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

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

Who Is Butler Manufacturing?

Butler Manufacturing is a pioneer in the metal building industry with a legacy stretching back to 1901. Founded in Kansas City, Missouri, by Emanuel Norquist, Charles Butler, and Newton Butler, the company initially focused on agricultural products such as galvanized steel stock tanks. However, the turning point came in 1909 when the need for a steel garage led to the creation of their first metal building. This pivotal moment marked Butler's entry into metal building construction. In this sector, they would go on to revolutionize design and engineering.

Through the decades, Butler Manufacturing introduced groundbreaking innovations like the rigid frame building design in 1939, which redefined metal building construction, and the MR-24 standing seam metal roof system in 1969, one of their flagship offerings. The company holds over 50 patents, underscoring its role as a trailblazer in metal building design. Their products are known for their durability, efficiency, and versatility across commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

Butler's growth continued with strategic acquisitions, including the 1984 purchase of Howmet Architectural Products, which expanded its architectural product offerings. Today, Butler Manufacturing operates under BlueScope Steel Limited, an Australian company that acquired them in 2004. Butler remains a leader in pre-engineered metal buildings, known for their comprehensive building systems, including frames, walls, roofs, fasteners, doors, and windows. Whether it's a commercial warehouse or an agricultural facility, Butler Manufacturing has maintained its position as a trusted partner in building design and construction.

Why is Fall Protection Crucial for Butler Manufacturing Roofs?

Working on Butler Manufacturing roofs, especially with their well-known standing seam systems like the MR-24, requires careful consideration of fall protection. Metal roofing projects inherently carry significant risks due to the smooth surfaces, sloped angles, and height of the buildings. Therefore, selecting the proper fall protection solution is essential to ensure worker safety while maintaining the roof's structural integrity.

Standing seam roofs, in particular, require specialized fall protection anchors that do not penetrate the panels. Systems that pierce the roof can compromise the panel's integrity, lead to leaks, and even void manufacturer warranties. Researching and choosing compatible fall protection systems that clamp onto the seams without affecting the roof's structure is crucial. Ensuring the fall protection anchor system adheres to these requirements keeps the roof intact while safeguarding workers.

By using non-penetrating fall protection systems, contractors can uphold Butler's high standards for roofing products, ensuring long-term durability while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Butler MR-24 Panels

The MR-24 is a premium standing seam metal roof system known for its superior weathertight performance and long-term durability. A vital feature of the MR-24 is its double-locked seam design, creating a 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam that ensures exceptional seam integrity. This seam is similar to those used in gasoline tanks and beverage cans, providing unparalleled resistance to wind uplift and stresses from roof traffic, outperforming traditional crimped or snapped seams that may fail under such conditions. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing MR-24 Standing Seam Panels.

The MR-24 panels cover 24 inches in width and feature a 2¾" rib height. Available in 22 and 24-gauge, these panels incorporate high-strength stainless steel roof clips in their side laps. The clips glide along a triangular bar, allowing the panels to expand and contract freely with temperature changes. Unlike systems that restrict thermal movement and potentially cause damage, the MR-24 allows unrestricted expansion without binding.

Butler ensures precise alignment of each panel with their factory-punched structural framing, which includes pre-located holes for proper clip and panel placement. This approach guarantees the highest levels of weathertight integrity, as field-drilled screws often fail to maintain the same level of precision. Additionally, the MR-24 system uses a two-piece clamped splice design positioned over structural members, reinforcing the roof's durability and preventing leaks from adjacent splices.

With its robust seam, free-moving clip system, precise factory alignment, and reinforced splice design, the Butler MR-24 stands out for its superior weather tightness, durability, and wind resistance, making it a leading choice in standing seam metal roof systems.

Fall Protection for Butler MR-24 Panels

For Butler's MR-24 panels, ensuring proper fall protection is crucial to maintaining worker safety and the roof's integrity. Non-penetrating fall protection anchors are ideal for these panels, as they do not compromise the panel's structural integrity or violate warranties.

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 products are fully compatible with MR-24 panels. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor is a non-penetrating anchor that clamps securely onto the roof seam without piercing the metal. This anchor provides a reliable and sturdy point for securing fall protection systems. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapters connect seamlessly with the SSRA1, allowing the installation of walkboards or scaffolding on the roof without damaging the panels. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount on top of the SSRA1 anchors and serve as an ideal attachment point for temporary horizontal lifeline systems, which are crucial when multiple workers need to move safely across the roof.

Together, these SSRA products create a comprehensive fall protection system that is versatile and secure. Workers can move across the roof or perform tasks such as installing walkboards and lifelines while maintaining the roof's integrity by avoiding penetrations.

The  Ridge Pro Steep Assist is compatible with MR-24 panels for steeper roofs, particularly on slopes between 6/12 and 12/12. This non-penetrating solution hooks over the roof peak, providing a stable and secure anchor point for workers without the need to drill into the roof. The Ridge Pro offers a quick and effective way to set up fall protection on steep pitches, ensuring worker safety on challenging slopes while preserving the roof's weather tightness.

Butler CMR-24 Panels

The CMR-24 is an advanced standing seam roof system built on the foundation of the MR-24 system. It offers enhanced energy efficiency and a polished interior appearance. It incorporates additional insulation and liner components, making it ideal for projects where energy performance and aesthetics are critical. At the heart of the CMR-24 is the same exclusive 360-degree Pittsburgh double-lock seam and clip system that made the MR-24 renowned for its superior weather tightness. This seam design ensures the highest level of seam integrity, providing exceptional resistance to wind uplift and roof traffic stresses. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing CMR-24 Standing Seam Panels.

The CMR-24 features 24-inch panel widths, available in both 22-gauge and 24-gauge thicknesses, offering flexibility in strength and durability depending on project requirements. A critical feature of this system is its specially designed bearing plate, which evenly distributes the weight of the roof panels and clips across the structural steel members, ensuring optimal load distribution and structural integrity.

One of the standout features of the CMR-24 is its focus on energy efficiency. It integrates high-quality rigid insulation boards with various thicknesses and insulating values, allowing for customized thermal performance. In addition, an interior metal liner protects the insulation. It enhances the building's overall energy performance while providing a sleek and finished interior look.

The CMR-24 maintains the same 2¾" rib height as the MR-24, which adds architectural interest to the roof's profile. With its durability and low maintenance requirements, the CMR-24 can save up to 90% in roof maintenance costs compared to other roofing systems. It meets several stringent safety standards, including the U.L. Class 90 wind uplift rating, F.M. Global approval, and Miami-Dade County approval, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments. The system also offers excellent color options, reducing heat absorption and contributing to energy savings.

In summary, the Butler CMR-24 Roof System is a comprehensive and customizable solution that delivers the MR-24's proven weathertight performance, enhanced energy efficiency, improved interior aesthetics, and the inclusion of added insulation and liner components.

Fall Protection for Butler CMR-24 Panels

Proper fall protection is essential for Butler's CMR-24 panels to maintain worker safety and protect the roof's integrity. Using non-penetrating fall protection systems ensures that the roof panels remain undamaged and that the roof's performance is not compromised.

The SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 products are fully compatible with the CMR-24 panels. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor clamps directly onto the roof seam, providing a secure, non-penetrating anchor point without piercing the roof material. Workers can attach fall protection equipment without compromising the roof's weather tightness.

The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapter works in conjunction with the SSRA1, enabling the attachment of walk boards and scaffolding to the roof. This setup allows workers to move across the roof more easily while performing maintenance or inspections. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount on top of the SSRA1 anchors and serve as connection points for temporary horizontal lifeline systems, allowing multiple workers to navigate the roof safely without the risk of falls.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is also ideal for roofs with steeper slopes. This product is designed for use on roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12 and provides a non-penetrating anchor point by hooking over the roof peak. The Ridge Pro allows workers to safely navigate steep roof pitches while preserving the integrity of the CMR-24 roof system.

By utilizing these non-penetrating fall protection systems, you ensure both worker safety and the long-term performance of the Butler CMR-24 roof system. These systems work together to provide a secure, versatile solution for fall protection while keeping the roof undamaged and fully compliant with warranty requirements.

Butler VSR II™ Architectural Roof Panel

The VSR II™ Architectural Roof System from Butler is for projects where the roofline is a key design feature, blending aesthetic appeal with functionality. This standing seam metal roof system offers a sleek, modern appearance. It is ideal for architectural projects prioritizing visual impact, such as schools, churches, and commercial buildings with visible rooflines. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Butler Manufacturing VSR II Standing Seam Panels.

Its mechanically seamed interlocking panels set the VSR II apart, which ensures a secure, weathertight seal. This construction method avoids using snaps or battens, delivering long-lasting weather resistance. The system also incorporates a movable clip mechanism that allows up to 2 inches of thermal movement, accommodating metal panels' natural expansion and contraction without compromising the roof's integrity.

Available in 24-gauge steel with a 16-inch spacing and a 2-inch rib height, the VSR II balances form and function. The system offers extensive customization options, including various colors and finishes, allowing architects and builders to tailor the roof to the overall design aesthetic of the building. Butler's legacy of performance, combined with this roof's durability and energy efficiency, makes the VSR II a leading choice for architectural projects where the roof is more than just a functional component.

Fall Protection for Butler VSR II™ Panels

When working with the Butler VSR II™ panels, it's crucial to implement non-penetrating fall protection systems to preserve the roof's integrity while ensuring worker safety. Non-penetrating systems prevent damage to the panels and help maintain weather tightness, which is vital for architectural projects.

The SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 products are fully compatible with VSR II panels. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor securely clamps to the standing seam without puncturing the panel, providing a reliable anchor point for attaching fall protection systems.

The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapter integrates with the SSRA1 anchor, allowing the attachment of walkboards or scaffolding for easy movement and access across the roof during maintenance or installation. This system ensures that no penetrations are made in the roof, preserving the integrity of the VSR II system.

The SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount directly on top of the SSRA1 anchors, offering attachment points for temporary horizontal lifeline systems. This feature is essential when multiple workers are on-site, allowing for safe, coordinated movement across the roof without additional anchor points or penetrations.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is ideal for roofs with steeper slopes, especially between 6/12 and 12/12. This system hooks over the roof peak, providing a secure anchor point without drilling or roof penetrations. The Ridge Pro allows workers to maneuver steep rooflines safely, ensuring protection while preserving the roof's performance and appearance.

By utilizing these non-penetrating fall protection systems, you maintain the VSR II's visual and structural integrity, all while ensuring that workers are secure during installation or maintenance activities.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Butler Manufacturing

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or  www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Let's work together to make your roofing projects safe, beautiful, and built to last. For more safety tips, check out OSHA's 48-page fall protection manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchors for your roof system, download our accessible Anchor Inspection Form. Check your Panel Compatibility to see if it is ideal for SSRA products.

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide workers with high-quality fall protection gear, such as full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These items are critical for minimizing the impact of falls and preventing severe injuries.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Set up ladders and scaffolding correctly, ensuring they are stable and free from obstructions. Train workers in proper ladder use, including OSHA's 4-to-1 safety rule for placement.

Secure Work Areas with Protective Barriers

Use guardrails, warning lines, or similar barriers to define work areas on low-slope roofs. These physical barriers help create safer environments by reducing the risk of falls.

Utilize Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

Always use specialized roof anchors for standing seam roofs. Follow manufacturer guidelines carefully and avoid systems that attach over clips, as locating these on existing roofs can be difficult.

Establish OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before starting any roofing project, create safety plans that comply with OSHA standards. These plans must outline a detailed rescue strategy to ensure rescuers can safely retrieve workers during a fall.

Encourage Regular Use of Trauma Straps

Equip workers with trauma straps and harnesses and train them on their use. Trauma straps are vital in reducing the risk of suspension trauma if a worker falls and remains hanging.

Implement Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Make it a priority to install permanent roof anchor systems for projects requiring regular maintenance. These systems offer continuous fall protection and ensure safety during future inspections and work.

Foster a Safety-First Workplace Culture

Conduct regular safety inspections and frequent training sessions to develop a safety culture in the workplace. Routine training and safety stand-downs help maintain high safety standards and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Take Precautions for Curved Metal Panels

It's crucial not to use standard seam-mounted anchors when working on curved metal panels. Consult a safety professional to develop a custom safety plan addressing the specific risks of curved surfaces.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure workers wear non-slip footwear, especially when working on smooth metal roofs. Wet roofs pose a greater risk of slips and falls, so appropriate footwear is crucial in maintaining stability.

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, its brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies. Customers are strongly encouraged to reach out directly to the roof panel manufacturer for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.