Fall Protection Strategies For Mid Maine Metal Roofing Panels

Fall Protection Strategies For Mid Maine Metal Roofing Panels

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on May 8th 2025

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Mid Maine Metal Standing Seam Panels.

Mid Maine company logo. Image courtesy of www.MidMaineMetal.com.

Who Is Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply?

Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply provides high-quality, locally fabricated metal roofing and siding with fast, personalized service.

Nestled in the heart of Maine at 967 Moosehead Trail in Newport, Mid Maine Metal Roofing & Siding Supply, LLC has been keeping buildings covered since 2007. This family-owned and operated business has carved out a trusted reputation over nearly two decades, supplying high-quality metal roofing and siding to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers throughout the region.

Their lineup features 29-gauge screw-down panels with a 40-year paint warranty, ENERGY STAR-rated 20 vibrant colors, and clear panels ideal for skylights or greenhouse builds.

However, their standout product for high-end residential or industrial projects is their 24-gauge standing seam snaplock panel—a durable, clean-lined option designed to deliver long-term performance with superior aesthetics. The company also custom-bends trims to customer specs and provides helpful installation videos and resources to make every project smoother from start to finish.

Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply stands out in a world of big-box suppliers and outsourced materials by keeping operations local, personalized, and focused on the details that matter to Maine's builders.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical for Standing Seam Roofs?

A compatible fall protection system protects the roof and the workers who rely on it.

Like the 24-gauge snaplock panel offered by Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply, standing seam roofs are durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting performers. Their concealed fasteners and floating clip systems allow panels to expand and contract with changing temperatures while maintaining a watertight seal and structural integrity. However, this design also requires specialized fall protection solutions.

Attaching incompatible anchors—especially those designed for other roofing types—can jeopardize everything. Drilling into a standing seam panel or using an anchor that clamps improperly can deform the seams, void the roof warranty, compromise the weatherproofing, or even weaken the structural connection between the panels. This mistake would increase the risk of leaks and costly repairs while undermining the safety of anyone tied to that anchor.

Compatible, non-penetrating anchors explicitly designed for standing seam roofs protect the roof system and the workers. These anchors maintain the panel's integrity by clamping securely without puncturing or stressing the seams. They preserve manufacturer warranties, uphold the roof's ability to resist wind and water, and create secure, OSHA-compliant tie-off points that keep crews safe at height.

Choosing the right fall protection system isn't just about compliance—it's about respecting the roof's engineered design and protecting everyone who walks on it. When safety equipment works with the roof, not against it, you get a solution that safeguards both lives and long-term roof performance.

ABSeam Snaplock Panels

Mid Maine ABSeam panel. Image courtesy of www.MidMaineMetal.com.

ABSeam Snaplock offers durable, wide-coverage panels with a premium finish for high-performance standing seam roofing. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ABSeam Snaplock Standing Seam Panels.

The ABSeam Snaplock panel is a robust standing seam solution made from 24-gauge steel with a 1.5-inch seam height. Built on an AZ50 Galvalume substrate and protected by a Sherwin-Williams Fluropon coating, it combines corrosion resistance with long-term color performance. This panel delivers a generous 19-½-inch coverage width, making it ideal for reducing seam lines and installation time on larger roof surfaces. Backed by a 40-year panel warranty, the ABSeam Snaplock system is a reliable choice for residential and commercial projects seeking clean aesthetics and proven durability.

Fall Protection for 20-inch ABSeam Snaplock Panels

Compatible fall protection anchors safeguard workers and the roof system without compromising the panel's integrity.

For 24-gauge steel ABSeam Snaplock panels, it's essential to use non-penetrating, seam-mounted fall protection anchors to preserve the panel's structural and weatherproofing performance. Drilling or using incompatible anchors risks damaging the seam, voiding warranties, or undermining worker safety. Specialized anchors such as the SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamp securely onto the seam rib without puncturing, providing a reliable, OSHA-compliant tie-off point.

Workers can mount additional accessories like SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks to support 10-foot wooden walkboards. At the same time, SSRA3 Anchor Plates connect anchors to create certified endpoints for temporary 100-foot horizontal lifelines. For permanent safety solutions, the Super Anchor 120' Standing Seam Horizontal Lifeline Kit installs a galvanized steel cable system that ensures ongoing fall protection without compromising the roof. For steep roofs between 6/12 and 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a non-penetrating tie-off solution by hooking securely over the roof peak, keeping workers safely tied off without contact with the panel seam.

16-½-Inch Textured Snaplock Panels

Mid Maine Textured panel. Image courtesy of www.MidMaineMetal.com.

16-½-Inch Textured Snaplock panels deliver added visual depth and durability for standing seam roofs that need both function and texture. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Textured Snaplock Standing Seam Panels.

Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply's 16-½-inch Textured Snaplock panel is a standout option for builders and homeowners looking to elevate curb appeal with subtle dimension. This panel is 24-gauge steel with a 1.5-inch seam height. It shares the same AZ50 Galvalume substrate and Sherwin-Williams Fluropon coating as its wider counterpart, offering excellent corrosion resistance and color longevity. The narrower 16-½-inch coverage gives installers flexibility for detailed designs or smaller roof sections while maintaining structural integrity and weather protection. Like the 19-½-inch panel, it has a 40-year warranty, making it a reliable choice for residential and commercial applications that value aesthetics and performance.

Fall Protection for 16-½-Inch Textured Snaplock Panels

Compatible fall protection anchors protect the roof and workers while maintaining the panel's textured finish and structural performance.

The 16-½-inch Textured Snaplock panel is compatible with the same non-penetrating, seam-mounted fall protection anchors used on Mid Maine's wider Snaplock panel. Using specialized anchors like the SSRA1 Seam Anchor ensures a secure tie-off point without puncturing or deforming the seam. These anchors maintain the integrity of the panel's textured surface and preserve the warranty while providing OSHA-compliant fall protection.

For added versatility, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks can be mounted onto the anchors to support 10-foot wooden walkboards, improving worker access and stability. SSRA3 Anchor Plates connect two SSRA1 anchors to create certified endpoints for temporary 100-foot horizontal lifelines, enabling multiple workers to stay tied off while moving laterally across the roof. For permanent safety solutions, the Super Anchor 120' Standing Seam Horizontal Lifeline Kit offers a long-term tie-off system without compromising the panel. On steeper slopes from 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a peak-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off solution, allowing workers to remain securely tied off without clamping onto the seam.

13-½-Inch Copper Snaplock Panels

Mid Maine Copper panel. Image courtesy of www.MidMaineMetal.com.

The 13-½-Inch Copper Snaplock panel blends luxury aesthetics with proven standing seam performance for premium architectural roofing. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Copper Snaplock Standing Seam Panels.

Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply's 13-½-inch Copper Snaplock panel offers a distinctive, upscale look ideal for high-end residential and specialty architectural projects. Crafted from copper with a 1.5-inch seam height and 13-½-inch coverage width, this panel brings timeless beauty, natural patina development, and exceptional longevity to any roof. Copper's unique properties make it softer than steel, requiring careful consideration in both installation and accessory compatibility to preserve its surface and structural performance.

Fall Protection for 13-½-Inch Copper Snaplock Panels

Specialized fall protection is required to protect the softer copper substrate and worker safety without compromising the roof.

Due to the softer copper material, the SSRA1 Seam Anchor and similar seam-mounted fall protection products are incompatible with the 13-½-inch Copper Snaplock panel. Clamping onto the seam risks deforming the panel and compromising its structural integrity or aesthetics. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the best fall protection solution on slopes between 6/12 and 12/12 for safe work on copper standing seam roofs. This non-penetrating anchor hooks securely over the ridge, allowing workers to achieve 100% tie-off without contacting the seams, protecting the copper's surface while providing a secure tie-off point.

Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For Mid Maine Metal Roofing Supply

 

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or 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

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Well-chosen safety gear makes all the difference. A harness that fits just right, a reliable lanyard, or a comfortable SRL isn't just equipment—it's confidence in every step. When workers trust their gear to stay secure and feel good wearing it, they're far more likely to use it correctly every time.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Stopping the fall is only half the story; the clock starts ticking at the moment the worker is suspended in his harness. Trauma straps allow someone hanging in their harness to stand up, relieving dangerous pressure and improving circulation until rescue arrives. Small, lightweight, and lifesaving trauma straps deserve a place on every harness.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Safety isn't just a rulebook—it's an attitude shared by every on-site person. Encourage open conversations about hazards, empower workers to speak up, and reinforce safe behaviors in daily routines. When safety becomes everyone's responsibility, the team becomes stronger, more alert, and more protected.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Standard anchors won't cut it on standing seam roofs. These panels flex and move, and drilling into them can wreck warranties, invite leaks, or compromise structural integrity. Seam-mounted, non-penetrating anchors protect the roof system while providing secure, OSHA-compliant tie-off points—no holes, damage, or shortcuts.

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training

Before a worker touches a roof, they must master safe ladder practices. Make a ladder inspection routine, teach the 4-to-1 placement rule, and remind crews to maintain three contact points while climbing. A well-placed, well-used ladder is the first step toward a safe workday at height.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones

Guardrails work quietly but powerfully to protect workers from falls. Creating physical and visual boundaries around skylights, access points, and roof edges reduces the mental burden of staying alert in dangerous zones. On busy sites, guardrails keep people safe without requiring active effort.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Permanent anchors are an innovative, efficient solution for roofs requiring regular maintenance—HVAC service, cleaning, or inspections. Once installed, they provide reliable, ready-to-use tie-off points that reduce setup time and eliminate the need for temporary rigging, all while protecting workers whenever they access the roof.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Even the most experienced roofer can lose footing without the proper boots. Roofing-specific shoes with deep tread and firm ankle support help workers maintain balance on slick, sloped, or dusty metal panels. Good footwear isn't just about comfort—it's critical for keeping gravity in check.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

A solid safety plan doesn't sit in a binder gathering dust—it shapes the entire project. Include site-specific hazards, clear emergency procedures, and detailed fall protection methods so every crew member knows what to expect. A well-communicated plan turns uncertainty into confidence and prevents accidents before they happen.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Curved metal roofs may look stunning, but their geometry introduces challenges that standard fall protection systems can't always handle. Before stepping onto a radius panel, consult a fall protection expert to design a solution tailored to the curve. A custom approach protects both the workers and the roof's architectural integrity.

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.