Fall Protection Strategies For True Metal Supply Roofs

Who Is True Metal Supply?

True Metal Supply is the premier source for residential and commercial metal roofing in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 2023 by industry veterans Adam Clark and Mason Burchette, the company was built to bridge the gap between premium material quality and contractor-speed efficiency for the East Tennessee market. Operating from a state-of-the-art 14,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Knoxville, they utilize advanced CIDAN brakes and roll-forming technology to deliver American-made DuraLock and TrueLock panels with unmatched precision and speed.

Why Non-Penetrating Fall Protection is Critical for True Metal Supply Roofs

Using traditional "nail-on" or "bolt-through" anchors is a catastrophic mistake on a True Metal Supply roof. Drilling holes through a DuraLock panel destroys the watertight seal, invites hidden rust, and instantly voids the manufacturer's warranty. Furthermore, rigid penetrative anchors "pin" the metal to the deck, preventing the thermal expansion and contraction these panels require to stay functional and leak-free.

To protect both the worker and the building owner's investment, you must use non-penetrating, clamp-on technology. Systems like the SSRA1 Seam Anchor provide a 5,000-lb certified tie-off point by gripping the vertical ribs of the TrueLock system without penetrating the metal.

Proper Attachment: Set Screws and Torque Requirements

Your safety and the SSRA1 anchor's certified holding power depend on the correct set screw application. We provide specialized fastening options based on the material gauge of your True Metal Supply steel panels:

• Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque these to 90 inch-pounds for a secure, non-destructive lock.
• Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: For 22- or 24-gauge steel panels. Torque these to 180–200 inch-pounds to achieve full holding strength.

Maintenance Note: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace them every 3 to 5 uses to ensure they maintain the necessary coefficient of friction. Do not use nylon-tipped or cupped-tip set screws on copper or aluminum panels. For these softer architectural metals, use The Ridge Pro Steep Assist, which hooks over the ridge to provide a non-penetrating tie-off point without risking crushing or puncturing the seams.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never use an impact gun to install set screws. Over-torquing with an impact driver can crush the standing seam, damage the anchor hardware, and void the roof warranty. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final installation.

The SSRA Component System & Expansion Tools

The SSRA system is a modular platform designed to adapt the SSRA1 to the needs of standing seam roof crews:

• SSRA1 Seam Anchor: The foundation of the system. This patented, non-penetrating anchor provides a 5,000-pound certified tie-off point and is compatible with nearly all mechanical and snap-seam profiles.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Mounts directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot wooden walk-boards. These are fully adjustable to match the roof pitch, providing a level, stable work surface.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These heavy-duty aluminum spanner plates connect two SSRA1 anchors and serve as the structural mounting interface for multiple users' horizontal lifeline systems.
• 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: A complete, non-penetrating solution that includes the SSRA1 anchors and SSRA3 plates needed for a 100-foot lifeline.
• 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: Engineered for long-term facility maintenance, this kit provides a permanent horizontal safety installation. It utilizes non-penetrating riser posts and galvanized steel cable for long-term, weather-tight building access.
• The Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The premier "First-Man-Up" tool for pitches between 6:12 and 12:12. This is the required choice for aluminum and copper panels to ensure safety without damaging the softer metal seams.

TrueLock 175 Snaplock Panels (SSRA Compatible — 24 ga. Steel)

TrueLock 175 panels deliver a premium solution for roofing projects that demand structural durability and sleek, modern aesthetics. Featuring a bold 1.75-inch rib height and a 14-inch panel width, this clip-lock standing seam system can provide decades of weather-tight protection. The concealed fastener technology ensures a clean appearance with installation over both solid decking and open framing.

Manufactured in 24 and 26-gauge steel, TrueLock 175 panels are available in elite Fluropon PVDF and WeatherXL® SMP finishes, as well as an AZ55 Galvalume® mill finish. This system offers exceptional architectural flexibility, rated for slopes as low as 1:12 on open framing or 1/2:12 on solid decking. With UL 580 Class 90 Wind Uplift and UL 790 Class A Fire Resistance ratings, TrueLock 175 provides unmatched peace of mind for residential and commercial applications alike.

Fall Protection Strategy for TrueLock 175 Panels

Maintaining the watertight integrity of a concealed-fastener system like TrueLock 175 requires a non-penetrating fall protection strategy. To preserve the panel's transferable lifetime warranty, contractors must avoid any equipment that punctures or "pins" the floating seams.

For 24-Gauge Steel Substrates: The SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a foundation for safety on 24-gauge TrueLock 175 panels. These lightweight aluminum anchors clamp securely onto the 1.75-inch ribs without drilling, establishing an OSHA-compliant 5,000-lb tie-off point.

• Staging & Access: When the project requires stable walkways, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Kit integrates directly with the SSRA1. This assembly allows for installing 10-foot walkboards, creating a level, secure platform for workers navigating steep pitches.
• Maximized Mobility: For larger roofs, SSRA3 Anchor Plates connect two SSRA1 anchors to support the 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit. This configuration allows two workers to remain continuously tied off while moving horizontally across the roof, significantly increasing job site productivity.
• Permanent Access: For long-term facility maintenance, the 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit offers a fixed, weather-tight lifeline solution that utilizes non-penetrating seam-clamping technology.

For 26-Gauge Steel Substrates: On lighter 26-gauge steel TrueLock 175 panels, or for steep slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the mandatory safety solution. By hooking securely over the roof ridge, the Ridge Pro provides a reliable tie-off point that avoids clamping pressure on the 26-gauge ribs, keeping the worker safe while the roof remains flawless.

DuraLock 100 Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

DuraLock 100 eliminates the need for mechanical seaming and specialized clips, significantly streamlining the installation process. Featuring a 1-inch rib height and a 16-inch panel width, these panels provide a sleek, minimalist aesthetic while delivering decades of durable weather protection. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for True Metal Supply DuraLock 100 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Crafted from 24 and 26-gauge steel, DuraLock 100 panels uphold the "True Durability" standard with elite finishes including Fluropon PVDF and WeatherXL® SMP. These panels can withstand the harshest environmental conditions, carrying UL2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance, UL580 Class 90 Wind Uplift, and UL790 Class A Fire Resistance ratings. With a minimum slope requirement of 3:12 and Miami-Dade County approval, DuraLock 100 is a premier choice for high-performance residential roofing.

Fall Protection Strategy for DuraLock 100 Panels

Contractors must understand that nailstrip panels are not compatible with seam-mounted anchors. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is an excellent alternative for 6:12 and 12:12 roofs when seam-mounted anchors are not an option. The Ridge Pro hooks securely over the roof ridge, providing a 100% tie-off point without contacting the delicate 1-inch ribs or concealed fasteners.

The lightweight design allows the first worker on the roof to establish a secure, OSHA-compliant anchor point from the safety of a ladder. By utilizing a peak-mounted approach, contractors deliver high-performance safety that respects the engineering limits of the DuraLock 100 system, protecting the building owner's investment and the manufacturer's warranty.

DuraLock 150 Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

The DuraLock 150 panels build upon the strengths of the DuraLock 100 system, offering enhanced durability and a striking architectural appearance. These panels feature a taller 1.5-inch rib height, a sleek 14.75-inch panel width, and a snaplock design that ensures quick installation without mechanical seaming tools. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for True Metal Supply DuraLock 150 Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Manufactured from 24 and 26-gauge steel, DuraLock 150 panels embody the structural reliability for which True Metal Supply is known. Beyond their aesthetics, these panels are a powerhouse of energy efficiency, capable of reducing cooling costs by 15–25% even with darker finish colors.

Fall Protection Strategy for DuraLock 150 Panels

Like the 100 series, the DuraLock 150 is a nailstrip system. Because these panels utilize an integrated fastener flange, they are not compatible with traditional seam-mounted clamps. Attaching a clamp to a 1.5-inch nailstrip rib can cause structural deformation and interfere with the panel's ability to expand and contract.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the best option for steep pitches between 6:12 and 12:12. The Ridge Pro hooks securely over the roof ridge, providing a 100% tie-off point that avoids all contact with the 1.5-inch ribs. This anchor preserves the watertight integrity of the hidden fastener technology and protects the manufacturer's warranty.

The system allows the first worker to establish an OSHA-compliant anchor point from the ladder. This strategy is the only way to ensure 100% tie-off during the most dangerous part of a residential metal roof project. The Ridge Pro's user-friendly design makes it ideal for the challenging angles often found in DuraLock 150 installations. It provides high-performance safety without adding unnecessary weight or stress to the roof peak.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For True Metal Supply

	TrueLock 175 (24 Ga.)	DuraLock 100 NailStrip	DuraLock 150 Nailstrip
SSRA 1	NO	NO	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	YES	NO	NO
SSRA2 Roof Jack	YES	NO	NO
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	YES	NO	NO
The Ridge Pro	YES	YES	YES

Contact Us For Expert Fall Protection Advice

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.

10 Pro Safety Tips for True Metal Supply Metal Roof Projects

1. Develop OSHA-Compliant, Site-Specific Safety Plans: Never step onto a job site without a written plan. Your safety plan should clearly outline fall protection strategies, emergency rescue protocols, and specific equipment requirements tailored to the roof's shape.
2. Strictly Enforce the 4-to-1 Ladder Safety Rule: Safe access is the foundation of every project. Always place ladders on stable, level ground and follow the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, pull the ladder base out by 1 foot. Secure the ladder at the eave to a seam-mounted anchor to prevent "kick-outs" during the transition from the ladder to the metal surface.
3. Use Specialized Non-Penetrating Anchors for Standing Seam: Protect the building owner's investment by using only non-penetrating, clamp-on anchor systems. For TrueLock and DuraLock profiles, the SSRA1 and The Ridge Pro provide OSHA-compliant tie-off points without breaching the watertight finish or voiding the manufacturer's warranty.
4. Equip Every Harness with Trauma Relief Straps: In a fall arrest event, suspension trauma can become life-threatening in just minutes as leg straps restrict blood flow. Install trauma relief straps on every harness and train workers to deploy them immediately. These straps allow a suspended worker to "stand up," relieving pressure on femoral arteries while awaiting rescue.
5. Mandate High-Traction Footwear for Metal Surfaces: Metal roofs require specialized, non-slip footwear. Ensure every crew member wears boots designed specifically for metal roofing traction. Proper footwear provides the stability needed to move confidently across TrueLock 175 or DuraLock panels.
6. Factor "Dynamic Sag" into Total Fall Clearance (TFC): Account for "Dynamic Sag" in your fall clearance calculations to prevent ground impact. When a fall occurs on a horizontal lifeline, the line's physical stretch increases the total fall distance.
7. Deploy Leading Edge (LE) Rated SRLs: Standing seam roof panels feature sharp vertical ribs that can shear through standard safety ropes during a fall. Always equip your crew with Leading Edge (LE) rated Self-Retracting Lifelines.
8. Install Permanent Anchor Systems for Frequent Access: For commercial properties or residential roofs requiring regular maintenance, install a permanent horizontal lifeline system. Using non-penetrating riser posts and the 120-Foot Super Anchor Kit simplifies long-term fall protection. It provides consistent, weather-tight tie-off points for decades.
9. Define Work Zones with Guardrail Barriers: On expansive or low-slope roofs, use guardrails or warning lines to define safe work zones. These physical barriers reduce edge-related risks and allow workers to focus on the task at hand without constantly monitoring their proximity to the roof's perimeter.
10. Cultivate A Zero-Compromise Safety Culture: Fostering a safety-first mindset is the most effective way to prevent accidents. Conduct daily crew meetings to encourage workers to report hazards immediately, and mandate pre-shift equipment inspections. When everyone takes shared responsibility, the entire crew stays protected.