Fall Protection For Union Corrugating Standing Seam Roofs
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jun 19th 2024
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company Standing Seam Panels.
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.
Advantage-Lok II Panel (SnapLok)
Advantage-Lok II Panel Information
The Advantage-Lok II panel is a premium standing seam metal roofing system designed for residential and commercial applications. It features a modern aesthetic and a 1" seam height that enhances wind resistance. Available in 12" and 16" widths, the panel offers versatility to meet various project requirements. The panels are 24-gauge, 26-gauge steel, or 0.032-inch aluminum, and they feature a concealed fastener design that ensures a smooth, clean appearance while improving weather resistance. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company Advantage-Lok II Standing Seam Panels.
The Advantage-Lok II gets installed on roofs with a minimum slope of 3:12 over plywood and metal decking substrates. Its sleek lines and robust performance make it an excellent choice for high-end residential and commercial buildings.
Fall Protection For Advantage-Lok II Panels
The substrate material is critical in securing safety on Advantage-Lok II panels. The 24-gauge steel versions of the Advantage-Lok II are fully compatible with the SSRA1 seam clamps. These clamps provide a secure anchor point without penetrating the roof surface, preserving the panel's integrity. Additionally, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be mounted on the SSRA1 anchors, allowing for the safe installation of 10-foot walk boards across the roof. SSRA3 Anchor Plates secure temporary horizontal lifelines for projects requiring extended fall protection coverage, providing comprehensive safety for multiple workers across the roof surface.
Due to the lighter gauge material, the SSRA products are non-compatible with 26-gauge steel or aluminum. Instead, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is ideal for these applications, particularly on roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. The Ridge Pro ensures a secure anchorage point by hooking over the ridge, offering adequate fall protection without compromising the panel's integrity.
SL150 Panel (SnapLok)
SL150 Panel Information
The SL150 panel combines structural strength and architectural beauty, making it suitable for residential and light commercial roofing projects. With a 1.5" tall snaplock seam, the SL150 is available in 24-gauge or 26-gauge steel and 0.032-inch aluminum in 12" and 16" widths. It can be factory-formed or fabricated on-site, providing installation flexibility. The panel's concealed fastener system enhances its visual appeal and creates a weather-tight seal. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company SL150 Panel (SnapLok) Standing Seam Panels.
The SL150 panels meet U.L. Construction standards, including UL 580 Class 90 uplift resistance and UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. They also hold approvals from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), making them a reliable choice for regions with specific building code requirements.
Fall Protection For SL150 Panels
SSRA1 seam clamps provide an excellent fall protection solution for SL150 panels made of 24-gauge steel. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be used with the SSRA1 anchors to mount 10' wooden walk boards, allowing safe worker movement across the roof. For larger projects, SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be installed on the SSRA1 clamps, creating a platform for temporary horizontal lifelines and ensuring comprehensive safety.
For 26-gauge steel and aluminum SL150 panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the recommended solution. This anchor provides a secure, non-penetrating tie-off point, especially on steep roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch.
SL175 Panel (SnapLok)
SL175 Panel Information
The SL175 panel is designed for architectural and light structural applications, offering flexibility in design with its snaplock standing seam system. Available in 12", 16", and 18" widths and with a rib height of 1.75", this panel provides strong wind uplift resistance and a sleek, modern look. It can be fabricated from 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel and 0.032-inch aluminum, making it a versatile option for various commercial and residential projects. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company SL175 Panel (SnapLok) Standing Seam Panels.
This panel is particularly suitable for structures such as schools, shopping centers, banks, hotels, and offices, where aesthetic appeal and durability are essential.
Fall Protection For SL175 Panels
The 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel SL175 panels are fully compatible with SSRA1 seam clamps. These clamps attach securely to the seams without penetrating the metal, providing a reliable anchor point. For added safety, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be used with the SSRA1 clamps, allowing for the installation of walk boards. SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be mounted on top of SSRA1 clamps, providing secure attachment points for temporary horizontal lifelines and ensuring safety across the entire roof surface.
For lighter 26-gauge steel or aluminum SL175 panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the preferred option. It provides adequate fall protection for steep roofs, particularly those with pitches between 6/12 and 12/12.
ML200 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed)
ML200 Panel Information
The ML200 panel is a robust, versatile, mechanically seamed standing seam metal roofing system designed for structural and architectural applications. Its 2" rib height offers enhanced wind uplift resistance and structural integrity. It is ideal for various commercial projects, including schools, shopping centers, banks, hotels, and office buildings. The panel is available in 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel, with a .032" aluminum option also available. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company ML200 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed) Standing Seam Panels.
The ML200 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 durability and performance. The panels come in 12", 16", or 18" widths. They can be ordered in lengths up to 50', offering flexibility in design and application.
Fall Protection For ML200 Panels
For the ML200 panels made from 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, SSRA1 seam clamps provide a secure, non-penetrating anchorage point, preserving the roof's integrity while ensuring worker safety. These clamps can be combined with SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters to facilitate the use of walkboards, allowing for safe and efficient movement across the roof during installation or maintenance. SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be mounted on the SSRA1 clamps to establish secure points for temporary horizontal lifelines, offering extended safety coverage across the roof surface.
For 26-gauge steel or aluminum versions of the ML200 panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the preferred fall protection solution. This anchor hooks over the roof's ridge, providing a reliable tie-off point, particularly on roofs with pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12.
ML150 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed)
ML150 Panel Information
The ML150 panel is a mechanically seamed standing seam system designed for architectural applications. It features a 1.5" rib height and is available in widths of 12", 16", and 18". It is available in 24-gauge steel and .032" or .040" aluminum, with various surface finishes, including smooth, striated, and stiffener ribs. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company ML150 Panel (Mechanically-Seamed) Standing Seam Panels.
The ML150 panel resists uplift forces, with its side laps securely locked together using a specialized seaming machine on-site. This floating clip system allows for thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining a consistent appearance across the building envelope. The panel can also be curved to accommodate radius applications, offering additional design flexibility.
Fall Protection For ML150 Panels
The 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel versions of the ML150 panel are compatible with SSRA1 seam clamps. These clamps provide secure anchorage without penetrating the panel surface, maintaining the roof's integrity. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be added to the SSRA1 clamps to create a stable platform for walkboards, improving safety during installation or maintenance. SSRA3 Anchor Plates can mount temporary horizontal lifelines, offering comprehensive fall protection across the roof surface.
For 26-gauge steel or aluminum ML150 panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the best option. This anchor provides a secure, non-penetrating tie-off point, especially on steeper roofs with pitches from 6/12 to 12/12. Additionally, a trained safety professional should conduct an on-site inspection for curved panel installations to determine the most suitable fall protection methods.
TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel (Mechanically-Seamed)
TS-324 Panel Information
The TS-324™ Trapezoidal Panel is a highly durable metal roofing solution designed for exceptional protection against wind and weather conditions, even in demanding load scenarios. With a standard coverage width of 24" and a rib height of 3", this panel is engineered to maintain structural integrity when installed over open framing systems. Available in 22-gauge, 24-gauge, and 26-gauge steel, the TS-324 panel is versatile, with a minimum slope requirement of just ¼:12, making it one of the most adaptable options in Union Corrugating's lineup. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Union Corrugating Company TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel (Mechanically-Seamed) Standing Seam Panels.
The TS-324 panel is available in various lengths, up to 50', and multiple appealing color options. It is suitable for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and post-frame buildings, either as a complete roofing system or as an architectural accent feature.
Fall Protection For TS-324 Panels
For the TS-324 panels constructed from 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, SSRA1 seam clamps provide reliable anchor points without penetrating the panel surface. These clamps are ideal for use with the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters, which facilitate the installation of 10-foot walkboards, enhancing safety and mobility during roofing work. SSRA3 Anchor Plates can also mount temporary horizontal lifelines, providing a non-penetrating fall protection solution.
For the 26-gauge steel and aluminum versions of the TS-324 panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is your best bet. This anchor offers a secure, non-penetrating solution, particularly effective on roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12. For curved panel installations, it is essential to have a trained safety professional assess the site to determine the most appropriate fall protection strategy.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Union Corrugating Company
Union Corrugating | Advantage-Lok II |
SL150 Panel |
SL175 Panel |
ML200 Panel |
ML150 Panel |
TS-324 Trapezoidal Panel |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | |
YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
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.
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, as well as to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.