When you think of a roofing system, usually what comes to mind are roofing sheets, purlins, and the main structure. But to ensure strength, durability, leak-proofing, aesthetics, and proper function, roofing accessories play a vital role. Bansal Roofing Products Ltd. (BRPL) is among India’s leading manufacturers of roofing sheets and accessories, offering full support for roofs—from selection and design to installation. (Bansal Roofing)
This article explores what roofing accessories are, the types BRPL offers, how to choose the right ones, and tips to ensure your roof functions optimally.
What Are Roofing Accessories?
Roofing accessories are the supplementary components that support the roofing system beyond just sheets and framing. These accessories help with:
- Sealing gaps and preventing water ingress
- Channeling rainwater safely
- Allowing for ventilation, light, or roof-penetrations (like pipes) without compromising waterproofing
- Enhancing aesthetics
- Ensuring overall structural integrity under varying weather conditions
BRPL highlights that without the correct accessories, roofs may leak, suffer premature deterioration, or fail to deliver intended performance. (Bansal Roofing)
Key Types of Roofing Accessories Offered by BRPL
According to Bansal Roofing, some of the major roofing accessories are:
| Accessory | Purpose / Function | Notes from BRPL |
| Flashing (ridge, gable, apron, bottom, corners, etc.) | Covers gaps in roof sheets where standard panels cannot seal; prevents water leaks and ensures joints are protected. Also important for aesthetics. (Bansal Roofing) | |
| Gutters (water channels) | Collect rainwater at roof edges and channel it safely away, preventing water-logging near the building’s base. BRPL provides seamless and customised gutters. (Bansal Roofing) | |
| Butyl Tape | Used between overlaps of roofing sheets to seal joints and stop water seepage at overlaps. A cost-effective way to ensure tight seals. (Bansal Roofing) | |
| Foam filler / Silicone Sealant | For sealing small gaps, screw holes, or other potential leak points. Particularly important in rainy or high-humidity regions. (Bansal Roofing) | |
| Other PEB (Pre-Engineered Building) Accessories | BRPL mentions accessories for PEB structures: windows, turbo ventilators, louvers, sliding doors, roll-up shutters, skylight sheets, ventilators, downspouts etc. These improve ventilation, light, and usability of the structure. (Bansal Roofing) |
How to Select the Right Roofing Accessories
Having the right accessories is only half the job; selection must match your building’s requirements. Here are BRPL’s guidance and insights:
- Match to Climate & Rainfall Patterns
If you live in monsoon-intense zones, gutters must handle large volumes; sealants and butyl tape need to be high quality to resist constant moisture. Flashings should be well designed to avoid leaks. (Bansal Roofing) - Ensure Compatibility with Roofing Sheets and Framing
Accessories like flashings etc. must match the profile and material of the roofing sheets (metal, colour-coated, polycarbonate, etc.). Also, interactions between fasteners, sealants, and sheet overlaps matter for proper sealing. (Bansal Roofing) - Customized vs Standard
BRPL offers customised gutters and flashing. Standard profiles may suffice for simpler roofs; complex roof shapes or large span sheds may need custom accessories. (Bansal Roofing) - Quality of Sealants & Fasteners
Use good quality foam fillers, silicone sealants, and butyl tapes. Also use correct type & number of screws, washer fittings etc. BRPL emphasizes avoiding under-fastening for penetrations etc. (Bansal Roofing) - Aesthetic Considerations
Colour of flashings, shape and finish of accessories can enhance building appearance. Accessories need not just be functional but also contribute to aesthetics. BRPL notes using contrast colours etc. for flashings. (Bansal Roofing)
Common Issues & Mistakes to Avoid Related to Accessories
Drawing from BRPL’s blog posts, here are some common pitfalls when accessories are ignored or misused:
- Using wrong or insufficient screws &/or fasteners around openings or pipe flashings → leads to leaks. (Bansal Roofing)
- Improper overlap between roofing panels; forgetting sealant or tape in overlaps → water ingress. (Bansal Roofing)
- Overhangs too short or too long → water may drip onto walls or bypass gutters. (Bansal Roofing)
- Relying too much on sealant alone without mechanical closures or correct flashing design. Sealant deteriorates over time if exposed. (Bansal Roofing)
Installation Tips
To ensure roofing accessories work as intended, proper installation is crucial. Here are BRPL’s suggested steps and tips:
- Roof sheets should be cut on ground; metal sheets should lie face down on padding to avoid damaging coatings. (Bansal Roofing)
- Laying should ensure correct alignment first before permanent fixing; first few sheets left loose to adjust alignment. (Bansal Roofing)
- Use appropriate weather-proof screws, stitching screws, and ensure adequate overlap (e.g. ~250 mm between sheets) to support sealing with butyl tape or mastic. (Bansal Roofing)
- Around roof protrusions (vents, pipes, skylights) ensure proper flashing and framing, seal properly. (Bansal Roofing)
Why Roofing Accessories Are Worth the Investment
- Longevity: They protect joints, seams, and penetrations which are the usual weak points for leaks or damage.
- Reduced Maintenance: Proper gutters and seals reduce water damage and maintenance costs over time.
- Better Performance: Enhanced ventilation (louvers, ventilators), light (skylight sheets), and drainage improve internal comfort and reduce issues like dampness etc.
- Aesthetic Value: Well-designed accessories contribute to building appearance.
- Overall Cost Efficiency: Although they add to upfront cost, the reduction in repair, leakage issues, and better roof life makes accessories cost-effective in the long run.
Roofing Accessories Offered by BRPL in Summary
Here’s a quick summary of roofing accessories & related offerings by Bansal Roofing:
- Flashings (ridge, gable, apron, bottom, corners) (Bansal Roofing)
- Gutters / water channels customised / seamless (Bansal Roofing)
- Butyl tape for overlaps/sealing (Bansal Roofing)
- Foam fillers, silicone sealants etc. for sealing around screws, gaps (Bansal Roofing)
- Accessories in PEB structures: windows, ventilators, louvers, skylight sheets, sliding/roll-up doors, downspouts etc. (Bansal Roofing)
BRPL provides supply and installation support for many of these, ensuring integration with roofing sheets etc. (Bansal Roofing)
Summary
Roofing accessories are often overlooked, but they are essential to a well-performing roof. Whether it’s protecting joints with flashing, ensuring water is safely channeled by gutters, or sealing overlaps and screw holes so rain doesn’t sneak in, the accessories are what keep a roof doing its job well. BRPL shows that choosing quality accessories, proper installation, and matching materials all contribute heavily to roof integrity and lifespan.
FAQs
1. What is flashing, and why is it so important?
Flashing includes ridge, gable, apron, bottom, corner pieces etc. It covers gaps that regular roofing sheets can’t seal—like roof edges, joints, transitions or protrusions. Without good flashing, water can easily enter at these weak points, causing leaks. BRPL emphasises correct design and size for flashing to avoid leaks. (Bansal Roofing)
2. When should I use sealant or butyl tape versus relying on overlaps alone?
Overlaps between sheets help, but for weather-proofing, butyl tape between overlaps ensures no water seeps through. Sealants like silicone or foam fillers are used for smaller gaps, screw holes, or where flashing meets other surfaces. Especially important in areas with heavy rain. Sealants and butyl tape complement overlaps—they don’t replace them. (Bansal Roofing)
3. What accessories are necessary in PEB (Pre-Engineered Building) structures?
PEB structures need secondary accessories beyond sheets and frame. According to BRPL, these include windows, turbo ventilators, louvers, skylight sheets, sliding/roll-up shutters, ventilators, downspouts etc. These aid ventilation, light, drainage, and access. (Bansal Roofing)
4. How do I avoid leaks around protrusions like pipes or ventilators?
Use proper flashing around the protrusion, correct number of screws and washers, and seal any gaps or screw holes with silicone sealant or foam filler. It’s essential not to under-fasten or ignore overlapping or sealing in these areas. BRPL warns that pipe or vent areas are common weak spots. (Bansal Roofing)
5. What maintenance do roofing accessories require?
- Inspect gutters for blockages and clean regularly so water doesn’t overflow.
- Check that sealants and butyl tapes are intact; replace if cracked or deteriorated.
- Ensure flashing remains firmly fixed; screws or fasteners may loosen.
- After severe weather, check flashings, gutters and overlaps for damage.
Using high-quality materials from BRPL, and proper installation, this maintenance becomes easier and less frequent.