Fall Protection For Ramco Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is Ramco?

Ramco Supply began in 2000 when Marvin Ramer, a post-frame builder in Rochester, Indiana, launched the company in a modest pole building on his property. His focus on quick turnarounds struck a chord with northern Indiana contractors and drove steady growth.

By 2009, demand outpaced the original setup, prompting Ramco to move into a cutting-edge manufacturing plant on a 20-acre site in Rochester. In 2014, they opened a second facility in Woodburn, Indiana, expanding their footprint to serve customers across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois. Celebrating 25 years in 2025, Ramco has transformed from a small, family-run operation into a regional leader in metal roofing and post-frame supplies. Ramer attributes this success to loyal customers, dedicated staff, and a commitment to honest, faith-guided business practices.

Ramco specializes in high-quality metal roofing systems. Their flagship standing-seam line, alongside panels like Ram-Panel, R-Panel, and the budget-friendly RX-4, caters to residential, commercial, and agricultural needs. Sourcing steel coils directly from mills, they roll-form custom-length panels in 18 colors at their advanced facilities. They offer contractors same-day pickup or 48-hour delivery. Ramco remains dedicated to simplifying construction with durable, efficient products and top-notch service.

Why Compatible Fall Protection Equipment Is Critical for Standing-Seam Roofs

Like Ramco's Nailstrip system, standing-seam roofs are a standout choice for their durability and modern appeal. They excel thanks to hidden fasteners and elevated seams that keep the weather out and enhance curb appeal. However, those sleek, smooth surfaces and often steep pitches create a unique challenge for workers installing or maintaining them.

The Nailstrip design relies on its non-penetrating structure to stay water-tight and strong. This feature means fall-protection anchors must clamp onto seams without drilling holes. This strategy prevents damage that could weaken the roof or void its 40-year paint warranty. A poorly matched anchor might ruin the panel and fail to hold under stress, putting workers at risk of falls. Since standing-seam roofs vary in seam height and shape, the equipment must adapt to grip securely every time.

Ramco's roofs have proven their toughness in extreme events, but that toughness depends on proper handling during installation. Tailored fall protection, such as non-penetrating seam-mounted anchors, allows workers to move confidently while protecting their safety and the roof's long-term performance.

To ensure OSHA compliance while protecting the structural integrity of a Ramco roof, we recommend the following specialized components:

• Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): This anchor serves as the foundation of the safety system. It clamps securely to compatible standing-seam ribs without panel penetrations, preserving the roof's structural integrity.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These mount directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot walkboards. This setup provides workers with a stable and level platform for navigating sloped surfaces.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These aluminum spanner plates provide attachment points for temporary horizontal lifelines, facilitating 100% tie-off compliance for multiple workers.
• 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: This kit provides a complete and non-penetrating lifeline solution for rapid deployment on expansive industrial or commercial projects.
• 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: This system provides a permanent, non-penetrating cable solution for long-term facility maintenance, using 5-inch galvanized steel riser posts.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This anchor hooks securely over the roof peak to provide a reliable tie-off point for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12 where seam-mounted anchors may not be compatible.

Proper Attachment: Set Screws and Torque Requirements

Your safety and the certified holding power of the SSRA1 anchor depend on correct set-screw application. We provide specialized fastening options based on the material gauge of your panels:

• Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque them to 90 inch-pounds for a secure, non-penetrating lock.
• Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Apply these to 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque them to 180–200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.
• Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace them every 3 to 5 uses to ensure they maintain the necessary coefficient of friction.

Ramco Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

Ramco's Nailstrip Panels, part of their premium standing-seam lineup, offer a blend of modern style and rugged durability. These panels feature hidden fasteners on both the panels and trim, delivering a clean, fastener-free look. The sleek lines elevate the aesthetic of any structure while providing practical, energy-efficient benefits. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Ramco Nailstrip Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Available in 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel, they come with a limited lifetime warranty, reflecting their resilience against fire, hail, and high winds. Their proven energy efficiency helps reflect heat and cut cooling costs, making them a smart choice for residential and commercial projects. These panels feature 16-inch coverage with a 1-inch or 1.5-inch seam height.

Fall Protection for Ramco Nailstrip Panels

Nailstrip profiles, such as the Ramco Nailstrip Panel, feature a specific rib style that is incompatible with seam-mounted anchors. Because these panels lack the structural clamping surface required for seam-clamping anchors, roofing professionals achieve the highest level of safety by using ridge-mounted solutions.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is the go-to solution for roofs with pitches from 6:12 to 12:12. This device hooks over the roof peak, providing a solid anchor point that lets workers maintain 100% tie-off from the moment they step onto the roof. It is a straightforward, penetration-free option that ensures safety without risking damage to the standing-seam system.

American Engineering vs. Bargain Imports

A "cheap deal" on fall protection can quickly become a devastating financial and legal liability. Unbranded, imported seam anchors are currently flooding the market, often lacking the verifiable 3rd-party engineering documentation required by OSHA and ANSI. Our SSRA system represents the pinnacle of American-made safety. Unlike unverified imports, our anchors undergo rigorous testing at ISO 17025-accredited labs to demonstrate their ability to withstand extreme dynamic loads. When you choose our American-engineered hardware, you are investing in a certified paper trail that protects your crew, your business, and your reputation.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Compatibility for Ramco

	Nailstrip Panels
SSRA 1	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	NO
SSRA2 Roof Jack	NO
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	NO
The Ridge Pro	YES

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or visit 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

• Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Curved metal roofs demand specialized knowledge due to their distinct safety challenges. Expert input ensures employee safety and the preservation of the structure's aesthetic and functional integrity.
• Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Permanent anchors are a practical choice for buildings that require regular roof access, providing a dependable fall protection option without the hassle of temporary setups.
• Prioritize Ladder Safety Training: Adhere to the 4-to-1 angle rule for secure setup. Strong ladder safety practices reduce mishaps and ensure safer access to elevated work areas.
• Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps: After a fall, suspension trauma can quickly become life-threatening. Trauma straps help ease leg strain and support blood flow while awaiting help.
• Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones: Guardrails and warning lines establish safe rooftop boundaries. Properly deployed, they enhance task focus by eliminating edge-related risks.
• Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans: A detailed plan integrates fall prevention, emergency procedures, and rescue strategies while meeting regulatory standards.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Urge workers to flag risks and engage in safety discussions. A collective commitment lifts morale and reduces incident rates.
• Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs: Non-penetrating, seam-mounted anchors offer a solid attachment point without breaching the roof's weatherproof layer.
• Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability: Working on metal roofs calls for shoes built for grip and balance. Slip-resistant boots with superior traction cut slip risks and boost confidence.