Fall Protection Strategies For Best Buy Metals Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection Strategies For Best Buy Metals Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Oct 18th 2024

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Best Buy Metals Standing Seam Panels.

Best Buy Metals company logo. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Who Is Best Buy Metals?

Best Buy Metals is no stranger to the metal roofing world. Founded in 2002 by Isaac Libbey, a general contractor, the company quickly grew from its humble beginnings in Tennessee. Libbey noticed a frustrating gap in the market: getting quality metal roofing products in the Southeast took more work than needed. So, like any resourceful contractor would do, he set out to fix the problem.

Fast-forward a couple of decades, and Best Buy Metals operates out of eight locations across Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. They've become known for excellent metal roofing, fair pricing, fast turnaround, and solid customer education. In 2021, the Inc. 5000 recognized them as one of the fastest-growing private companies. Not bad for a company that started with just a few folks and a metal brake.

Whether you're a contractor or a DIY enthusiast, Best Buy Metals has become a trusted name in metal roofing. They've built their business on understanding customer needs and offering products that withstand the elements.

Best Buy Metals standing seam roof. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Why Do Standing Seam Panels Require Specialized Fall Protection?

So, why all the fuss about fall protection on standing seam roofs? You're not wrong to wonder—aren't all roofs dangerous to work on? Well, sure. But things get a little more interesting regarding standing seam panels.

Like the ones from Best Buy Metals, these panels are smooth and sleek, designed with hidden fasteners and a low profile that makes them weathertight and beautiful. But that same design also means there's no easy place to attach your average roof anchor. Try to drill into that clean metal surface, and you're not just compromising the look—you're also messing with the panel's integrity. Water can find its way in, and your once-perfect roof has problems before you know it.

That's where specialized fall protection comes into play. Products like the SSRA1 Seam Anchor are specifically made for standing seam roofs, clamping onto the seams without penetrating the panels. And for those steeper roofs where a misstep could mean a long ride down, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor provides extra security without invasive installation. So yes, fall protection isn't just about safety (though that's reason enough). It's also about keeping the roof system in top shape while you're up there.

Let's dive into the details of the Titan-Loc 100 Panels and the corresponding fall protection solutions.

Titan-Loc 100 Panels

Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 100 panel. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 100 panel profiles. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

The Titan-Loc 100 is one of Best Buy Metals' most versatile and popular standing seam systems. Featuring 1" high ribs spaced 16" apart, the 1" seam height and 16" panel width keeps wind and water at bay, making it an excellent choice for both residential and light commercial applications. You can custom-order these panels in any length between 3' and 45', with 24 and 26-gauge options available depending on your needs. Plus, they have an impressive array of warranties—50 years for the paint and substrate and 30 years for fade and chalk protection on painted panels. If you're going for the unpainted Galvalume version, you still get a solid 45-year warranty thanks to its zinc-aluminum coating. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 100 Standing Seam Panels.

The best part? Titan-Loc 100 snap-lock design makes this system secure and efficient to install, which is why it's so popular. It also effortlessly blends with a variety of architectural styles. Just remember, it's intended for solid decking—if you're dealing with open framing, Snap Seam is the better option.

Fall Protection for Titan-Loc 100 Panels

Working on Titan-Loc 100 panels? You will need a reliable fall protection setup that keeps your crew safe and preserves the integrity of that beautiful roof. Luckily, we've got some great options that make installation easy and keep your roof looking flawless.

For 24-gauge steel panels, a winning combination includes SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates. Here's how they work together like a dream:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These clamp onto the standing seams without needing to penetrate the panel. The beauty here is that you maintain the weather tightness of your roof while ensuring workers have a secure tie-off point. Simple, strong, and practical, these anchors are your go-to for keeping safety gear attached.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Let's face it—walking directly on metal roofing can be a bit dicey. That's where the roof jacks come in. You can mount 10-foot wooden walk boards between the anchors, giving workers a stable platform to move on. This setup is safer and speeds up the workflow by reducing slips and trips.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Workers can mount anchor plates on top of the SSRA1 seam anchors for larger jobs requiring workers to cover more ground. This product allows for the installation of temporary horizontal lifeline systems that extend up to 100 feet. Workers can move freely across the roof without the hassle of constant reattachment. Talk about a time-saver.

For 26-gauge steel panels, especially on roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is your best bet. This clever tool hooks right over the roof peak, giving you solid anchorage without drilling into the panel. The Ridge Pro ensures that workers stay 100% tied off while working on those steeper pitches, which is critical for keeping them safe and secure while navigating the roof.

Your team stays safe with the proper fall protection setup, and your roof remains pristine. Whether working on a residential project or a light commercial build, these solutions will cover you from every angle.

Titan-Loc 150 Panels

Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 150 panel. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 150 panel profiles. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

If you're looking for a standing seam roof system that combines strength and style, Titan-Loc 150 is your answer. With 1.5" high ribs spaced 14.75" apart, this system offers serious curb appeal without sacrificing utility. The Lock-Tech side laps ensure fast, secure installation, while the hidden fastening flange keeps wind and water from getting in. Whether you need it custom cut to the inch or prefer one of the standard widths—12", 14.75", or 16"—this panel system can handle almost any architectural demand. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Best Buy Metals Titan-Loc 150 Standing Seam Panels.

Designed primarily for solid decking applications, Titan-Loc 150 is a go-to choice for both residential and light commercial roofs. Its slim-seam design gives it a sleek, modern appearance that complements various architectural styles. You can choose between 24-gauge or 26-gauge steel, depending on your project needs. Best Buy Metals will custom manufacture these panels on-site or in their facility. Add in a range of finishes—traditional, HD, or metallic—and you've got a roof system that not only performs but also looks good doing it.

Fall Protection for Titan-Loc 150 Panels

When working on Titan-Loc 150 panels, safety should be as seamless as the roof itself. Installing fall protection that doesn't compromise the roof's integrity is critical. Fortunately, we've got some tried-and-true solutions for you.

For 24-gauge steel panels, you can rely on the powerful combo of SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors clamp directly to the standing seams, offering a non-penetrating attachment point for fall protection gear. There is no need to worry about drilling holes or damaging the roof. These clamps keep everything intact while securing workers to the roof.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Need a stable working surface? These roof jacks allow you to install 10-foot wooden walk boards between the SSRA1 anchors, giving workers a safe platform to move around. This setup is ideal for reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially on metal surfaces, that can get tricky in less-than-ideal weather.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: The anchor plates are a game changer for projects requiring more extensive movement across the roof. When mounted on top of the SSRA1 anchors, they allow for the installation of horizontal lifelines. These lifelines can extend up to 100 feet, providing continuous fall protection without the hassle of constantly disconnecting and reconnecting safety gear.

For 26-gauge steel panels, especially when working on roofs with a slope of 6/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is your go-to. This anchor hooks over the roof peak, giving workers a solid tie-off point while ensuring they maintain 100% tie-off at all times. Whether a quick repair or a more extended project, the Ridge Pro keeps workers secure on those steeper roof sections, which can be challenging without the proper fall protection.

With the Titan-Loc 150 panels and these fall protection systems, you can ensure that your roofing project remains safe and efficient from start to finish. Whether you're installing, repairing, or maintaining the roof, these tools will help you get the job done without compromising the safety of your team or the integrity of the roof.

Snap Seam Panels

Best Buy Metals Snap Seam panel. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Best Buy Metals Snap Seam panel profiles. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

When it comes to ultra-performance and ultimate protection, Snap Seam panels deliver. These panels are built from the ground up with performance in mind, featuring a high-strength alloy core, multi-layer baked-on paint, and a snap-lock design that makes installation quick and secure. With rugged 1.75" high ribs and UL90 clips, Snap Seam can be installed over solid decking and open framing, making it one of the most versatile standing seam systems. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Best Buy Metals Snap Seam Standing Seam Panels.

Snap Seam panels come custom cut to any length between 3' and 45'; if you're working on-site, they can be custom cut tolength. The standard width is 14", but other options include 12", 16", and 18" widths. The panels are available in 26 and 24-gauge thickness, with 22-gauge as an optional upgrade for those seeking extra durability.

Workers can install these panels over solid decking on slopes as low as 1:12 and over open framing as low as 3:12 pitch. The taller ribs add strength, and they provide enhanced weather protection. Whether for a residential project or a commercial building, Snap Seam's versatile design makes it an excellent choice for many applications.

Fall Protection for Snap Seam Panels

Safety is a top priority when working on Snap Seam panels, and proper fall protection is essential to avoid compromising the roof's performance. Here's a breakdown of the best options for different panel thicknesses.

For 24-gauge steel panels, the winning combination includes SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These seam anchors clamp directly onto the standing seams without penetrating the roof surface, keeping the roof's structural integrity intact. Whether you're working on residential or commercial projects, these anchors offer a secure attachment point for lifelines or other fall protection systems, allowing workers to move confidently across the roof.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These roof jacks create a safe and stable working surface. By installing 10-foot wooden walk boards between the SSRA1 Seam Anchors, you can give workers a solid platform to stand on, reducing the risk of accidents on slick metal surfaces. This setup is compatible with various roof pitches and seam heights.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Need to cover a larger area? SSRA3 Anchor Plates, when mounted on the SSRA1 Seam Anchors, allow for the installation of temporary horizontal lifeline systems. These lifelines can extend up to 100 feet, providing continuous fall protection and eliminating the need for workers to reconnect their safety gear constantly. It's a huge time-saver that boosts both safety and efficiency.

For 26-gauge steel panels, especially on steeper roofs with slopes from 6/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is your go-to solution. This anchor hooks over the roof peak, providing a secure tie-off point without drilling into the panel. Workers can maintain 100% tie-off at all times, ensuring safety while navigating those tricky steeper sections of the roof.

With Snap Seam panels, you get strength, performance, and flexibility. Pairing them with the proper fall protection systems will ensure a safe, efficient, and worry-free project—whether a simple residential install or a large commercial build.

Endura Seam Panels

Best Buy Metals Endura panel. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

Best Buy Metals Endura panel profiles. Image courtesy of www.BestBuyMetals.com.

The Endura Seam panel system combines innovation and strength, offering a sleek design with thin-seam 1.5" high ribs spaced 15.625" apart. These panels feature UL90-rated hidden Clip-Tech side laps that allow unlimited expansion and contraction, sealing out the elements while maintaining the roof's structural integrity. Whether looking for residential or light commercial applications, Endura Seam provides the engineered dominance to handle the most challenging conditions. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Best Buy Metals Endura Seam Standing Seam Panels.

Available in custom lengths from 3' to 45', these panels can be manufactured on-site or at the facility to your specifications. With widths of 12", 15.625", and 16", you have flexibility in your design options. For added durability, you can choose from 24-gauge or 26-gauge steel. Endura Seam's precise 1.5" clip-lock ribs offer a sleek, clean appearance while ensuring lasting strength and weather protection.

Endura Seam panels are an excellent choice for solid decking installations. Snap Seam may be a better alternative for working with open-frame construction. Regardless of the application, Endura Seam fits seamlessly into various architectural styles and offers traditional, HD, and metallic finishes for a high-end look.

Fall Protection for Endura Seam Panels

Fall protection is critical to the safety plan when working on Endura Seam panels. The proper setup ensures the safety of workers and the integrity of the roof itself.

For 24-gauge steel panels, the ideal fall protection system includes SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors clamp directly to the seams without penetrating the roof's surface. This non-invasive approach ensures the roof remains completely watertight while providing secure attachment points for lifelines or other fall protection gear. It's a reliable solution that keeps both workers and the roof safe.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: For longer projects or when workers need stable footing, the adjustable roof jacks allow the installation of 10-foot wooden walk boards between anchors. These walk boards give workers a solid platform to move across the roof with reduced risk of slipping, resulting in better productivity and fewer accidents.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: When working across a larger area, you can pair SSRA1 Seam Anchors with SSRA3 Anchor Plates to install temporary horizontal lifelines. This system provides continuous fall protection without requiring workers to repeatedly unclip and reclip their gear. With lifelines extending up to 100 feet, this setup ensures efficiency and safety.

For 26-gauge steel panels on steep roofs with slopes ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the best option. This anchor hooks over the roof peak, offering a secure tie-off point without damaging the panel. It keeps workers tied off 100% of the time, ensuring safety when navigating steeper areas.

With Endura Seam panels, you get a perfect combination of performance, style, and strength. Using the proper fall protection systems, your team can safely and efficiently work on any project without compromising the roof or risking worker safety. Whether tackling a residential roof or a commercial building, these solutions ensure smooth sailing from start to finish.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Best Buy Metals

 

Titan-Loc 100 Panels
22-24 Gauge

Titan-Loc 150 Panels
22-24 Gauge

Snap Seam Panels
22-24 Gauge

Endura Seam Panels
22-24 Gauge

SSRA 1

SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES YES

SSRA1 Nylon Tip

SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES YES

SSRA2 Roof Jack

SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter

YES YES YES YES

SSRA3 Anchor Plate

SSRA_3 Anchor Plate

YES YES YES YES

The Ridge Pro

Ridge Pro Roof Anchor

YES YES 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 Anchor Inspection Form.

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Ensure Stable Access Points

Ensure ladders and scaffolding are secure, free from obstacles, and stable. Workers should be trained in ladder safety, including the 4-to-1 rule, to reduce the chance of falls when accessing rooftops.

Utilize Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

Choose roof anchors designed for standing seam roofs and carefully follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Avoid using anchors that require placement over panel clips, as locating these clips after installation becomes nearly impossible on existing roofs.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Ensure that your team has premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These tools are critical in minimizing injury risk by reducing the impact force during a fall.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure workers have non-slip shoes designed for metal roofs, especially in wet or slippery conditions. The proper footwear can significantly reduce the chances of slipping and falling.

Establish OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before starting any roofing project, create a detailed safety plan that meets OSHA requirements. This plan should include emergency procedures and ensure all workers are trained and know their roles in case of an incident.

Secure Work Areas with Protective Barriers

Install guardrails or warning lines to establish safe zones on low-slope roofs. These barriers provide a layer of fall protection and help define the boundaries for safer workspaces.

Encourage Regular Use of Trauma Straps

Safety managers should encourage the training and use of trauma straps for all workers required to wear body harnesses. Trauma straps are essential in preventing suspension trauma, especially during prolonged suspension after a fall.

Foster a Safety-First Workplace Culture

Conduct regular equipment inspections and ongoing training to promote a proactive approach to safety. Encouraging workers to stay vigilant helps create a culture where safety comes first, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Take Precautions for Curved Metal Panels

Avoid standard seam-mounted anchors for curved metal panels. Consult a fall protection expert to develop a safety plan tailored to the unique challenges posed by curved surfaces.

Implement Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchors to improve long-term safety. These anchors provide secure tie-off points for future maintenance or inspections, offering continuous protection for returning workers.

Disclaimer

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 and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.

Howie Scarboro, C.E.O. and co-founder of Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C., recognized the need for continued improvements in roofing safety during the 2010 MetalCon show in Las Vegas. He joined forces with SnoBlox-Snojax, a leader in snow retention and seam clamping technology for metal roofs, to create the SSRA1 prototype. Tested by Gravitec for OSHA/ANSI certifications, the SSRA1 proved to be the industry's lightest, most robust, and most universal-fit anchor point for standing seam roofs. Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C. was born in 2015, shaping the future of fall protection and instilling confidence in the industry.