Fall Protection For Kassel & Irons Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection For Kassel & Irons Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Aug 2nd 2024

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kassel & Irons Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Kassel & Irons Steel Roofing logo. Image courtesy of www.kasselandirons.com.

Who Is Kassel & Irons?

Kassel & Irons, a prominent name in the metal roofing industry, is a brand under Isaiah Industries, Inc. Isaiah Industries, formerly Classic Products, partnered with BASF to develop the groundbreaking ThermoBond PVDF powder coating technology. This collaboration led to the creation of TimberCreek Shake steel roofing, which evolved into the KasselShake product line.

In 2003, Kassel & Irons expanded its offerings by introducing the KasselWood Steel Shingle, manufactured by Precoat Metals. This product has an advanced design and aesthetic appeal. A significant turning point came in 2008 when Isaiah Industries acquired the production line for KasselWood Steel Shingles from Precoat Metals, though manufacturing continued in Dubuque, Iowa. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in the company's growth.

By 2010, reflecting its expanding portfolio, Classic Products re-branded as Isaiah Industries, Inc. Today, the company distributes a wide range of roofing systems and accessories under various brands. Kassel & Irons is a competitor in commercial and residential metal roofing solutions. The KasselWood steel shingle system, developed with the expertise of industry professionals like Nick Allen, who secured a U.S. patent for its design in 2007, stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.

What Is the Most Compatible Fall Protection for Kassel & Irons Standing Seam Panels?

Selecting the proper fall protection for Kassel & Irons' standing seam panels is crucial for ensuring worker safety and maintaining the roofing system's integrity. Adequate fall protection prevents accidents and preserves the roof's durability and performance over time. This blog educates industry professionals and building owners on the best practices for installing temporary anchors on Kassel & Irons' specialized roofing systems.

Why is this important? Using incompatible fall protection systems can lead to severe consequences, including roof damage and worker injuries. It's not just about compliance; it's about creating a safe working environment and ensuring the roofing system remains intact and effective throughout its lifespan.

Kassel & Irons offers two main types of standing seam panels: the Universal Standing Seam and the ClickLock Panel. Each has specific fall protection requirements to ensure safety and maintain structural integrity. Let's research each panel and determine each model's most compatible fall protection anchorage.

Universal Standing Seam Panels

Kassel & Irons Universal Standing Seam Steel Roofing. Image courtesy of www.kasselandirons.com.

The Universal Standing Seam roofing system is a premium steel roofing solution that merges traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Kassel & Irons created this system from high-quality, USA-made G90 galvanized steel in 24 gauge. The panels feature a snap-action seam providing excellent weather protection and an integral fastening hem equipped with slotted holes for natural expansion and contraction. Available in standard widths of 12" and 16" and lengths of 6', 10', and 12', they can customize the panels panels to suit your specific needs. The 1.5" tall seams offer robust wind and leak resistance, making the system suitable for roofs with a minimum pitch of 2:12. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kassel & Irons Universal Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

The finish includes a baked-on protective primer and a Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® PVDF resin-based coating, incorporating reflective pigments to enhance energy efficiency. The Universal Standing Seam system comprises a comprehensive range of accessories, including hip trim, vented and non-vented ridge trim, a self-cleaning valley, and a combination starter strip/drip edge. Additional accessories include three gable trim options, sidewall flashing, matching coil stock, color-matched butyl sealant, and RoofAquaGuard underlayment.
This roofing system is versatile enough to complement various architectural styles, from colonial to contemporary homes. It uses concealed fasteners for a sleek, clean appearance. Available in multiple colors, it harmonizes with diverse residential color schemes. Overall, the Universal Standing Seam roofing system offers a balanced blend of aesthetics, durability, and performance, making it an ideal choice for residential roofing projects.

Fall Protection for Universal Standing Seam Panels

Selecting the appropriate fall protection equipment is essential to worker safety. For these steel panels, the following fall protection products are compatible:

SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: This anchor attaches securely to the seam without penetrating the roof. It provides a robust anchorage point for fall protection systems, ensuring worker safety and preserving the roof's integrity.
SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Used in conjunction with the SSRA1, this adapter supports 10' walkboards without roof penetration. It offers a stable working surface and adjusts to different seam heights, making it versatile for various projects.
SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These plates work with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, offering a temporary horizontal lifeline solution for up to two workers. This system enhances mobility and safety on the roof.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: Ideal for roofs with steep pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, this anchor hooks securely over the ridge. It ensures workers remain tied off, providing stability and safety during high-risk tasks.

Using these recommended fall protection systems ensures a safe working environment while maintaining the structural integrity and performance of the Universal Standing Seam panels. Proper safety measures prevent accidents, protect the roof from damage, and prolong its lifespan.

ClickLock Premium Standing Seam

Kassel & Irons ClickLock Steel Roofing. Image courtesy of www.kasselandirons.com.

Kassel & Irons offers a premium roofing solution called ClickLock Premium Standing Seam, which is known for its exceptional durability and performance. This product is particularly well-suited for homeowners planning to reside in their properties for extended periods or those living in corrosive environments, such as coastal areas. The roofing system utilizes thick, .032 gauge American-made aluminum panels that measure 12 inches in width and 1-3/4 inches in height. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kassel & Irons ClickLock Premium Standing Seam Metal Roofing.


A notable feature of the ClickLock system is its innovative fastening mechanism, which employs concealed stainless steel components to prevent corrosion and enhance longevity. The panels have a specialized heat-reflective coating that bolsters durability and contributes to energy efficiency by mitigating heat absorption. Homeowners can choose from a carefully curated selection of colors to complement their property's exterior design.


The ClickLock Premium Standing Seam system boasts impressive specifications, including the ability to withstand wind speeds up to 120 mph and a Class A fire rating. Despite its robust nature, the roofing material remains surprisingly lightweight, weighing just 40 pounds per 100 square feet. This characteristic is beneficial for the overall structural integrity of buildings. The system effectively manages snow and ice accumulation, reducing the risk of winter-related roofing issues.

Fall Protection for ClickLock Panels

The recommended fall protection solution for aluminum ClickLock panels is the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor. This anchor is the best option for aluminum panels, ensuring a secure attachment point over the ridge. It is particularly effective on roofs with pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, providing stability and safety for workers on steep slopes. The Ridge Pro system works great with aluminum panels, ensuring worker safety without compromising the roof's integrity.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor for ClickLock panels can ensure a safe and efficient working environment. This approach prevents damage to the aluminum panels, ensuring they remain practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Conclusion

Choosing the proper fall protection for Kassel & Irons standing seam panels is essential for worker safety and the roofing system's longevity. The Universal Standing Seam panels, made from durable 24-gauge steel, are compatible with SSRA1, SSRA2, SSRA3, and Ridge Pro products, providing versatile and robust fall protection options. The ClickLock panels, crafted from aluminum, require the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor to ensure safe and secure work conditions.

Implementing these recommended fall protection systems can protect workers and maintain the structural integrity and performance of Kassel & Irons' roofing systems. Proper safety measures prevent accidents and injuries and preserve the roof's durability and aesthetic appeal.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Point Compatibility Chart For Kassel & Irons

Get in Touch for More Information

We'd love to learn about your project! Call us at 863-703-4522 to discuss your needs, or visit our website at www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com for more information. For additional details on fall protection, consult OSHA's comprehensive 48-page manual.

General Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Deploy Specialized Roof Anchor Systems:

Use roof anchor systems specifically designed for standing seam roofs. Follow the manufacturer's sizing and installation guidelines to ensure proper seam placement and torque settings. Avoid anchors that attach over clips, as locating clips on existing roofs can be challenging.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear:

Provide workers with premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These items significantly reduce impact loads during falls, minimizing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps:

Train workers on properly using trauma straps on their harnesses. These straps are essential for preventing severe injuries or fatalities after a fall by reducing suspension trauma.

Foster a Safety-Conscious Workplace:

Promote regular equipment inspections and continuous training sessions to maintain a safety-first environment. A strong safety culture helps uphold high standards and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Ensure Stable Access Points:

Properly position ladders and scaffolding, ensuring they are free of obstacles. Conduct thorough OSHA-compliant ladder training for workers and always follow the 4-1 rule for ladder positioning to provide stability and safety.

Wear Appropriate Footwear:

Ensure workers wear non-slip shoes for smooth metal roof systems and avoid working on wet roofs. Proper footwear enhances stability and reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Develop a Comprehensive OSHA Safety Plan:

Before starting work, the safety manager or project manager should develop an OSHA-compliant safety plan. This plan must include a detailed rescue strategy to protect workers in case of an accident.

Take Precautions for Curved Panels:

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. For curved roof systems, have a trained safety professional conduct site inspections and create a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the specific challenges of curved surfaces.

Establish Secure Work Zones:

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers on low-slope roofs to prevent falls and create secure work zones. These measures help ensure a safer environment and reduce the risk of accidents.

Invest in Permanent Roof Anchor Systems:

Consider installing permanent roof anchor systems that remain in place to facilitate future roof work and inspections. Permanent systems enhance long-term safety measures and ensure ongoing 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, 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, as well as 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.