Does Outdoor Porcelain Paving Get Slippery?
I Garden Vision • February 8, 2023

In essence outdoor porcelain paving, or porcelain tiles are not slippery when given the right information for your choice. 


As well as choosing your porcelain tile colour and size you will also need to consider the texture. All the textures will be measured with a ‘grip’ or non-slip rating so you can choose the perfect tile for the area in your garden. These range from a very low slip resistance to a very high slip resistance, so whether you are choosing tiles for your swimming pool area, hot tub surround or general patio area there is a porcelain tile finish for you.


Now, the great British weather is always a factor to consider and even though porcelain tiles are non-porous and do not absorb water, water will still sit on the surface of the tile. You could sweep the water off with a squeegee mop or let the water evaporate naturally but if during the colder months a cold spell is forecast then you would need to be a bit more prepared. 


There are many solutions on the market to prevent ice buildup but highly recommended comes Ice Melt. Ice Melt works by sprinkling it over your dry tiles and when temperatures drop below freezing Ice Melt is activated and prevents any ice forming. Ice Melt works faster than rock salt and keeps working to temperatures below -15c, it prevents re-freezing and can last for up to 36 hours.  It is non-corrosive and non-toxic so is safe for children, animals, and plants, highly bio-degradable and leaves no residue on the tiles. 


So when it comes to choosing the right outdoor paving solution for you, you really can’t go wrong with porcelain tiles. 

 

www.primaporcelain.co.uk are a good example of a company that offer a wide range of porcelain paving solutions for your outdoor space.

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.