Fall Protection For Overholt Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection For Overholt Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Feb 21st 2025

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Overholt Metal Sales Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Overholt company logo. Image courtesy of www.OverholtMetal.com.

Who Is Overholt Metal Sales?

Overholt Metal Sales & Building Supply was founded in 2005 in Montezuma, Georgia, by Henry Overholt and his family. Their goal was to provide high-quality metal roofing at competitive prices, addressing the lack of reliable metal roofing materials in the region. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly, offering a broad selection of metal roofing panels, lumber products, and portable buildings. With a strong customer-focused approach, Overholt Metal has grown into a trusted supplier for residential, agricultural, and commercial roofing projects.

To meet increasing demand, Overholt Metal expanded operations in 2015 by opening Overholt Metal Roofing Supply in Arcadia, Florida. This strategic move allowed them to serve a broader customer base, including Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Today, Overholt Metal continues to grow, operating with over 70 dealers across multiple states while maintaining a commitment to affordability, quality, and exceptional service.

The company specializes in manufacturing metal roofing components cut to order in 26 and 29-gauge steel. Their product range includes a variety of panel profiles designed for different applications, ensuring that customers can find solutions tailored to their specific project needs. In addition to roofing, Overholt Metal supplies a full line of lumber products, pressure-treated wood, and specialty flooring options. Their selection of portable buildings, including greenhouses, gazebos, and screen rooms, has further solidified their reputation as a one-stop shop for builders, contractors, and homeowners.

Overholt metal roof system. Image courtesy of www.OverholtMetal.com.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical for Standing Seam Panels?

Standing seam metal roofing is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing systems available, offering superior weather resistance and structural performance. Overholt Metal’s standing seam panels provide a sleek, modern appearance with concealed fasteners that eliminate potential leak points. While these features enhance the longevity of the roofing system, they also create challenges when it comes to installing fall protection equipment. Unlike exposed-fastener roofs, standing seam panels cannot be drilled into for traditional fall protection anchors without jeopardizing their structural integrity and voiding manufacturer warranties.

Using compatible fall protection systems is essential for maintaining both worker safety and the performance of the roofing system. Non-penetrating seam-mounted anchors clamp securely onto standing seams without the need for fasteners, preserving the roof’s weather-tight seal. These anchors provide a stable tie-off point for personal fall arrest systems, ensuring OSHA compliance while preventing damage to the panels. For larger-scale projects, adjustable roof jacks can be attached to seam-mounted anchors to support wooden walk boards, allowing workers to move safely across the roof during installation or maintenance. Horizontal lifelines can also be incorporated into the system, providing continuous fall protection for multiple workers.

On steep roof slopes ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, ridge-mounted fall protection systems offer an effective alternative. These systems hook over the roof peak, creating a stable tie-off point without the need for seam attachment. This method ensures that workers remain safely secured at all times while navigating complex roof geometries.

By implementing fall protection systems designed specifically for standing seam panels, contractors can protect workers while maintaining the roof’s durability and performance. Non-penetrating solutions prevent unnecessary damage, ensuring the roof remains watertight and structurally sound for decades to come. Choosing the right fall protection equipment for Overholt Metal’s standing seam roofing systems not only ensures OSHA compliance but also preserves the integrity of the roofing system, making it a smart investment for safety and long-term performance.

1 Inch Standing Seam Nailstrip Panel

Overholt standing seam nailstrip panel profile. Image courtesy of www.OverholtMetal.com.

Overholt Metal Sales 1 Inch Standing Seam Nailstrip panels offer a premium metal roofing solution with a seamless design, combining durability and aesthetics. These panels feature a hidden fastener system that eliminates exposed screws, reducing the risk of leaks while providing a sleek and polished finish. Each panel snaps securely over the adjacent panel’s rib, concealing the fasteners and creating a clean, uninterrupted lOne of the standout features of these panels is the flexibility in manufacturing. Overholt Metal’s portable standing seam roll former allows for on-site production, enabling the fabrication of panels in lengths ranging from 2 feet to 100 feet. This precision ensures a perfect fit for each project, eliminating unnecessary waste while maintaining the highest standards. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Overholt Metal Sales Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

With a standard 16-inch width coverage and 1-inch high ribs, these panels are available in both 26-gauge and 24-gauge steel substrates. Customers can choose between bare Galvalume or painted finishes, with warranty options of 40 years for painted panels and 25 years for Galvalume. The panels are designed for installation over solid decking or plywood, with a minimum roof slope requirement of 3:12 to ensure proper water drainage and structural performance.

A hidden fastener design enhances the longevity and performance of standing seam metal roofs by eliminating common failure points associated with exposed fasteners. With a secure interlocking seam, these panels prevent water infiltration, making them one of the most reliable roofing systems available. Overholt Metal Sales also provides color-matched trim components, ensuring that every detail of the roof maintains a seamless, cohesive appearance.

Standing seam metal roofing has been a staple in architecture for over two centuries, known for its durability and classic appeal. From historical landmarks like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to modern commercial and residential structures, this roofing style has stood the test of time. It offers long-term reliability in virtually any climate, providing superior resistance to wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.

Energy efficiency is another key benefit of these panels. Overholt Metal Sales offers a selection of Cool Chemistry® reflective colors, which help reduce heat absorption and lower energy costs. A standing seam metal roof can contribute to a more energy-efficient home or building by reflecting solar radiation, keeping interiors cooler during hot weather.

Fall Protection for 1 Inch Standing Seam Nailstrip Panels

Ensuring proper fall protection is essential when working on standing seam metal roofs, particularly those with concealed fasteners. For 24-gauge steel panels, the SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a secure, non-penetrating tie-off point by clamping directly onto the standing seam without drilling. This system preserves the integrity of the roof while offering a reliable attachment point for personal fall arrest systems.

The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack enhances stability and worker mobility by creating a secure platform for walkboards. This setup allows workers to move safely across the roof, reducing the risk of slips and falls while improving efficiency during extended projects. The SSRA3 Anchor Plate further extends the functionality of the SSRA1 by allowing for the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines, ensuring continuous tie-off protection for multiple workers.

Because some snap-lock seams may not be compatible with seam-mounted anchors, a test fit is recommended before beginning any work. If the SSRA1 does not attach securely, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides an effective alternative. This system hooks over the roof peak and allows workers to maintain 100% tie-off without requiring direct seam attachment, making it an excellent option for complex or steep roof geometries.

For 26-gauge steel panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the preferred solution for roof slopes ranging from 6/12 to 12/12. This portable, ridge-mounted anchor eliminates the need for seam-mounted attachments while ensuring workers remain securely tied off at all times.

By using fall protection systems specifically designed for standing seam panels, contractors and roofers can enhance job site safety while preserving the performance and longevity of Overholt Metal Sales’ 1” Standing Seam Nailstrip panels. These non-penetrating solutions provide reliable, OSHA-compliant fall protection, ensuring a secure and damage-free installation.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Point Compatibility for Overholt Metal Sales

Nailstrip Panels
22-24 ga.

SSRA 1

SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor

Test Fit

SSRA1 Nylon Tip

SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor

Test Fit

SSRA2 Roof Jack

SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter

Test Fit

SSRA3 Anchor Plate

SSRA_3 Anchor Plate

Test Fit

The Ridge Pro

Ridge Pro Roof Anchor

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 Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Navigating metal roofs demands footwear designed for maximum traction. High-traction, slip-resistant boots provide the grip needed to maintain stability on steep, wet, or icy surfaces. Proper footwear not only reduces the risk of slips and falls but also allows workers to move with confidence, increasing both efficiency and safety on the job site.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

A well-executed safety plan is the foundation of a secure roofing project. It should include detailed fall protection strategies, emergency rescue procedures, and compliance with OSHA regulations. Proper planning reduces the risk of workplace incidents, protects workers from injury, and helps employers avoid costly fines while ensuring a safe and efficient job site.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones

Installing guardrails or warning lines is essential for defining safe work zones, particularly on expansive or low-slope roofs. These barriers serve as visual and physical reminders, helping workers stay within designated areas and reducing the chance of accidental falls. A properly placed guardrail system transforms hazardous spaces into safer, more controlled work environments.

Promote a Culture of Safety

A proactive approach to safety fosters a responsible and aware work environment. Encouraging open discussions about hazards, hosting regular safety training, and establishing an easy-to-use system for reporting risks can help prevent accidents before they happen. When safety is a shared priority, teams work more cohesively, productivity increases, and job sites become significantly safer.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs require specialized, non-penetrating anchors that attach securely without compromising the roof’s watertight seal. Clamp-on seam anchors provide a stable tie-off point without drilling into the panels, preserving both structural integrity and long-term performance. Avoid anchors that require installation over hidden clips, as locating these clips is difficult and can lead to improperly placed anchors that jeopardize safety.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Providing workers with high-quality, OSHA-compliant safety gear is crucial for accident prevention. Harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems should be comfortable, properly fitted, and well-maintained. Investing in top-tier equipment ensures workers remain protected while improving confidence and focus, resulting in safer and more efficient job performance.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

For buildings that require frequent roof access, permanent roof anchors offer a long-term fall protection solution. These fixed tie-off points simplify safety measures for ongoing maintenance and inspections, eliminating the need for temporary anchors while ensuring workers remain properly secured. Permanent anchors are particularly valuable for commercial properties with consistent rooftop activity.

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training

Ladders are one of the most common causes of workplace falls, making proper training essential. Workers should be trained to inspect ladders for defects, set them on stable ground, and follow the 4-to-1 rule for secure placement. Emphasizing ladder safety reduces the risk of slips, falls, and injuries during roof access and egress.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Suspension trauma is a serious risk in fall arrest situations. Trauma straps help relieve pressure on a worker’s legs while awaiting rescue, maintaining circulation and preventing serious injury. Ensuring all harnesses include trauma straps and that workers know how to use them effectively can make the difference between a minor incident and a life-threatening emergency.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Curved metal roofs require specialized fall protection solutions tailored to their unique design. Consulting with experienced safety professionals ensures that appropriate anchorage methods and equipment are used, safeguarding both workers and the roof’s structural integrity. Working with experts reduces risk and ensures compliance while preserving the aesthetics and performance of curved roofing systems.

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.