Fall Protection For Union Corrugating Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is Union Corrugating Company?

Union Corrugating Company has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1946 by J.E. Union in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Armed with a manual corrugating machine from West Virginia, J.E. Union started the company during a challenging period. The turning point came in 1954 when Hurricane Hazel struck eastern North Carolina, causing widespread damage. As the only local supplier of metal roofing, Union Corrugating saw a surge in demand as homeowners sought to repair their damaged properties.

Despite the opportunity to increase prices due to high demand, J.E. Union chose to maintain fair pricing, demonstrating a commitment to customer care and ethical business practices. This decision helped establish the company's reputation for integrity and reliability, setting the stage for future growth.

Today, Union Corrugating has expanded significantly, operating ten factories across the central and eastern United States. They manufacture metal roofing and siding solutions for residential, commercial, and agricultural applications. Known for its durable, efficient, and eco-friendly products, Union Corrugating has earned a strong reputation in the industry. The company's unique delivery system ensures quick and reliable product availability, allowing them to serve customers beyond their southeastern origins.

What Are The Most Compatible Fall Protection Products for Union Corrugating Standing Seam Roofs?

Union Corrugating standing seam panels require specialized fall protection equipment to ensure the safety of workers during installation and maintenance. This blog aims to educate workers and building owners about the most compatible fall protection products for these panels. We will explore the various Union Corrugating standing seam panel profiles and discuss the best safety products for each type, ensuring a safer working environment for all involved.

Snaplok-Style Standing Seam Panels

Union Corrugating makes snaplock and mechanically-seamed standing seam panels. Let's start by researching the snaplock style panels; Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175.

Advantage-Lok II Panel (Snaplok)

The Advantage-Lok II panel is a top-tier standing seam metal roofing system for residential and commercial use. It boasts a modern look with a 1" seam height for enhanced wind resistance. This system comes in 12" and 16" widths, providing flexibility for different project needs. Made from durable 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel or 0.032-inch aluminum, the panels feature a concealed fastener design that allows them to interlock seamlessly. This design creates a smooth, clean appearance and improves wind and weather resistance.

Workers can install the Advantage-Lok II on roofs with a minimum slope of 3:12 over plywood and metal decking substrates. Its sleek, elegant lines make it an excellent choice for high-end residential and commercial buildings seeking a modern aesthetic and robust performance.

SL150 Panel (Snaplok)

The SL150 panel has 1.5" tall snaplock seams and combines structural strength with architectural beauty. It is available in 24-gauge or 26-gauge steel and 0.032-inch aluminum in 12" and 16" widths. The SL150 panel is offered in several styles, including smooth, striated, and stiffener ribs, to suit various aesthetic preferences. It can be factory-formed or fabricated on-site, making it a versatile option for residential and light commercial roofing. The panel's concealed fastener system enhances its visual appeal and ease of installation.

Tested rigorously, the SL150 meets U.L. Construction Numbers TGKX301, TGKX342A, and TGKX388, and has earned UL 580 Class 90 uplift resistance, UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, and UL 790 Class A, B, and C fire resistance ratings. Additionally, it is approved by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), ensuring its suitability for specific regions. The snap lock panel is installed with concealed clips, providing a weather-tight seal and a clean, continuous look.

SL175 Panel (SnapLok)

The SL175 panel is a metal roofing solution featuring a snaplock standing seam design, ideal for architectural and light structural applications. Available in 12", 16", and 18" widths with a rib height of 1.75", this panel offers flexibility in design. It is available in 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel and 0.032-inch aluminum. The snaplock design allows for secure attachment without specialized tools, and the concealed clip system provides excellent wind uplift resistance.

The SL175 is suitable for various structures, including schools, shopping centers, banks, hotels, and offices, serving either as an accent feature or a complete roofing system. Union Corrugating's SL175 panel combines ease of installation, strong wind resistance, and aesthetic appeal, making it a durable and versatile choice for roofing projects.

Fall Protection For Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175 Panels

Ensuring safety when working on standing seam roofs is paramount, especially when dealing with high-quality systems like the Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175 panels. These panels are fully compatible with all recommended fall protection products, provided they are 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel.

The SSRA products are incompatible with Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175 panels made from 26-gauge steel or aluminum. Workers should use the Ridge Pro and other strap-style anchors on lighter gauge panels. These alternatives ensure secure and adequate fall protection without compromising the panel's integrity.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)

The SSRA1 anchor system is ideal for 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175 panels. This system preserves the integrity of the panels by attaching without penetrating the roof surface, ensuring a secure and reliable anchorage point.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter

Mountable on SSRA1 anchors, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter facilitates using 10-foot walkboards without needing panel penetrations. This adapter provides adjustable height options for various seam heights, enhancing flexibility and worker safety.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates

For larger projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System offer a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines. This setup supports two workers, providing enhanced mobility and safety across extensive roofing tasks.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor

For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is an excellent choice. This anchor hooks over the ridge, creating a secure anchorage point that ensures 100% worker tie-off while on the roof. It is particularly effective for safely navigating steep slopes.

Super Anchor 2815 and Malta Dynamics A6302

For roofs with pitches less than 6/12, the Super Anchor 2815 and Malta Dynamics A6302 offer secure attachment points by mounting underneath the ridge cap. These permanent systems provide stable and reliable anchorage, ideal for lower-pitched roofs.

By selecting the appropriate fall protection systems for Union Corrugating's Advantage-Lok II, SL150, and SL175 panels, workers can maintain safety and efficiency during roofing projects, ensuring a secure working environment.

Mechanically-Seamed Panels

ML200 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed)

ML200 is a robust and versatile mechanical lock-standing seam metal roofing system designed to excel in structural and architectural applications. This panel features 2" rib height and is available in 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel. .032" aluminum is also available.

The ML200's panels fasten using concealed clips, and their interlocking side seams are mechanically seamed together on-site using specialized equipment. This innovative attachment method ensures exceptional wind uplift resistance and structural integrity, making the ML200 ideal for various commercial projects, including schools, shopping centers, banks, hotels, and office buildings. With panel widths of 12", 16", or 18" and lengths up to an impressive 50', the ML200 offers unparalleled design flexibility to accommodate various project requirements. Its versatile profile allows it to serve as both a functional roofing system and an eye-catching architectural accent feature, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal of the structure.

ML150 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed)

The ML150 panel is a mechanically-seamed standing seam system designed for architectural projects. This panel features a 1.5" rib height and available widths of 12", 16", and 18", allowing for direct installation over purlins and bar joists. The ML150 panel is available in 24-gauge steel, .032" aluminum, or .040 aluminum. It is available in various surface finishes, including smooth, striated, and stiffener ribs. One of the key advantages of the ML150 panel is its exceptional resistance to uplift forces.

The panel utilizes a concealed clip system that enables the side laps to be securely locked together using a specialized seaming machine on the roof. This floating clip system helps mitigate the effects of thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining a consistent and uniform appearance on the building envelope.

The ML150 panel is popular for schools, shopping centers, banks, hotels, and office buildings. Additionally, the panel can be curved to accommodate radius panel applications, providing design flexibility. Union Corrugating Company offers a variety of coating options for the ML150 panel, including Galvalume, Durapon 70, and Ceranamel, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

TS-324 Trapezoidal (Mechanically-Seamed)

The TS-324™ Trapezoidal Panel is a robust metal roofing solution designed to provide exceptional protection against wind and weather conditions, even under the most demanding roof load scenarios. With its standard coverage width of 24" and rib height of 3", this panel is engineered to maintain structural integrity when installed over open framing systems. Various lengths are available, with options up to an impressive 50'. To ensure durability and strength, the panel comes in three steel gauge options: 22-gauge, 24-gauge, and 26-gauge. One of the standout features of the TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel is its low minimum slope recommendation of ¼:12, making it the most versatile option in Union Corrugating's metal roofing profile lineup. The U.L. certifying body also tested and certified the panel to meet the UL580 Wind Uplift Resistance Class 90 rating, ensuring the panel's ability to withstand high winds.

Customers can choose from various appealing color options to suit their aesthetic preferences. The TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel suits multiple commercial, industrial, and post-frame buildings. It can be used as a complete roof system or accent feature, providing functional and aesthetic benefits. The installation of the TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel requires clips to secure the panels to the roof's secondary members, with clips necessary for every purlin, joist, sub-purlin, and sub-joist. To maintain the integrity of the finish and minimize metal shavings, Union Corrugating recommends using non-abrasive cutting tools when field cutting or mitering the panels.

Fall Protection For Mechanically-Seamed Panels; ML200, ML150, and TS-324

Ensuring the safety of workers on mechanically seamed panels like the ML200, ML150, and TS-324 is crucial. When constructed from 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel, these panels are compatible with all recommended fall protection products. However, the SSRA products are unsuitable for 26-gauge steel and aluminum panels. Instead, we recommend using the Ridge Pro and other strap-style anchors for reliable fall protection.

Additionally, when dealing with curved panels, it is essential to have a trained safety professional conduct on-site inspections to meet the specific challenges of curved surfaces.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)

The SSRA1 anchor system is ideal for 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel ML200, ML150, and TS-324 panels. It attaches securely without penetrating the roof surface, preserving the panels' integrity and providing a reliable anchorage point.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter

Mountable on SSRA1 anchors, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter facilitates using 10-foot walkboards without needing panel penetrations. This adapter offers adjustable height settings to accommodate various seam heights, enhancing flexibility and worker safety.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates

The SSRA3 Anchor Plates and the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System provide a comprehensive fall protection solution for larger projects. This setup supports two workers, ensuring enhanced mobility and safety across extensive roofing tasks.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor

For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is an excellent choice. This anchor hooks over the ridge, creating a secure anchorage point that ensures 100% worker tie-off while on the roof. It is particularly effective for safely navigating steep slopes.

Super Anchor 2815 and Malta Dynamics A6302

For roofs with pitches less than 6/12, the Super Anchor 2815 and Malta Dynamics A6302 provide secure attachment points by mounting underneath the ridge cap. These permanent systems ensure stable and reliable anchorage, making them ideal for lower-pitched roofs.

By selecting the appropriate fall protection systems for Union Corrugating's ML200, ML150, and TS-324 panels, workers can maintain safety and efficiency during roofing projects, ensuring a secure working environment.

Contact Us To Discuss Your Project

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

Fall Protection Guidelines For Standing Seam Roofs

Establish Secure Work Zones

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers on low-slope roofs to create safe work areas. These safety measures help prevent falls and create a safer working environment.

Provide High-Quality Safety Gear

Equip workers with top-notch full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These items significantly reduce the impact of falls, lowering the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.

Develop a Thorough Safety Plan

Before beginning any project, ensure the safety manager or project manager devises an OSHA-compliant safety plan. This plan should incorporate a detailed rescue strategy to protect workers in case of an accident. Proper planning ensures all necessary safety precautions are in place before work starts.

Wear Slip-Resistant Footwear

Workers should wear non-slip shoes designed explicitly for smooth metal roofs and avoid working on wet surfaces. Appropriate footwear improves stability and reduces the likelihood of slips and falls.

Use Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

When working on standing seam roofs, use anchor systems designed specifically for these types of roofs. These systems should be installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines, focusing on correct placement on the seam and proper torque settings. Avoid using anchors that need to attach over clips, as locating clips on existing roofs can be difficult and unsafe.

Ensure Safe Access Points

Properly position ladders and scaffolding to eliminate fall risks. Ensure all workers undergo thorough OSHA-compliant ladder training and always adhere to the 4-1 rule for ladder placement to maintain stability and safety.

Utilize Trauma Straps

Ensure workers use trauma straps on their harnesses and receive regular training on their correct use. Trauma straps are vital for preventing severe injuries or fatalities following a fall by reducing suspension trauma.

Invest in Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchor systems to enhance long-term safety by providing secure anchorage points for future roof work and inspections. These permanent systems make ongoing maintenance safer and more efficient.

Curved Roof Panels Safely

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. A trained safety professional should inspect the roof and develop a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the specific challenges of curved surfaces.

Cultivate a Safety-Focused Culture

Encourage regular equipment inspections and continuous training sessions to promote a safety culture. A strong safety culture helps uphold high safety standards and reduces the chance of accidents.