Butler MR-24, CMR-24, and VSR-II Roofs – Compatible Fall Protection

Butler MR-24, CMR-24, and VSR-II Roofs – Compatible Fall Protection

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Mar 5th 2026

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing Standing Seam Panels.

Corporate logo for Butler Manufacturing, a pioneer in pre-engineered metal buildings and standing seam roof systems for over 120 years; image courtesy of www.ButlerMFG.com.Who Is Butler Manufacturing?

Butler Manufacturing is a pioneer in pre-engineered metal buildings, boasting over a century of innovation, craftsmanship, and proven reliability. The company has shaped the metal building industry for over 120 years. Emanuel Norquist, Charles Butler, and Newton Butler founded the company in 1901 in Kansas City, Missouri. In its early years, Butler focused on agricultural products, including galvanized steel stock tanks. The company took its first step into its defining legacy of metal construction in 1909 by building a steel garage for a customer.

From that moment, Butler reimagined the construction of steel buildings. In 1939, the company introduced its rigid frame design, establishing a new standard that revolutionized modern construction. Thirty years later, in 1969, Butler launched the MR-24 standing seam roof system, which quickly became a trusted solution for long-term roof performance and watertight protection.

Innovation remains a core part of Butler's identity. With more than fifty patents, the company continues to lead the industry in engineering, efficiency, and material technology. Today, Butler is part of BlueScope Steel Limited and remains one of the most respected names in pre-engineered construction. Their comprehensive building systems encompass everything from framing and roof panels to fasteners, doors, and windows.

Why Are Non-Penetrating Fall Protection Anchors Crucial for Butler Manufacturing Roofs?

Non-penetrating fall protection anchors protect Butler standing seam roofs by preventing leaks, preserving warranties, and ensuring full OSHA compliance. Working on Butler Manufacturing roofs requires a careful approach to safety. The smooth surfaces and steep slopes of standing seam systems demand reliable fall protection on every job. Choosing the right anchor system is about protecting the worker and the roof itself.

Standing seam roofs need anchors that attach without puncturing the panels. When an anchor penetrates the metal, it weakens the panel, creates water intrusion points, and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Over time, even a small leak leads to rust, corrosion, or hidden structural damage. Butler roof systems utilize seam-mounted anchors that securely attach to the standing seam without altering the roof's design or performance.

By using non-penetrating fall protection anchors, contractors maintain the integrity of Butler's engineered roof systems while ensuring workers remain fully protected. This approach preserves the roof system's watertightness and warranty compliance while promoting long-term durability and adherence to OSHA standards.


Fall Protection Systems for Butler Manufacturing Panels

To maintain the integrity of these high-performance systems, specialized fall protection is required. The following products provide the primary safety solutions for Butler installations:

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: The foundation of the system. This anchor provides a non-penetrating, certified 5,000-pound tie-off point using 12 cupped-tip or nylon-tipped set screws.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount directly to the SSRA1 anchors to create level work platforms on steep slopes using 10-foot wooden walkboards.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Heavy-duty aluminum plates that secure across two SSRA1 anchors to serve as certified endpoints for horizontal lifelines.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit: A complete turnkey system providing continuous tie-off for up to two workers in fall arrest, allowing safe lateral movement across wide spans.
  • 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: An industry-exclusive galvanized-steel-cable solution for roofs requiring regular maintenance without penetrations.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: A peak-mounted system for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, providing 100% tie-off from the ladder to the ridge.

Proper Attachment: Set-Screws and Torque Requirements

Worker safety and the holding power of the SSRA1 anchor depend entirely on correct set-screw application:

  • Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set-Screws: Use these screws exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque these screws to 90 inch-pounds.
  • Nylon-Tipped Set-Screws: Apply these tips to 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque these screws to 180–200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.

Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace these tips every 3 to 5 uses to maintain maximum grip strength.

CRITICAL WARNING: NO IMPACT GUNS

Never use an impact gun to install set-screws. Over-torquing with an impact driver crushes the standing-seam rib. This installation error damages the anchor hardware and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final installation.


Butler MR-24 Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Technical profile of the Butler MR-24 panel highlighting the 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam and 2.75-inch rib height; image courtesy of www.ButlerMFG.com.

The Butler MR-24 standing seam metal roof system offers unmatched weather performance, strength, and long-term reliability. It is Butler's signature roof, recognized for a superior watertight design. A key feature is the 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam, a mechanical seam providing exceptional durability. This design delivers outstanding resistance to wind uplift, far exceeding traditional crimped or snap-seam systems. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing MR-24 Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material Build: Available in 22 and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 24-inch panel width with a 2.75-inch rib height.
  • Thermal Movement: High-strength stainless steel clips allow panels to expand and contract freely.
  • Ratings: UL Class 90 wind uplift rating and approvals from FM Global and Miami-Dade County.

Fall Protection for Butler MR-24 Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Clamps directly to the seam with twelve non-penetrating set screws for a 5,000-pound anchor point.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Mounts on SSRA1 anchors to support 10-foot wooden walkboards.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Connect to pairs of SSRA1 anchors to support temporary lifeline systems.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot HLL Kit: A permanent solution for buildings requiring long-term maintenance access.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Securely hooks over the peak for roof pitches between 6:12 and 12:12.

Butler CMR-24 Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Profile view of the Butler CMR-24 system showcasing the integrated insulation and double-lock mechanical seam; image courtesy of www.ButlerMFG.com.

The Butler CMR-24 system builds on the MR-24 foundation by adding advanced insulation and enhanced energy efficiency. It incorporates the same 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam and movable clip system. It integrates rigid insulation boards of varying thicknesses to achieve specific thermal goals, making it ideal for energy-conscious projects. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing CMR-24 Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material Build: Available in 22 and 24-gauge steel.
  • Structural Integrity: Integrated bearing plates distribute loads evenly over the framing.
  • Energy Efficiency: Works with rigid insulation and a metal liner panel for a finished interior look.
  • Dimensions: 24-inch width with a 2.75-inch rib height.

Fall Protection for Butler CMR-24 Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Provides a 5,000-pound-rated anchor point without drilling.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Creates a stable platform for inspections or panel replacements.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Allows multiple users to move across long roof spans when used with a lifeline.
  • SSRA 100-foot HLL Kit: Packages anchors and lifelines together for fast, tool-efficient setup.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Hooks over the ridge for immediate, non-penetrating protection on steep slopes.

Butler VSR II Architectural Roof Panel (SSRA Compatible 24 ga. Steel)

Close-up of the Butler VSR II panel illustrating the sleek low-profile rib and mechanical interlocking seam; image courtesy of www.ButlerMFG.com.

The Butler VSR II Architectural Roof System serves buildings where the roofline plays a key visual role, such as schools and churches. It features mechanically seamed, interlocking panels that form a watertight connection. Concealed clips allow up to 2 inches of thermal movement, enabling the roof to expand and contract naturally. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing VSR II Architectural Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material Build: Available in 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 16-inch coverage width with a 2-inch rib height.
  • Aesthetics: Low-profile seams create a contemporary finish.
  • Performance: UL Class 90 wind uplift rating and FM Global approval.

Fall Protection for Butler VSR II Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Forms a solid, OSHA-compliant tie-off point that blends into the roofline.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Forms a safe, level surface for tools and materials on steep sections.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Connects to SSRA1 anchors to provide attachment for temporary horizontal lifelines.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot HLL Kit: Provides permanent, galvanized-steel lifelines for ongoing maintenance access.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Offers a fast-deploying system that hooks over the peak for slopes up to 12:12.

Why Is Domestic Engineering Vital for Fall Protection?

In the high-stakes world of metal roofing, the true cost of "budget" safety hardware usually remains hidden until a critical failure occurs. Unbranded, generic imports currently flood the market and offer no verifiable performance data. These products rarely undergo the rigorous ISO 17025 laboratory testing necessary to certify a 5,000-pound dynamic load capacity; they often represent a massive liability rather than a safety solution.

Choosing American-engineered SSRA hardware replaces structural uncertainty with empirical performance. We provide open access to our official SSRA test reports, giving you the transparency needed to confirm the performance benchmarks that distinguish professional-grade hardware from unverified imitations.


Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For Butler Manufacturing

  MR-24 (22 Ga.) MR-24 (24 Ga.) CMR-24 (22 Ga.) CMR-24 (24 Ga.) VSR-II (24 Ga.)
SSRA 1
SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor
YES NO YES NO NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip
SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor
YES YES YES YES YES
SSRA2 Roof Jack
SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter
YES YES YES YES YES
SSRA3 Anchor Plate
SSRA_3 Anchor Plate
YES YES YES YES YES
The Ridge Pro
Ridge Pro Roof Anchor
YES YES YES YES YES

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Let's work together to make your roofing projects safe, beautiful, and built to last. For more safety tips, refer to the OSHA 48-page Fall Protection Manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchors for your roof system, download our free Anchor Inspection Form.


Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear
No safety program succeeds without dependable equipment. A well-fitted harness, a secure lifeline, and a properly inspected lanyard make all the difference. OSHA's 2025 standards emphasize proper fit, so ensure every harness and lanyard is adjusted correctly for each worker before work begins.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans
Proper safety begins before anyone steps onto the roof. A detailed plan outlines tie-off procedures, designates rescue points, and clarifies each person's role. Every job should begin with a walkthrough of that plan to ensure coordination during an incident.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps
A harness stops a fall, but it cannot stop circulation loss. Trauma straps attach to the harness and let a suspended worker take the weight off their legs until help arrives. Never wear a harness without them.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs are precision-built, and their safety systems should be too. Anchors that clamp directly to the seams, such as the SSRA1, hold firmly without drilling. Steer clear of any system that involves guessing where clips sit beneath the panels.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability
Roofing demands balance, grip, and endurance. Select footwear with firm soles, ankle support, and traction designed for metal surfaces. Stable footing keeps workers focused on the job rather than fighting gravity.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones
Guardrails provide a physical boundary around roof edges and skylights, eliminating the risk of accidental missteps. On crowded jobsites, guardrails organize work zones and provide a clear visual reminder of safety lines.

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training
Ladder safety is the foundation of every roofing project. Check each ladder for defects, secure it using the 4-to-1 rule, and maintain three points of contact when climbing. Skipping these basics causes more injuries than most realize.

Promote a Culture of Safety
When teams openly discuss risks and support one another, safety becomes second nature. The best job sites are those where safety is a shared habit practiced daily.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems
Buildings needing regular access benefit from permanent roof anchors. They eliminate the time and risk of setting up temporary anchors, providing immediate tie-off points. Once installed, they blend into the structure and deliver years of protection.


Disclaimer: The views, recommendations, and information presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the featured panel manufacturer. Customers are strongly encouraged to contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility and potential warranty issues.

Howie Scarboro, C.E.O. and co-founder of Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C., recognized the need for continued improvements in roofing safety during the 2010 MetalCon show in Las Vegas. He joined forces with SnoBlox-Snojax, a leader in snow retention and seam clamping technology for metal roofs, to create the SSRA1 prototype. Tested by Gravitec for OSHA/ANSI certifications, the SSRA1 proved to be the industry's lightest, most robust, and most universal-fit anchor point for standing seam roofs. Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C. was born in 2015, shaping the future of fall protection and instilling confidence in the industry.