Fall Protection Strategies For CMG Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection Strategies For CMG Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Mar 20th 2026

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Standing Seam Panels.

The official brand mark for CMG Coated Metals Group. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

Who Is CMG Coated Metals Group?

CMG Coated Metals Group manufactures pre-finished standing seam roof systems backed by nationwide production, consistent quality, and employee-owned accountability. Commonly known as CMG, the company has built a national reputation in the metal roofing industry since its founding in 1983. What began as a small, family-owned operation has grown into one of the most trusted manufacturers of prefinished steel roofing products in the United States, with a strong focus on standing-seam roof systems for commercial, industrial, and residential projects.

Headquartered in Verona, Wisconsin, CMG operates a nationwide network of manufacturing and distribution facilities. These locations include Madison, Wisconsin; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, Indiana; Phoenix, Arizona; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Salt Lake City, Utah; Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Bozeman, Montana. Each facility uses modern roll-forming and coating equipment to ensure consistent panel quality and regional availability for contractors. In 2016, CMG transitioned to a 100 percent employee-owned company, reinforcing a culture of accountability and pride in the quality of every panel produced.


What Are The Most Compatible Fall Protection Products For CMG Standing Seam Roofs?

CMG standing-seam roof panels require fall protection systems that safeguard workers without interfering with seam performance or panel movement. Standing seam roof systems manufactured by CMG rely on concealed attachment methods and engineered seam profiles to remain weather-tight over time. Drilling through finished panels for fall protection creates leak paths, restricts thermal expansion, and often voids warranties before the roof even enters service.

For that reason, non-penetrating fall protection systems are the standard for CMG standing-seam roofs. For steel 22-gauge and 24-gauge standing seam profiles that accept seam-mounted anchorage, the following products provide a complete safety solution:

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: A universal non-penetrating anchor that attaches to the seam using 12 stainless-steel set screws, providing a 5,000-pound certified tie-off point without drilling.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Adapters that mount to SSRA1 anchors to support a 10-foot walk board. These adapters provide adjustable height and roof pitch correction, creating a level surface to keep workers safe and provide a stable area for tools and equipment on steel metal roofs without penetrations.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: A heavy-duty aluminum plate that spans two SSRA1 anchors to create a certified attachment point for horizontal lifeline systems.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit: A complete, portable lifeline system for up to two workers that allows safe lateral movement across wide roof sections without panel penetrations.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit: A long-term safety solution featuring galvanized steel cables and non-penetrating riser posts for facilities requiring frequent maintenance access.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: A ridge-mounted anchorage device that hooks over the peak to provide safe vertical lifeline access on pitches from 6:12 to 12:12.

Proper Attachment: Set-Screws and Torque Requirements

  • 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 without marking the finish. Torque these screws to 180-200 inch-pounds.
  • 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, causing permanent panel deformation and compromising the anchor's certified holding power. This error damages the anchor hardware, compromises worker safety, and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final installation.


CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Snap Snap Lock Standing Seam Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 gauge Steel)

Profile view of the CMG Ultra-Snap snap lock panel. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

The Ultra-Snap panel is a snap-lock standing seam roof system known for fast installation, clean aesthetics, and reliable structural performance. Ultra-Snap panels use a snap lock seam that eliminates the need for mechanical seaming in the field. This profile features a 1.75-inch seam height and concealed expansion clips that allow controlled thermal movement. CMG manufactures Ultra-Snap panels in 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, as well as aluminum, with coverage widths including 12, 16, 18, and 22 inches. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Snap Snap Lock 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Ultra-Snap Panels

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: Clamps directly to the 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel snap-lock seam without drilling holes or deforming the panel.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount atop the SSRA1 anchors to support a 10-foot walkboard. These adapters provide adjustable height and roof pitch correction, creating a level surface to keep workers safe and provide a stable area for tools and equipment on steel metal roofs without penetrations.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Mounts on top of SSRA1 anchors to provide a rigid attachment point for temporary horizontal lifeline systems.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Provides a fast, fully contained tie-off system for multi-worker use without leaving penetrations on the standing seam panels.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Establishes consistent tie-off locations for recurring maintenance visits throughout the roof's service life.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The preferred option for aluminum Ultra-Snap panels on pitches from 6:12 to 12:12, keeping the panel surface completely free of contact.

CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Span Mechanical Standing Seam Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 gauge Steel)

Profile view of the CMG Ultra-Span mechanical panel. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

The Ultra-Span panel system supports projects that demand structural strength, long panel runs, and dependable water control on low-slope roofs. Ultra-Span is mechanically seamed with a full 2-inch seam height, giving the panel strong spanning capability and excellent resistance to wind and water infiltration. CMG produces Ultra-Span panels in 12-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch widths using 22-gauge, 24-gauge, and aluminum steel. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Snap Snap Lock 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Ultra-Span Panels

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: Clamps directly to the 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel mechanically seamed rib without drilling holes, preserving the roof's structural integrity.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount atop the SSRA1 anchors to support a 10-foot walkboard. These adapters provide adjustable height and roof pitch correction, creating a level surface to keep workers safe and provide a stable area for tools and equipment on steel metal roofs without penetrations.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Mounts on top of SSRA1 anchors to provide a rigid attachment point for horizontal lifeline systems.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Allows multiple workers to remain tied off while moving efficiently across long roof spans.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Provides a long-term solution by establishing consistent tie-off locations and reducing repeated setups.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The recommended ridge-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off option for aluminum Ultra-Span panels on pitches from 6:12 to 12:12.

CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Seam Mechanical Standing Seam Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 gauge Steel)

Profile view of the CMG Ultra-Seam mechanical panel. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

The Ultra-Seam panel system is the traditional standard for mechanically seamed standing-seam roofing. Ultra-Seam uses a double-locked profile that delivers exceptional resistance to air and water infiltration. CMG manufactures Ultra-Seam panels in 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, as well as aluminum, with panel widths of 12, 16, 18, and 24 inches. The system carries a UL 90 wind uplift rating and is suitable for use in high-wind and severe-weather environments. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Snap Snap Lock 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Ultra-Seam Panels

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: Clamps directly to the 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel mechanically seamed rib without deforming the panel or damaging the concealed assembly.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount atop the SSRA1 anchors to support a 10-foot walkboard. These adapters provide adjustable height and roof pitch correction, creating a level surface to keep workers safe and provide a stable area for tools and equipment on steel metal roofs without penetrations.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Mounts atop SSRA1 anchors and provides a rigid attachment point for horizontal lifeline systems.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Facilitates lateral mobility for multiple workers during installation or short-term maintenance.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Provides a durable safety solution with predictable tie-off points for service crews.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The preferred ridge-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off option for aluminum Ultra-Seam panels on pitches from 6:12 to 12:12.

CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Flange 1.0 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

Profile view of the CMG Ultra-Flange 1.0 nail strip panel. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

The Ultra-Flange 1.0 panel is a nailstrip standing-seam system designed for efficient installation and clean architectural results. It features a one-piece, clipless design with concealed fasteners, streamlining installation on residential and light commercial roofs. This panel features a 1-inch seam height and installs over solid substrates with a minimum roof slope of 3:12. CMG manufactures Ultra-Flange 1.0 in 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Flange 1.0 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Ultra-Flange 1.0 Panels

The nailstrip seam used on the Ultra-Flange 1.0 panel does not provide a suitable clamping surface for seam-mounted fall protection anchors. SSRA products are not compatible with this panel profile.

  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The most appropriate non-penetrating fall protection solution for pitches between 6:12 and 12:12. This ridge-mounted anchor hooks securely over the roof peak, allowing workers to connect a vertical lifeline before stepping onto the metal surface.

CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Flange 1.5 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

Profile view of the CMG Ultra-Flange 1.5 nail strip panel. Courtesy of www.CMGMetals.com.

The Ultra-Flange 1.5 panel builds on the simplicity of the Ultra-Flange series while offering a taller 1.5-inch seam for added visual definition. This one-piece panel design uses concealed fasteners, eliminating the need for separate clips or mechanical seaming. CMG manufactures the Ultra-Flange 1.5 in 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel, with panel widths ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for CMG Coated Metals Group Ultra-Flange 1.5 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Ultra-Flange 1.5 Panels

The nailstrip seam used on the Ultra-Flange 1.5 panel does not provide a suitable clamping surface for seam-mounted fall protection anchors. SSRA anchors are not compatible with this profile.

  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The preferred non-penetrating fall protection solution for pitches from 6:12 to 12:12. By hooking over the ridge, it preserves the integrity of the Ultra-Flange 1.5 system while providing a reliable tie-off point for workers.

The Liability Exposure of Unverified Safety Hardware

Entrusting a crew's safety to unbranded imports introduces unnecessary variables, as these products frequently bypass the rigorous, third-party destructive testing that defines American-engineered standards. By prioritizing hardware that ISO 17025-accredited laboratories have independently validated to exceed 5,000 pounds of breaking strength, you are protecting your crew from accidents and the company from liability.

You can review our independent laboratory test reports to see the structural data that separates our professional-grade anchors from unverified generic substitutes.


Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 22 Gauge Coated Metals Group (CMG)


Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 24 Gauge Coated Metals Group (CMG)


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. Together, we'll help you stay ahead of OSHA standards while preserving your roof's weather-tight seal.


Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

  • Promote a Culture of Safety: When crews routinely discuss weather changes, access challenges, and fall hazards before work begins, minor issues get addressed before they turn into incidents.
  • Prioritize Ladder Safety Training: The most dangerous part of many roofing jobs happens before anyone reaches the panels. Reinforcing proper ladder setup, stabilizing the base, and securing the top dramatically reduces preventable injuries.
  • Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing-Seam Roofs: Standing-seam roofs move by design. Non-penetrating anchors, specifically designed for standing seam profiles, protect the roof system while providing workers with dependable tie-off points.
  • Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear: Properly fitting harnesses and SRLs like the Malta Dynamics Pygmy Hog or Edgehog allow crews to focus on balance and footing rather than worrying about equipment performance.
  • Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans: A solid safety plan outlines anchor and lifeline locations, where walkboards belong, and rescue protocols. Updating the plan keeps crews aligned when site conditions change.
  • Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability: Metal roof traction can change without warning. Boots with aggressive tread, firm ankle support, and stable soles help workers stay upright while transitioning across sloped roof areas.
  • Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones: Around skylights and roof edges, guardrails limit access to high-risk areas and provide constant, passive protection.
  • Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Buildings with recurring maintenance benefit from Super Anchor's permanent systems, which reduce setup time and ensure known reliability for every visit.
  • Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps: Every worker should carry them. They allow maintaining circulation after a fall is arrested until rescue is underway, making a critical difference in post-fall survival.
  • Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Curved roofs introduce unique variables. A fall protection professional experienced with curved systems should evaluate the roof to ensure the design remains intact and 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 regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise after installing 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.