Cold Rolled Steel: Why do we use it for our iFrame system?
I Garden Vision • February 5, 2025

The best materials for the job!

When it comes to constructing iFrame substructures, choosing the right material is crucial for ensuring durability, strength, and overall performance. Cold rolled steel stands out as an excellent choice for various reasons. In this blog post, we'll delve into the numerous benefits of using cold rolled steel for the iFrame substructure.


1. Superior Strength and Durability


Cold rolled steel is known for its high tensile strength and durability. The cold rolling process involves passing the steel through rollers at a temperature below its recrystallization point, which increases its strength and hardness. This makes cold rolled steel an ideal material for iFrame substructures, as it can withstand heavy loads and resist deformation under stress.


2. Enhanced Precision and Consistency


The cold rolling process allows for precise control over the thickness and dimensions of the steel. This results in a uniform and consistent product with tight tolerances. For iFrame substructures, this means that the components will fit together seamlessly, ensuring a stable and reliable framework. The precise dimensions also reduce the need for additional machining or adjustments during assembly, saving time and effort.


3. Improved Surface Finish


Cold rolled steel has a smoother surface finish compared to hot rolled steel. This is due to the absence of scale and other surface imperfections that are typically present in hot rolled steel. A smooth surface finish is particularly advantageous for iFrame substructures, as it enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides a better base for coatings and finishes. Additionally, the improved surface quality reduces the risk of corrosion and increases the overall lifespan of the structure.


4. Cost-Effectiveness


While cold rolled steel may have a higher initial cost compared to other materials, its long-term benefits make it a cost-effective choice for iFrame substructures. The enhanced strength and durability of cold rolled steel mean that it requires less maintenance and replacement over time. Furthermore, the precision and consistency of cold rolled steel reduce the likelihood of errors and rework during assembly, saving both time and money in the long run.


5. Versatility and Adaptability


Cold rolled steel is highly versatile and can be easily fabricated into various shapes and sizes to meet specific design requirements. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for iFrame substructures, as it can accommodate different architectural styles and structural demands. Whether you need intricate shapes or simple, straight sections, cold rolled steel can be customised to suit your needs.


6. Environmental Sustainability


Using cold rolled steel for iFrame substructures is also an environmentally responsible choice. Steel is one of the most recyclable materials, and using recycled steel reduces the demand for virgin raw materials and minimizes waste. Additionally, the cold rolling process itself is energy-efficient, further reducing the environmental impact.


Conclusion



In summary, cold rolled steel offers numerous benefits for iFrame substructures, including superior strength and durability, enhanced precision and consistency, improved surface finish, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and environmental sustainability. By choosing cold rolled steel, you can ensure that your iFrame substructure is not only robust and reliable but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. So, the next time you're planning a construction project, consider the advantages of cold rolled steel for your iFrame substructure and make an informed decision for a better, stronger, and more sustainable build.

Rats and your steel deck: What you need to know

By I Garden Vision • March 6, 2025
Firstly, lets understand what attracts rats to your garden. Rats are opportunist creatures and are attracted to gardens for several reasons : Food sources Rats are drawn to gardens with readily available food. This includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, and even pet food left outside. Compost bins and bird feeders can also be significant attractants if not properly managed. Shelter Gardens with dense vegetation, wood piles and clutter provide excellent hiding spots and nesting areas for rodents. Overgrown ivy and thick bushes can offer them the cover they need to feel safe. Water Rats need water to survive, so gardens with birdbaths, ponds or even leaky hoses can attract them. Plant types Certain plants can attract rats. For example, ivy and rose bushes provide excellent cover, while crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are appealing food sources. So lets ask the question: Would a steel deck structure attract rats ? A steel frame deck itself does not inherently attract rats. However, like any decking, they can provide shelter if there are gaps or spaces underneath where rats can hide but they are mostly used as a staging post, a safe stop off from nest to food source. The key is to ensure that the area under the deck is clean and free of food scraps or debris that might attract rats.  Regular maintenance and sealing any gaps can help prevent rats from making a home under your deck. Having an access point to maintain under your deck is useful just to keep check. Rats like to burrow and often live both inside and under sheds, drains, embankments, under rubbish piles, under hedges or shrubs, compost bins / mounds or anywhere that can conceal their activity. So, what deters rats from making your garden their home ? Keep your garden tidy : Regularly trim vegetation and remove any clutter or debris. Secure food sources : Use rat-proof compost bins and bird feeders and avoid leaving pet food outside. Eliminate water sources : Fix and leaks and ensure birdbaths and ponds are well maintained. Use natural repellents : Plants like peppermint, lemongrass and snake plants can help deter rats. Let’s sum things up! - Where there are humans there are rats! There will always be a rat living near or visiting your garden – but don’t blame your deck . Every garden in the UK will get visited, sometimes as often as every night by a rat on the hunt for food, but you probably won’t see them. If you follow the advice given here, they shouldn’t become a problem. Remember to make sure that there is no easy food or water for them to get at or any cosy places for them to sleep. But remember if Mr & Mrs Rat get busy don’t ignore them, they breed rapidly and carry some nasty diseases.

Understanding the DPC and the iFrame System

By I Garden Vision • March 5, 2025
Our iFrame system is specifically designed to maintain the integrity of the damp proof course (DPC). It does not affect or bridge the DPC in anyway. Here’s why: Free-Standing Design : The iFrame system is entirely independent of the house structure. It is not attached, ensuring that airflow is maintained and the system is always breathing. No Capillary Action : Compromising the DPC typically occurs when there is direct contact with the house, which can create capillary action. This phenomenon allows water to ingress and climb during continuous rain, leading to damp issues. However, our system eliminates this risk by avoiding any physical connection with the building. Free - Draining System : Unlike systems that channel rainwater in specific directions, our iFrame system is designed to be free-draining. It ensures water disperses naturally without causing localized pressure or water build-up near the property. Compliance with DPC Standards : On traditional builds, the damp proof course is positioned 150mm below the finished ground level to prevent water ingress. Our system respects this standard, ensuring no interference with the DPC or its functionality. By keeping the system free-standing and non-invasive, we guarantee that the DPC remains uncompromised, providing a robust solution for managing airflow and drainage effectively.