Fall Protection For 1st Coast Standing Seam Roofs
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jan 19th 2026
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply Standing Seam Metal Roofing.
Who Is 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply?
1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply's story began in 1967 when Bob Sizemore and Bill Kuhn launched their general contracting business in Florida's 1st Coast and Palm Coast areas. Their mission was clear from the start: provide the highest-quality building products at a fair price. This dedication to quality has remained a core value as the company has evolved over the decades.
After 31 successful years in construction, Sizemore and Kuhn saw the future in metal roofing. In 1998, they shifted their focus entirely to metal roofing, which laid the foundation for the company's growth. Metal roofing's durability, long-term protection, and energy efficiency perfectly match its values. As the demand for metal roofing grew, 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply expanded, investing in state-of-the-art equipment and moving to a larger facility. By 2016, they were manufacturing their panels, enabling them to offer faster service and meet customer needs more efficiently than ever.
Today, 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply is known throughout Florida for producing durable, hurricane-rated metal roofing products. Their panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, from intense UV exposure to hurricane-force winds, making them a top choice for homeowners and roofing professionals.
Why Specialized Fall Protection is Crucial for Standing Seam Roofs
Safety is paramount when working on standing seam roofs, especially those produced by 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply. While all roofs present risks, standing seam roofs have unique challenges. These sleek, smooth panels are designed with hidden fasteners for aesthetic appeal and enhanced weather resistance, but that also means traditional fall protection methods won't work. Drilling into a standing seam roof to install a standard fall protection anchor can compromise the roof's integrity. Not only can this cause leaks, but it also voids the warranty on most standing-seam roofing panels. For this reason, specialized, non-penetrating fall protection anchors are essential.
The SSRA1 Seam Anchor and similar products for standing seam metal roofs clamp onto the raised seams without penetrating the panels. This design preserves the roof's weather-tightness while providing a secure attachment point for fall protection gear. For steeper roofs, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor adds another layer of security, especially when working on slopes between 6:12 and 12:12.
Understanding the SSRA Modular System Configurations
To ensure 100% tie-off without voiding 1st Coast warranties, we recommend the modular SSRA system. The foundation of this system is the SSRA1 Seam Anchor. It features a robust, one-piece body with no moving parts. Its patented design fits approximately 95% of today's standing seam profiles, providing a simple and effective solution as the world's strongest anchor for standing seam roofs.
1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply standing seam panels have two primary SSRA1 fastening options:
- Cupped Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these for 20- or 22-gauge galvanized or stainless steel panels. The cupped tip creates a mechanical lock on the seam. You must torque these to 90 inch-pounds using a calibrated torque wrench.
- Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Use these for 20-, 22-, or 24-gauge steel panels. The nylon tip grips the seams and requires 180-200 inch-pounds of torque. Treat nylon tips as consumables and replace them after 3 to 5 installations.
The SSRA Component System: Expandable Functionality
The SSRA1 serves as an adaptable mounting solution for several configurations on Armour Loc roofs:
- SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Steep-slope projects require a stable footing. These SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters mount directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot wooden walk-boards.
- SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These high-strength aluminum SSRA3 Anchor Plates connect two SSRA1 anchors into one assembly to create heavy-duty endpoints for horizontal lifelines.
- 100-foot SSRA Horizontal Lifeline Kit: This 100-foot HLL kit allows two workers to move the entire length of the roof without ever having to disconnect their lanyards.
- 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL: A reliable, long-term solution using non-penetrating 5-inch riser posts that allow the floating roof to move naturally during thermal expansion and contraction.
- The Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The essential "First-Man-Up" solution, The Ridge Pro secures to the roof peak to provide an anchor point before the worker leaves the ladder.
Armour Loc Clip Snaplock Panels – (SSRA Compatible)
The Armour Loc Clip Panel is a high-performance Snaplock standing seam system available in 12-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch widths. These panels feature a 1.75-inch seam height in 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel or .032 aluminum. Utilizing a concealed-fastener, clip-attached design, this profile provides the sleek, linear elegance of a traditional standing seam roof at a more economical price point. Engineered for installation over a solid substrate, Armour Loc panels are specifically certified for use in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), making them an ideal choice for residential and commercial projects in regions prone to high winds and hurricane-force conditions. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply Armour Loc Clip Standing Seam Metal Roofing.
Fall Protection for Armour Loc Clip Panels
Working on standing seam roofs, such as Armour Loc Clip Panels, requires specialized fall protection to ensure workers' safety and the roof's integrity. Steel panels are compatible with all SSRA products, including the SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates. For .032 aluminum panels, The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the recommended fall protection solution, providing a secure anchor without penetrating the metal surface on slopes between 6:12 and 12:12.
Armour Loc Nailstrip Panels – (Ridge Pro Recommended)
The Armour Loc Nailstrip Panel is an economical standing seam system available in 12-inch and 16-inch widths. These panels feature a 1-inch seam height and are available in 26-gauge and 24-gauge steel and .032 aluminum. These panels are designed for installation over a solid substrate and are popular for both residential and commercial use. Armour Loc nailstrip panels are certified for high-wind areas, including Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), with design pressure ratings ranging from -52.5 to -175, depending on the material and panel size. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply Armour Loc Nailstrip Standing Seam Metal Roofing.
Fall Protection for Armour Loc Nailstrip Panels
Because nailstrip profiles feature a fastening flange rather than a traditional structural rib, The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the primary non-penetrating solution, especially for roofs with slopes between 6:12 and 12:12. This anchor hooks securely over the roof peak without penetrating the metal, providing reliable fall protection for steeper roofs.
Insider Pro Tip: Liability Exposure of Unbranded Fall Protection
A "cheap deal" on fall protection can quickly become a devastating liability. OSHA inspectors are cracking down on unbranded and imported seam anchors that lack verifiable 3rd-party testing. If you cannot produce an OSHA or ANSI test report for your anchors during an inspection, you face a Willful Violation. These carry fines of over $100,000 and trigger immediate site shutdowns.
Before sending a crew onto a 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply roof, verify your anchors have a paper trail. You need a 3rd-party test report proving the device meets OSHA 1926.502 standards. If the manufacturer lacks a domestic support number or engineered testing, you are personally assuming the liability for any equipment failure.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply
| Armour Loc Clip (24 Ga.) | Armour Loc Nailstrip | |
|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
NO | NO |
SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | NO |
SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | NO |
SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | NO |
The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES |
Contact Us for Expert Standing Seam Fall Protection Advice
For expert guidance on standing seam roof anchors, lifeline kits, and fall protection systems that protect both your crew and your panels, contact us today at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Our safety specialists can help you match the right non-penetrating anchor to your specific roof profile and slope. Let's make your next metal roofing project safe, compliant, and built to last. For continued learning, download OSHA's 48-page Fall Protection Manual and our free Anchor Inspection Form once you've selected the ideal anchors for your roof system.
10 Essential Safety Guidelines for 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply Projects
1. Curved & Specialized Profiles Require Expert Review
Standard seam anchors are compatible with non-curved 1st Coast panels. A qualified safety professional must conduct an on-site inspection of any curved, serpentine, or convex roof system before determining the safest fall protection deployment.
2. Respect Thermal Expansion & The "Floating" Design
Always use non-penetrating clamps that grip the seam without piercing the metal. This design allows panels to float naturally, preventing oil-canning and maintaining the roof's watertight integrity.
3. Manage the "Pendulum Effect" & Dynamic Sag
Always calculate for cable deflection and potential swing falls. Ensure the work zone stays within a 30-degree arc of the anchor to prevent workers from swinging into lower structures.
4. Protect Panel Finishes with Material-Specific Fasteners
Match your hardware to the roof material. Use Stainless Steel set screws with steel panels to avoid galvanic corrosion.
5. Daily Torque Calibration
Safety is only as good as the last anchor inspection. Use a torque wrench to verify that all set screws remain at their required settings.
6. Prevent Suspension Trauma
Equip every harness with Suspension Trauma Straps to protect workers awaiting rescue.
7. Prioritize Low-Torque Seam Attachment
The SSRA1 meets safety standards with only 90 inch-pounds of torque, preserving the panel's structural strength while providing a 5,000-pound certified tie-off.
8. Mandate "First-Man-Up" Protection
On slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, mandate the use of The Ridge Pro to ensure workers are 100% tied off the moment they leave the ladder.
9. Eliminate the Search for Hidden Clips
SSRA1 anchors lock directly to the standing seam, providing a certified anchor point without the time-consuming search for hidden clips beneath the panels.
10. Reject Unverified Imports
Only use 3rd-party-tested SSRA1 anchors to ensure your project stays compliant and your workers stay safe.
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 contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries about fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise after installing our products.