The Little Details That Make All the Difference…
When designing equestrian buildings — whether horse shelters, stables, field shelters, lean-tos or bespoke structures — attention is often drawn to the materials, dimensions and overall appearance. However, it is often the discreet yet essential finishing details and technical features that ensure the strength, durability and long-term safety of the structure.
At LCI Cheval, every detail matters. Our building options are carefully designed to withstand the test of time, the British weather and the everyday demands of both equestrian professionals and horse owners.
In this article, we’ll explore the three key finishing options that make a real difference to the strength, durability and performance of your equestrian buildings:
- Ridge Cap
- Verge Flashings
- Base Plates or Anchor Fixings
- Base Plates or Anchor Fixings
1. Ridge Caps: Your First Line of Defence Against Wind and Ra
The ridge cap sits along the highest point of the roof, sealing the joint where the two roof slopes meet. It provides a weatherproof barrier that helps protect the structure from wind and rain.
Why Is It Essential?
- Protection from Rain: Without a ridge cap, or if it is poorly fitted, rainwater can penetrate the roof at its highest point, leading to leaks and potential damage to the structure.
- Wind Resistance: The ridge is one of the most exposed parts of any roof structure. A properly secured ridge cap helps prevent strong winds from lifting the roof sheets, ensuring the roof remains secure even in harsh weather conditions.
- Long-Term Durability: A well-installed ridge cap helps extend the lifespan of both the roof structure and its roofing materials.
Our LCI Cheval Solution:
We offer robust steel ridge caps, colour-matched to the roofing sheets for a clean, professional finish. Each ridge cap is secured using suitable fixings, ensuring optimum protection even in exposed and windy locations.
2. Verge Flashings: Protecting the Roof Edges and Enhancing Structural Stability
Verge flashings are fitted along the outer edges of the roof. Although often overlooked, they play a vital role in protecting the building and improving the overall performance of the roof.
- They prevent water from penetrating the roof along its edges.
- They help protect the structure from wind uplift, reducing the risk of strong winds catching and lifting the roof edges.
- They keep the roofing sheets securely in place, preventing movement, vibration and wind uplift.
- They enhance the overall appearance of the building, providing a clean, professional finish.
Verge flashings are therefore an essential feature for creating a durable, weatherproof and visually harmonious equestrian building.
3. Base Plates and Anchor Fixings: The Foundation of a Safe Structure
The quality of the fixings is one of the most critical factors in any outdoor structure.
Why Should Fixings Never Be Overlooked?
- They ensure the structure can withstand strong winds: a poorly secured horse shelter or lean-to can quickly become a safety hazard.
- They provide long-term structural stability.
- They help prevent structural distortion caused by storms, frost or ground movement.
- They help extend the lifespan of the structure by reducing mechanical wear and tear.
At LCI Cheval, we use:
- Reinforced steel base plates, designed to suit different ground conditions, including soil, concrete slabs and concrete pads
- Ground anchor fixings for relocatable structures. Reusable and easy to install, they are fixed directly to the steel frame and securely anchored into the ground.
1. Steel Anchor Base Plate for Concrete
2. Ground Anchors for Relocatable Structures
Last but not least, every structure is installed to the highest professional standards, ensuring the safety of both horses and their handlers.
Conclusion: Finishing Details Are More Than Options – They’re a Guarantee
Ridge caps, verge flashings, anchor fixings… These features may seem like minor details, but they are what ultimately determine:
- Resistance to wind,
- Weatherproofing,
- Safety,
- The overall quality of your equestrian facility.
Investing in high-quality finishing details means investing in the safety of your horses, the longevity of your equestrian buildings and your own peace of mind.
At LCI Cheval, our team is here to help you choose the most suitable options for your location, ground conditions and the intended use of your equestrian building.
