-Mat–8939 (accessed July 28, 2018).