Fall Protection For Agway Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection For Agway Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Sep 16th 2024

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Agway Metals Standing Seam Panels.

Agway Metals Inc company logo. Image courtesy of www.AgwayMetals.com.

Who Is Agway Metals?

Agway Metals Inc. is a trusted leader in the steel building products industry. It is renowned for its premium quality standing seam metal roofing systems. Since its founding in 1979, Agway has expanded its reach from serving Ontario's agricultural market to providing innovative solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors. With over 40 years of expertise, Agway Metals has earned a reputation for combining craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service to deliver roofing products that excel in performance and design.

One of the company's standout offerings is its standing seam metal roofing systems, known for their strength, durability, and clean, modern appearance. These systems feature concealed fasteners, enhancing the roof's aesthetic appeal and providing superior weather resistance and longevity. Agway's standing seam roofs meet the demands of various architectural styles and environmental conditions, making them a go-to choice for high-performance roofing solutions.

Agway Metals Inc standing seam roof system. Image courtesy of www.AgwayMetals.com.

What Are the Most Compatible Anchors for Agway Standing Seam Roofs?

Standing seam metal roofs are popular for their sleek design and weather resistance. Still, they require specialized fall protection systems to ensure worker safety during installation and maintenance. The key challenge with standing seam roofs is their concealed fastener design, eliminating the need for surface penetrations and enhancing durability. However, this also means that traditional fall protection systems, which often require drilling, can compromise the roof's structural integrity and lead to leaks or voided warranties.

Using  non-penetrating fall protection strategies is essential to preserve the roof's watertight design while keeping workers safe.

Roof Slope: The roof's pitch impacts the type of fall protection system required, as steeper slopes may need additional safety measures.

Material Flexibility: Different panel materials and thicknesses might require specific anchor systems to ensure secure attachment without damaging the roof.

Developing a fall protection plan that aligns with the roof's design and performance capabilities is essential for safety and longevity. For Agway's standing seam systems, the best fall protection solutions offer secure attachment without compromising the roof's integrity. We will break down each panel and recommend the most suitable equipment based on the specific characteristics of each standing seam profile. Using the proper fall protection strategy, you safeguard workers and the long-term performance of Agway's standing seam roofing systems.

AR Standing Seam Panel

Agway Metals Inc AR Standing Seam panel profile. Image courtesy of www.AgwayMetals.com.

Agway Metals' AR Standing Seam Series offers a premium roofing solution with various design and functional options. The system features a raised standing seam available in three different heights: 1", 1.5", and 2". This flexibility in seam height allows for diverse architectural designs, whether for residential homes, commercial buildings, or institutional projects. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Agway Metals AR Standing Seam Panels.

The panels are available in 26, 24, and 22-gauge steel, providing a range of strength and durability options to meet various project requirements. With panel widths of 18.5", 20", and 21" and lengths that can be custom cut from 2'6" to 45', the AR Standing Seam series is versatile enough to suit various applications.

The side seams can be mechanically seamed at 90° or 180°, giving the design flexibility depending on the project's needs. Additionally, optional two-piece expansion clips allow for the natural movement of the roof, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without compromising the system's integrity.

Agway's AR Standing Seam panels can even be curved, opening up exciting design possibilities. Available in various colors and finishes, including Perspectra Plus and Galvalume Plus, the AR series offers an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution for various roofing projects.

Fall Protection for AR Standing Seam Panel

Proper fall protection is crucial to ensuring workers' safety and preserving the integrity of standing seam roofs. With their concealed fasteners and raised seams, Agway's AR Standing Seam panels require non-penetrating fall protection systems that prevent damage to the roof while keeping workers safe.

For 22 and 24-gauge panels, Agway's AR Standing Seam series is fully compatible with advanced fall protection systems designed specifically for standing seam metal roofs. The following recommendations are for straight(non-curved) panels. Curved panels are not compatible with SSRA or Ridge Pro products. A trained safety experts should inspect a curved roof to determine the most suitable fall protection strategy.

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 Components

The SSRA Standing Seam Roof Anchor products provide a reliable and non-penetrating solution for securing workers on Agway's AR Standing Seam roofs:

SSRA1 Seam Anchor: This clamp-style anchor attaches directly to the standing seam without penetrating the roof's surface. It offers a secure attachment point for safety harnesses, maintaining the roof's watertight integrity.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: This adapter works with the SSRA1 to attach temporary roof jacks, providing a stable working platform without compromising the roof's structural integrity.

SSRA3 Anchor Plate: The SSRA3 integrates with the SSRA1 to support horizontal lifeline systems, allowing multiple workers to move across the roof while staying tied off safely. This system is ideal for larger-scale projects where worker mobility is essential.

These SSRA products are specifically designed for standing seam metal roofs and ensure a safe working environment without damaging the panels.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Compatibility

For steeper roof pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist is a non-invasive fall protection solution that hooks over the roof's peak. This system provides a secure tie-off point without drilling or penetrating the roof surface. It is ideal for maintaining the sleek appearance and structural integrity of Agway's AR Standing Seam panels. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is compatible with all AR panel gauges, offering a versatile safety solution for steep slope projects.

By choosing the right fall protection system, you can ensure workers' safety while maintaining the integrity and long-term durability of Agway's AR Standing Seam roofs.

SL Snap-Lock Panels

Agway Metals Inc SL snap-lock panel profile. Image courtesy of www.AgwayMetals.com.

Agway Metals' SL Snap-Lock Panels are popular for residential, agricultural, and commercial projects due to their aesthetic appeal and easy installation. Thanks to hidden clips, these panels are designed to provide a clean, crisp appearance with no exposed fasteners. The snap-lock design means the installation is quick and seamless, whether for a new roof or a retrofit, making it an ideal solution for homes, cottages, and other structures. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Agway Metals SL Snap-Lock Standing Seam Panels.

The Snap-Lock panels are available in 24-gauge steel with two standard widths:

19.5" and 18.5" panel widths for 24-gauge steel.

The Snap-Lock system offers 1" and 1.5" seam heights to accommodate different project needs and roof designs, giving contractors and architects flexibility in the roof's visual profile and structural performance.

The key to Snap-Lock's popularity is its ease of installation. Unlike mechanically seamed panels, Snap-Lock does not require a seamer. Panels are installed by simply attaching hold-down clips along the panel rib and then snapping each panel into place, which speeds up the installation process. The hidden fasteners and clips maintain a sleek, uninterrupted look, and workers should install the panels over a solid substrate with a waterproof membrane for maximum protection and durability. Snap-Lock is functional and visually stunning, available in various colors to complement any architectural style.

Fall Protection for SL Snap-Lock Panels

Proper fall protection is essential when installing or maintaining SL Snap-Lock panels for worker safety and to preserve the roof's structure. Given the hidden fasteners and the panels' snap-lock design, non-penetrating fall protection systems are critical to avoid damaging the roof.

For 24-gauge SL Snap-Lock panels, several specialized fall protection systems are compatible:

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 Compatibility

Agway's SL Snap-Lock panels are compatible with the SSRA Standing Seam Roof Anchor system, which provides a non-invasive solution for securing workers while maintaining the roof's integrity:

SSRA1 Seam Anchor: This system attaches directly to the standing seam, providing a secure tie-off point for safety harnesses without requiring penetration into the roof panels.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Designed to integrate with the SSRA1, this adapter allows for the installation of temporary roof jacks. Workers stand on a stable platform to store tools and materials during installation or maintenance, keeping the roof free from penetrations.

SSRA3 Anchor Plate: The SSRA3 is mounted on the SSRA1 seam anchor and supports a horizontal lifeline system. This innovative product allows multiple workers to safely move across the roof while staying tied off, making it an excellent choice for larger projects that require extensive worker movement.

These SSRA products are tailored for standing seam systems like the SL Snap-Lock panels, prioritizing safety without compromising the roof's structure.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Compatibility

For roofs with pitches between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist offers a secure, non-penetrating solution. This system hooks over the roof's peak, providing a reliable tie-off point without drilling or fasteners. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is compatible with all gauges of SL Snap-Lock panels, making it a versatile fall protection option for steeper roofs.

These specialized fall protection systems ensure worker safety while preserving the durability, appearance, and performance of Agway's SL Snap-Lock panels.

NS Nailstrip Panel

Agway Metals Inc NS Nailstrip panel profile. Image courtesy of www.AgwayMetals.com.

Agway Metals' NS Nailstrip Panel is one of their most popular and economical metal roofing profiles. It offers a sleek, modern aesthetic and is easy to install. It provides clean, contemporary lines with no exposed fasteners, making it an excellent choice for residential, agricultural, and commercial applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Agway Metals NS Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

The NS Nailstrip Panel comes in 24-gauge steel and offers two different seam height options of 1" and 1.5" and panel widths of 18.5" and 19.5". These panels feature a snap-lock design using a continuous nail strip, eliminating the need for a seamer. The installation process is fast and efficient, ideal for professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Fasteners are placed at a maximum of 2' centers, ensuring a secure fit over a solid substrate and waterproof membrane.

Fall Protection for NS Nailstrip Panels

Proper fall protection is essential for worker safety and maintaining the roof's integrity when working on NS nailstrip panels. A non-penetrating fall protection system is ideal since Nailstrip panels do not use exposed fasteners and rely on a continuous nail strip for installation.

For 24-gauge panels, Agway's NS Nailstrip is compatible with specialized fall protection systems such as the SSRA series and the Ridge Pro Steep Assist.

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 Compatibility

The SSRA Standing Seam Roof Anchor system offers a non-invasive fall protection solution for NS Nailstrip panels.

SSRA1 Seam Anchor: The SSRA1 clamps onto the standing seam, providing a secure attachment point for fall protection without penetrating the panel. Since the installation methods for Nailstrip panels vary, we recommend testing the fit of the SSRA1 before starting work to ensure proper compatibility.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: This adapter works with the SSRA1 to support temporary roof jacks, offering workers a safe and stable platform for tools and materials during installation or maintenance.

SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Mounted on the SSRA1, the SSRA3 supports horizontal lifeline systems, allowing multiple workers to move safely across the roof while remaining tied off.

Because Nailstrip panels can vary slightly in terms of installation method, it is essential to verify the fit of the SSRA system beforehand to ensure safety and compatibility.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Compatibility

For roof pitches between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is another non-invasive fall protection option. This system hooks securely over the roof's peak, providing workers a safe tie-off point without requiring drilling or penetration into the panels. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is compatible with all gauges of NS Nailstrip panels, making it a versatile option for steeper roofs.

Using these specialized fall protection systems ensures worker safety and the long-term durability of Agway's NS Nailstrip roofing system.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Agway Metals Inc.

 

AR SSR Panel
22-24 Ga.

SL Snap-Lock
22-24 Ga.

NS Nailstrip
22-24 Ga.

SSRA 1

SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES

SSRA1 Nylon Tip

SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES

SSRA2 Roof Jack

SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter

YES YES YES

SSRA3 Anchor Plate

SSRA_3 Anchor Plate

YES YES YES

The Ridge Pro

Ridge Pro Roof Anchor

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 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 free Anchor Inspection Form.

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Secure Work Areas with Protective Barriers

Set up guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers to create clearly defined work zones on low-slope roofs. These measures help prevent falls and ensure a safer working environment.

Utilize Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

For standing seam roofs, use anchors specifically designed for this type of roofing. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper installation and avoid systems that require attachment over clips, as these can be difficult to locate on existing roofs.

Foster a Safety-First Workplace Culture

Conduct regular equipment inspections and frequent safety training sessions to promote ongoing safety. A strong safety culture helps maintain high safety standards and reduces the risk of accidents.

Take Precautions for Curved Metal Panels

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors when working with curved metal panels. Instead, consult a safety expert to inspect the site and develop a customized safety plan that addresses the unique challenges of curved surfaces.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure workers wear non-slip footwear, especially on smooth metal roofing surfaces. Avoid working on wet roofs to minimize the risk of slips and falls, as proper footwear enhances stability.

Sure, here are the five safety tips rewritten and paraphrased:

Establish OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before starting any project, ensure the safety manager or project leader develops a safety plan that adheres to OSHA regulations. This plan should include a detailed rescue strategy to guarantee worker safety.

Encourage Regular Use of Trauma Straps

Prioritize equipping workers with trauma straps in addition to their harnesses and provide regular training on their proper use. Trauma straps are essential for reducing the risks associated with suspension trauma after a fall.

Implement Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

For ongoing safety, install permanent roof anchor systems that remain in place for future work. These systems provide continuous protection and enhance safety during maintenance and inspections.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Supply workers with premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These crucial safety items significantly lessen the impact of falls, helping to prevent serious injuries or fatalities.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Properly set up ladders and scaffolding, ensuring they are free of obstacles. Train workers in ladder safety according to OSHA guidelines, including the 4-to-1 rule for ladder placement.

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.

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.