Choosing wiper material isn't a simple „aluminum is better.” Each material has its place in the 3-zone cleaning system—and often the best decision is combination. In this guide, we break down 4 materials: aluminum, rubber, textiles, and steel, based on 6 parameters relevant to architects and investors.
Aluminum — the backbone of system wiper systems
Aluminum is the structural material for system doormats. Aluminum profiles (8–22 mm wide) hold interchangeable inserts – brushes, rubber, or textiles. The frame itself does not wear out for decades; you only replace the inserts.
- Durability 15+ years with heavy traffic
- Aesthetics anodized (silver, black, brown, RAL color)
- Cost: 20–60 USD/kg depending on the contribution
- Maintenance removable laundry inserts
- Best zones 2 and 3, commercial properties
Gum — Zone 1 and seasonal objects
Rubber doormats are a classic choice for outdoor areas. They are resistant to frost, road salt, and UV rays. In Zone 2, as a rubber insert in an aluminum profile, they provide the best slip resistance (R11–R12).
- Durability 8–12 years (rubber mat only), 5–7 years (rubber insert)
- Aesthetics Black or gray, openwork or solid
- Cost: 80–250 PLN/m² (mat), 150–280 PLN/m² (insert in aluminum profile)
- Maintenance brushing, shower with water
- Best Zone 1, seasonal objects, industrial kitchens (PZH certificate)
Textiles — zone 3 and premium aesthetics
Textile mats (rep, needle-punched, Protect Excellence made from recycled ECONYL®) absorb moisture and dust. This is where premium aesthetics meet functionality: a textile doormat in a hotel lobby looks like a rug but functions as a moisture-absorbing system.
- Durability 5–8 years (textile insert in an aluminum profile)
- Aesthetics 20+ colors, option for embroidered or printed logo
- Cost: 280–650 PLN/m² (contribution to aluminum profile)
- Maintenance vacuuming, washing after removal from the profile
- Best Zone 3, reception areas, office buildings, 4-5★ hotels
Steel — Zone 1 for the heaviest traffic
Steel entrance grates are a solution for facilities with extreme traffic and demanding climates. The grate drains water and mud into a settling tank beneath the floor. Requirement: design the drainage during the concrete slab stage.
- Durability 20+ years
- Aesthetics galvanized, polished, or acid-resistant (INOX) steel
- Cost: 450–1,200 PLN/m², including a settling tank
- Maintenance minimum (settler cleaning twice a year)
- Best Zone 1, train stations, airports, shopping malls
What to choose when — quick decision
A Pragmatic Designer's Cheat Sheet:
- Hotel 4-5★, reception: aluminum with premium textile insert
- Shopping mall, 5,000+ people/day: steel in zone 1 + Combi aluminum in zones 2 and 3
- Class A office building: aluminum with a fabric insert + logo in zone 3
- Sports facility, hall: rubber zone 1, aluminum brush zone 2
- Restaurant, cuisine: rubber certified by the PZH (Class R11)
- Seasonal investment, store: Rubber mat, openwork, economical
💡 A hybrid always wins
For 90% facilities, the best choice is a combination of 3–4 materials in a single 3-zone system. A rubber mat alone cannot handle fine dirt, and a textile mat alone will quickly become saturated in the first zone. That’s why our Combi catalog features ready-made 3-material configurations.
For architectural studios, we provide technical consultations from the concept stage. Send us your project, and we will prepare a color recommendation for anodized aluminum based on RAL and a DWG specification for the executive design.