Fall Protection For RCA Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is RCA Metal Supply?

RCA Metal Supply is a premier, trusted manufacturer and supplier of high-quality metal roofing, siding, and trim, serving a massive footprint across Marietta and the greater Atlanta, Georgia, region. The company has built a formidable reputation by prioritizing high-quality products, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. They cater to both professional contractors and homeowners, offering a streamlined ordering process and fast delivery that makes roofing projects significantly more efficient.

The company stocks a wide variety of roofing solutions, including standing-seam and exposed-fastener panels, as well as comprehensive roofing packages with color-matched trim and accessories. Beyond fabrication, RCA Metal Supply offers professional installation services for clients who require expert project assistance, ensuring tailored solutions for residential and commercial applications. As a go-to source in the Atlanta region, they continue to set the standard for durability, accessibility, and architectural excellence in the metal roofing industry.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Required for Standing-Seam Roofs?

Standing-seam metal roofs feature durability, weather resistance, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. However, their unique concealed-fastener design and floating-clip systems create specific safety challenges. These systems allow for essential thermal expansion and contraction, which means traditional fastener-based anchors are strictly prohibited. Drilling into these panels to install standard anchors will void the manufacturer's warranty, create immediate leak points, and jeopardize the roof's structural integrity.

To ensure OSHA compliance while protecting the roof's watertight seal, we recommend the following specialized, non-penetrating 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 drilling, preserving the roof's structural integrity.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These mount directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot walkboards, providing workers with a stable and level platform for navigating sloped roofs. These brackets are adjustable for roof pitch and seam height.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These aluminum spanner plates provide attachment points for temporary horizontal lifelines, facilitating 100% tie-off compliance for multiple workers. The SSRA3 Anchor plates are compatible with standing seam panels 12 to 24 inches wide.
• 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: This kit provides a complete and non-penetrating lifeline solution for rapid deployment on expansive RCA Metal Supply 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 and non-penetrating seam clamps.
• 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 and non-destructive lock.
• Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Apply these to 22- 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.

RCA Commercial 16-Inch Snaplock Panel (SSRA Compatible 24-gauge Steel)

The RCA Commercial 16-Inch Snaplock panel is a high-performance standing-seam system engineered for superior structural performance in commercial and light industrial applications. This panel is available in 12- or 16-inch coverage widths and features a 1.5-inch seam height. Manufactured from heavy-duty 24-gauge steel, an industry-leading 40-year finish warranty protects it, and it features a 20-year Fluoropon paint system for maximum resistance to fading and chalking. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for RCA Metal Supply Commercial 16-Inch Snaplock Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for RCA Commercial 16-Inch Panel

The structural 1.5-inch snaplock profile is fully compatible with the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor when using nylon-tipped set screws. For tasks requiring extended work time, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapters can be attached to the anchors to support 10-foot wooden walkboards with zero panel penetrations.

For horizontal lifeline (HLL) applications, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be mounted on top of two SSRA1 anchors, creating a durable mounting system for temporary HLL use up to 100 feet for two workers. For facilities requiring long-term maintenance access, the 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit allows workers maximum mobility with 5-inch galvanized riser posts and 120 feet of galvanized steel cable. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist remains an excellent alternative for 6:12 to 12:12 roofs, maintaining 100% tie-off from the ladder to the peak for "first man up" operations.

RCA Nailstrip Snaplock Panel (Ridge Pro Only)

For residential and light commercial projects, RCA Metal Supply offers a 16-inch Nailstrip Snaplock panel. This profile provides a modern, clean appearance with a concealed-fastener system that eliminates the need for separate clips. Fasteners are driven through a perforated nail flange, securing the panel directly to the substrate while allowing for controlled thermal movement. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for RCA Metal Supply Nailstrip Snaplock Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

This 26-gauge panel features a 1-inch seam height and a 16-inch coverage width, delivering a sleek and uniform aesthetic. It is typically finished with a PVDF (Kynar 500) paint system, offering superior resistance to corrosion and UV degradation. Many of these Kynar-coated panels include a 40-year warranty. To reduce the appearance of oil canning, RCA offers optional striations for added visual consistency. This panel requires a minimum roof slope of 3:12 for proper drainage when installed over solid substrates like plywood or OSB.

Fall Protection for RCA Nailstrip Snaplock Panels

Nailstrip profiles are generally incompatible with seam-mounted anchors. The safest and most effective fall-protection solution for these panels is the Ridge Pro Steep Assist.

On roof pitches between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro hooks over the roof peak to provide a secure tie-off point without requiring penetrations or seam clamps. This solution ensures that workers maintain a 100% tie-off at all times, preserving the integrity of the standing-seam system and ensuring full OSHA compliance.

American Engineering vs. Bargain Imports

When you invest in the high-performance roofing systems from RCA Metal Supply, your safety equipment has to perform. Unbranded, imported fall-protection anchors that lack verifiable engineering documentation are currently flooding the market. While these bargain products are tempting due to lower price points, they rarely meet the rigorous OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI Z359.18 standards.

Our SSRA system represents the pinnacle of American-made safety pedigree. Professional compliance data backs every anchor and kit, and they have undergone rigorous testing at ISO 17025-accredited labs to demonstrate reliability under extreme dynamic loads. Choosing American-made safety gear ensures you are protecting your crew, your business, and the architectural integrity of your RCA Metal Supply roof with equipment that performs when it matters most.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Compatibility for RCA Metal Supply Panels

	Commercial Snaplock (24 Ga.)	Nailstrip Snaplock
SSRA 1	NO	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	YES	NO
SSRA2 Roof Jack	YES	NO
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	YES	NO
The Ridge Pro	YES	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

• Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans: A safe roofing project begins with a well-structured OSHA-compliant safety plan. This document should outline fall prevention measures, step-by-step rescue procedures, and emergency response protocols tailored to each job site.
• Prioritize Ladder Safety Training: Ladders are among the most frequently used tools on roofing sites. Proper ladder safety training—following the 4-to-1 rule—ensures that accessing and exiting the roof remains secure and accident-free.
• Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability: High-traction, slip-resistant boots provide essential grip on steep, wet, or uneven surfaces, helping workers maintain balance in challenging conditions.
• Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones: Guardrails and warning lines create a safer work environment by marking hazardous areas and providing passive fall protection.
• Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear: OSHA-compliant harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems must be appropriately fitted, regularly inspected, and comfortable for extended wear.
• Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs: Seam-specific, non-penetrating anchors clamp securely to the seam without puncturing the panel, preserving the roof's structural integrity.
• Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Permanent anchor points provide a long-term fall protection solution for buildings that require regular roof access.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Encouraging open discussions about hazards reinforces that every worker has a role in keeping the job site safe.
• Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps: Trauma straps relieve pressure on the legs, maintain circulation, and provide essential support while awaiting rescue.
• Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Curved metal panels present unique challenges; professional guidance ensures the right combination of anchors and lifelines.