Fall Protection For Smith-Built Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is Smith-Built Metals?

Founded in 2003, Smith-Built Metals serves as a premier manufacturer of metal roofing and building systems in the southeastern United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates additional full-service hubs in Macon, Albany, and Columbia. Smith-Built has evolved from a local metal building specialist into a major regional force, supplying high-performance metal solutions to the residential, agricultural, and commercial sectors.

Their extensive catalog includes Master Rib panels, R panels, and architectural standing seam systems, most of which carry a 40-year paint warranty. By integrating COOL roof technology and domestically painted coatings, Smith-Built ensures every structure achieves maximum energy efficiency and fade resistance.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical For Smith-Built Roofs?

Smith-Built Metals' standing seam panels utilize a concealed fastening system to create a sleek, watertight barrier. This design prevents water infiltration, but makes traditional, penetrating fall protection anchors a significant risk. Drilling into these premium panels voids the 40-year warranty and creates permanent leak points. To protect the roof's integrity while ensuring worker safety, contractors must use non-penetrating fall protection systems.

To ensure OSHA compliance while protecting the roof's structural and watertight integrity, 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 seams without drilling, preserving the roof's warranty and weathertight seal.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These mount directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot walkboards, providing workers with a stable, level platform for safely navigating sloped roofs.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These aluminum spanner plates create 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, non-penetrating lifeline solution for rapid deployment on expansive Smith-Built industrial 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 SSRA1 anchor's certified holding power 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 ga steel panels. Torque them to 90 inch-pounds for a secure, non-destructive lock.
• Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Apply these to 22 and 24 ga 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.

Smith-Built 16-Inch Snaplock Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

Smith-Built Metals manufactures 16-inch Snaplock standing seam panels designed for maximum performance and easy installation. Constructed from high-strength 26-gauge steel, these panels feature a 1-3/4-inch rib height and a 16-inch coverage width. The system utilizes a concealed fastener design and factory-applied sealant to ensure optimal weather-tightness. These panels accommodate thermal expansion through a two-piece clip system and carry a UL 790 Class A fire rating and Florida Product Approval. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Smith-Built Metals Snaplock 16 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

While the Snaplock design minimizes the visual impact of "Oil Canning," builders should note that this is a natural characteristic of metal panels. These panels are suitable for slopes as low as 3:12 and are available in 20 colors protected by a 40-year limited warranty.

Fall Protection For Snaplock Panels

Due to the snaplock design and the specific 26 ga steel construction of these panels, seam-mounted anchors are not compatible. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides the best fall protection solution for Smith-Built Snaplock panels on roof slopes ranging from 6:12 to 12:12. This system hooks securely over the roof peak, allowing workers to maintain 100% tie-off at all times without penetrating the panels or compromising the hidden-fastener integrity.

American Engineering vs. Bargain Imports

When you install high-performance Smith-Built systems, your choice of fall protection hardware reflects your commitment to quality. Unbranded, imported fall protection anchors that lack verifiable engineering documentation are currently flooding the market. To truly guarantee worker safety, ISO 17025 testing labs must prove an anchor's reliability through rigorous testing. This level of certification ensures the equipment will withstand extreme dynamic loads. By choosing the SSRA system, you are investing in American-made reliability and providing the ironclad compliance data needed to protect your crew and your business.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Point Compatibility for Smith-Built

	16-Inch Snaplock Panel
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

• Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs: Use non-penetrating anchors that clamp directly onto the seams to ensure secure tie-off points without damaging the roof. Avoid anchors that require drilling or attachment to hidden clips.
• Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans: Every roofing project should begin with a well-structured safety plan. This includes fall prevention strategies, clear emergency response procedures, and detailed rescue protocols.
• Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability: Slip-resistant roofing boots provide enhanced traction on steep, wet, or icy surfaces to prevent slips and increase mobility.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: Encourage open communication about hazards and host regular safety meetings. When safety becomes second nature, teams work more efficiently and injuries decrease.
• Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones: Well-placed guardrails and warning lines mark hazardous areas and reduce fall risks, creating a secure environment on expansive or low-slope roofs.
• Prioritize Ladder Safety Training: Workers should place ladders on stable ground, secure them properly, and follow the 4-to-1 base-to-height ratio rule.
• Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear: Harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems should meet OSHA standards and fit comfortably for extended wear.
• Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Buildings requiring frequent roof access benefit from permanent tie-off points that streamline maintenance and eliminate repeated temporary setups.
• Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps: Trauma straps reduce leg pressure and maintain circulation if a worker remains suspended in a harness after a fall.
• Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Consulting safety professionals ensures the correct fall protection systems are selected and installed without compromising unique architectural designs.