Fall Protection Strategies For Steel Tile Co Standing Seam Roofs
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jan 14th 2026
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steel Tile Company Standing Seam Panels.
Who Is Steel Tile Co?
Steel Tile Co. is a premier family-owned metal roofing manufacturer headquartered in Innisfil, Ontario. Located just south of Barrie and approximately 75 km north of Toronto, they have anchored the Central Ontario construction industry for over thirty years. As Canada's largest producer of specialized, tile-profiled metal roofing, Steel Tile Co. provides homeowners and contractors throughout Simcoe County, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and across North America with roofing solutions that blend European aesthetics with industrial-grade durability.
Their commitment to local craftsmanship and engineering innovation has made them the top choice for durable roofing in Ontario's diverse climate. From their 30,000-square-foot facility in Innisfil, Steel Tile Co. has expanded its reach to provide comprehensive distribution and delivery services to every corner of Canada, including major hubs in Quebec and Eastern Ontario.
Whether you are managing a residential home in Barrie, a commercial property in Toronto, or an agricultural project in rural Ontario, these roofing systems are precision-engineered to withstand Canada's extreme blizzards and summer heat. By prioritizing reliability and long-lasting performance, Steel Tile Co. continues to set the gold standard for the Ontario metal roofing market.
Why Is Compatible Fall Protection So Critical for Steel Tile Co. Roofs?
Fall protection on high-quality metal roofs is non-negotiable. Whether you are installing a roof, conducting an inspection, or performing routine maintenance, you must keep your crew safe. However, not all fall protection systems work with these specialized profiles. Using the wrong setup can cause permanent damage to the substrate and the finish. You must prioritize seam compatibility to protect the worker and the roof system.
Steel Tile Co. standing seam systems can last for over 50 years. They resist extreme weather and require minimal maintenance. You must not compromise their integrity by drilling holes into the panels for safety anchors. Instead, you must utilize non-penetrating fall protection systems. These anchors protect workers while preserving the roof's water-tightness and structural integrity. In this guide, we examine Steel Tile Co.'s three primary standing seam panels and the specific non-penetrating safety solutions for each.
Understanding the SSRA Component System Configurations
To ensure 100% tie-off without voiding warranties, we recommend the modular, American-made SSRA system. The foundation of this system is the SSRA1 Seam Anchor. It features a one-piece body with no moving parts, fitting 95% of today's standing seam profiles without disassembly or "clip hunting." For Steel Tile Co. projects, you have two primary fastening options:
- Cupped Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these for standard 24-gauge panels. The cupped tip creates a mechanical lock on the seam. You must torque these to 90 inch-pounds using a calibrated torque wrench.
- Nylon Tipped Set Screws: Use these for 22- or 24-gauge steel panels. The nylon tip minimizes scratching and preserves the Galvalume® layer. You must torque these to 180-200 inch-pounds. Unlike cupped tips, you must treat nylon tips as consumables and replace them after 3 to 5 installations.
The SSRA Component Suite
For various job-site requirements, the SSRA1 serves as an adaptable mounting solution for several configurations:
- SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Mount these to SSRA1 anchors to install level walk-boards on steep slopes. The adjustable brackets are adaptable for various roof pitches and seam heights.
- SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These high-strength aluminum spanner plates convert SSRA1 anchors into horizontal lifeline (HLL) endpoints.
- 100-Foot SSRA HLL Kit: This temporary lifeline allows two workers to cover large roof areas while remaining continuously tied off.
- 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent Kit: A long-term maintenance solution using non-penetrating riser posts and galvanized cable.
- The Ridge Pro Steep Assist: For pitches between 6:12 and 12:12, use this "first-man-up" tool to secure a ridge anchor before leaving the ladder.
Steel Tile Co. Snap Seam Panels (SSRA Compatible)
Steel Tile Co.'s Snap Seam panels blend durability with a modern aesthetic. Manufactured from high-quality 24- or 26-gauge steel, these panels are 15 5/8" wide with a 1.5-inch seam height. They offer outstanding energy efficiency and can span up to 40 feet. They are fully recyclable and come with an impressive 40-year paint finish warranty. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steel Tile Company Snap Seam Standing Seam Panels.
Safety Solutions for Steel Tile Co. Snap Seam
For 24-gauge Snap Seam panels, the SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a perfect, non-penetrating fit. You can combine it with SSRA2 Roof Jacks to create stable walk-board platforms. For wide-span mobility, utilize SSRA3 Anchor Plates and the 100-foot SSRA HLL Kit, which allows two workers to cover larger roof areas safely. For facilities requiring regular access, the 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL is an excellent choice for roofs with a pitch up to 4:12. If you are working on 26-gauge panels or steeper slopes (6:12 to 12:12), you must use The Ridge Pro® to ensure a 100% tie-off from the moment you leave the ladder.
Steel Tile Co. Mechanical Lock Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The Mechanical Lock panels from Steel Tile Co. are a premier choice for durability and high-wind performance. These 24- or 26-gauge panels feature a 15 3/4" width and a 1.5-inch seam height. They are field-seamed with a mechanical tool, creating a permanent, structural bond. These panels lower cooling costs by reflecting heat, and a 40-year warranty protects your investment. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steel Tile Company Mechanical Lock Standing Seam Panels.
Safety Solutions for Steel Tile Co. Mechanical Lock
The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps directly onto the field-seamed mechanical rib without damaging the seam. Use SSRA2 Roof Jacks for level walking surfaces on steep roof sections. On larger projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates paired with the 100-foot SSRA HLL Kit allow your crew to navigate large areas while remaining 100% tied off. For long-term maintenance needs, the 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL provides a non-penetrating solution that accommodates the roof's thermal movement. For pitches steeper than 6:12, the Ridge Pro® provides the necessary ridge-mounted tie-off point when seam-mounted anchors aren't an option.
Steel Tile Co. Nail Strip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)
The Nailstrip system offers a sleek, concealed-fastener appearance for residential and commercial builds. These 16" wide panels feature a 1.5-inch seam height and an integrated fastener flange. While Nailstrip provides superior weather protection and a lifespan exceeding 50 years, the roll-forming process for the fastener-flange rib can vary. These variations can create compatibility issues with seam-mounted anchors. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steel Tile Company Nail Strip Standing Seam Panels.
Safety Solutions for Steel Tile Co. Nailstrip
Due to the variations in Nailstrip rib profiles, we do not recommend using seam-mounted anchors for fall arrest on this specific panel. Instead, you must use The Ridge Pro® Steep Assist as part of your fall protection strategy. The Ridge Pro® hooks securely over the roof peak, providing a 5,000-lb certified anchor point that does not rely on the fastener flange for strength. This solution ensures workers remain 100% tied off while preserving the roof's aesthetic and structural integrity, especially on pitches between 6:12 and 12:12.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Steel Tile Company
| Snap Seam (24 Ga.) | Mechanical Lock (24 Ga.) | Nail Strip Panel | |
|---|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
NO | NO | NO |
SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | NO |
SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | NO |
SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | NO |
The Ridge Pro |
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 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.
10 Essential Safety Guidelines for Steel Tile Co. Projects
1. Reject Unverified Imports to Reduce Liability
Cheap imported anchors often lack verified testing and material certifications. Choose American-made, 3rd-party-tested SSRA1 anchors to meet the OSHA 1926.502(d)(15) requirements for a 5,000-lb certified tie-off.
2. Prioritize Low-Torque Fasteners to Prevent Seam Failure
Avoid high-torque "compression" clamps that require over 100 lbs of force. The SSRA1 utilizes a 12-point set screw system requiring only 7.5 ft-lbs (90 in-lbs) of torque, preserving the mechanical seam of Steel Tile Co. panels.
3. Mandate "First-Man-Up" Ridge Protection
Securing a ridge anchor before leaving the ladder is critical. For slopes 6:12 to 12:12, utilize The Ridge Pro® to satisfy OSHA ladder-to-roof transition safety standards.
4. The SSRA1 Advantage: No More Searching for Hidden Clips
You cannot see the clips underneath existing Steel Tile Co. panels. The SSRA1 eliminates "clip hunting" by securely attaching to the seam with its modular 12-point system. Read product manuals before selecting seam anchors and avoid versions that require attachment over hidden clips.
5. Calculate Dynamic Sag on Fall Distance Calculations
Per ANSI Z359.6, you must account for "Dynamic Sag" when deploying horizontal lifelines. Always calculate the total fall distance (Free Fall + Deceleration + Sag + Safety Factor) to prevent workers from striking lower levels. Limit HLL systems to 4:12-pitch roofs; anything steeper requires direct attachment to fixed anchor points.
6. Prevent Galvanic Corrosion on Architectural Finishes
Steel Tile Co. utilizes premium Galvalume® and PVDF coatings. You must use 100% stainless steel set screws, as found on the SSRA1, to prevent galvanic reactions and premature roof corrosion.
7. Roof System Thermal Expansion & Contraction
Standing seam roofs "float" to manage temperature changes. You must only use non-penetrating clamps, such as the SSRA1, to allow this movement without stressing the seams or voiding warranties.
8. Implement Daily Torque Verification
Extreme temperature swings can affect fastener tension. As part of your mandatory daily inspection, use a torque wrench to verify all set screws remain at their calibrated settings.
9. Prevent Suspension Trauma with Trauma Straps
While OSHA 1926.502(d)(20) requires employers to provide for a "prompt rescue" after a fall, many contractors overlook the dangerous minutes between the fall and the rescue. Even the best harness becomes a liability if a worker is left hanging; suspension trauma can set in within minutes as the leg straps constrict the femoral arteries. To truly protect your crew and minimize company liability, we strongly recommend equipping every harness with Suspension Trauma Straps.
10. Eliminate the "Pendulum Effect": Managing Swing Fall Hazards
The most dangerous fall isn't always the vertical drop; it's the swing fall. If your anchor point is not directly overhead or centered in your work area, a fall will cause you to swing like a pendulum. Always keep your work zone within a 30° arc of your anchor point. If you find yourself moving too far laterally, stop and relocate your anchor.
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 contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries about fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise after installing our products.