Fall Protection Strategies For VicWest Standing Seam Roofs

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Who Is VicWest Building Products?

VicWest Building Products has been a cornerstone of the metal building industry for nearly a century. Founded in 1930, the company started making metal roofing for agricultural buildings, supplying durable roofs to barns and farm structures across North America. Over the years, VicWest has expanded, becoming a leading manufacturer of metal roofing for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects.

With a focus on quality and sustainability, VicWest now offers a wide range of metal roofing options, catering to everyone from homeowners to commercial builders. Their roofing systems can withstand the harshest conditions—fire, hail, and even hurricane-force winds—while maintaining an aesthetic appeal that can complement any architectural style. Whether you're looking to roof a home, a school, or a farm building, VicWest has a solution designed to last.

The company is also deeply committed to environmental responsibility. VicWest has embraced sustainability through its Planet Passionate Initiative, aiming for net-positive operations by 2030. Their facilities already operate at net-zero emissions, continuously improving through solar power initiatives, carbon reduction efforts, and water conservation programs.

With manufacturing facilities across Canada—from Prince Edward Island to Alberta— VicWest efficiently serves customers throughout North America, delivering high-quality roofing products that meet the needs of various projects.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical for VicWest Roofs?

When it comes to standing seam metal roofs, like those made by VicWest, fall protection is a must—not just for the safety of workers but also for maintaining the roof's long-term performance. Metal roofs are known for their durability but pose unique challenges when attaching fall protection systems. That's where choosing compatible anchors makes all the difference.

Drilling into VicWest's metal roofing panels to install traditional anchors is not a good idea. These panels are weathertight, and creating holes for anchors can compromise that. You don't want water seeping into a roof that's supposed to be watertight, right? This mistake could lead to leaks, rust, or structural damage. That's why non-invasive fall protection systems, like the SSRA1 Seam Anchor, are critical. These systems clamp onto the standing seams without puncturing the roof, so the panel's integrity stays intact while providing a secure point for workers to tie off.

Another challenge with standing seam roofs is their sleek, smooth design. VicWest's panels use hidden fasteners and tight seams, which look great and perform well. Still, they don't offer attachment options for standard fall protection gear. Products like the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks and SSRA3 Anchor Plates allow workers to deploy temporary walk boards and horizontal lifelines. This setup lets workers move safely across the roof without sacrificing the roof's smooth, seamless look.

Proper fall protection is especially critical on steeper roofs—6/12 to 12/12 slopes. Sloped metal roofs are notoriously slick, making it easy to lose footing. For these situations, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is a lifesaver. This tool hooks over the roof peak and gives workers a secure tie-off point to maintain 100% tie-off while navigating those steep sections. It's a non-penetrating solution that doesn't require drilling into the roof, preserving its performance and appearance while keeping workers safe.

It's also essential to think about OSHA compliance. Using compatible fall protection systems isn't just about safety (although that's reason enough). It's about following the rules and ensuring your worksite meets all safety regulations. Proper fall protection protects workers from injury and shields companies from potential fines and liability. For VicWest standing seam roofs, using systems like the SSRA anchors or the Ridge Pro ensures you're ticking all the boxes.

Finally, there's the issue of productivity. Workers with reliable fall protection that doesn't require constant adjustment can focus on the job. Systems that allow for horizontal lifelines or temporary walk boards make it easier to get around the roof, speeding up the project without compromising safety. And for large-scale commercial projects, that added efficiency makes a difference in keeping things on track.

In short, compatible fall protection for VicWest roofs is all about balance—keeping workers safe without damaging the roof, meeting safety standards, and maintaining productivity. Whether installing a new roof or performing routine maintenance, using the proper fall protection systems ensures that the roof and the people working on it are protected.

Marquis MQ450 Panels

The Marquis MQ450 metal roofing system is a robust and versatile option featuring a 17.7" wide panel with a distinctive 1.75" batten-cap seam. This system has hidden fasteners and excellent water-shedding capabilities, making it ideal for various roof designs. The batten-cap seam gives it a traditional appearance while maintaining modern functionality. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Marquis MQ450 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

One standout feature of the Marquis MQ450 is its thermally responsive clip mounting system, which allows for unlimited thermal expansion and contraction and accommodates up to 10" of insulating material. This flexibility ensures the roof can handle temperature fluctuations without affecting its structural integrity. Additionally, the system includes a sealed side-lap that enhances its water resistance, making it a reliable choice for many climates.

This roof system is available in panel lengths from 4' to 40'. It can be fabricated from 20, 22, 24, and 26 gauge steel, making it suitable for various applications.

Whether you're looking for a sleek, modern metal roof or a more traditional batten style, the Marquis MQ450 offers versatility in design and function.

Fall Protection for Marquis MQ450 Panels

Fall protection is essential for ensuring worker safety when working on Marquis MQ450 panels, especially given the unique batten-cap seam. Due to the specific seam shape, SSRA products are incompatible with this panel. However, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is ideal for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a non-penetrating option, hooking securely over the roof peak to give workers a stable tie-off point. This feature allows them to maintain 100% tie-off at all times while on the roof, ensuring safety without compromising the structural integrity or appearance of the panels.

For projects involving the Marquis MQ450, using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist ensures adequate fall protection and compliance with safety standards while maintaining the pristine condition of this specialized metal roof system.

Prestige Panels

Prestige Panels offer the classic look of a standing seam roof with the ease of installation that snaplock-style panels provide. Available in 16" and 20" widths with a 1.5" seam height, these panels deliver an elegant architectural appearance without needing a mechanically-seamed roofing system. The hidden fasteners reduce the visual clutter of exposed fasteners and minimize panel penetrations, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the roof. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Prestige Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

This system is well-suited for re-roofing projects and new construction thanks to its straightforward installation process. The slotted fastening track allows for thermal expansion of the metal, ensuring that the panels can adjust to temperature changes without compromising their integrity. Prestige panels are available in 24 and 26-gauge steel, providing options for different project requirements.

Fall Protection for Prestige Panels

Proper fall protection systems are crucial when working on Prestige panels to ensure worker safety and preserve the roof's integrity. For 24 gauge steel panels, SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates offer a comprehensive solution:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors clamp directly to the seams without penetrating the panels, allowing for a secure attachment point for fall protection gear without compromising the roof's weather tightness.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These jacks allow workers to install 10-foot wooden walk boards between the SSRA1 anchors, creating a stable platform for safer movement across the roof.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Used with SSRA1 anchors, these plates deploy 100' temporary horizontal lifelines, allowing workers to move safely across larger roof areas without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting their fall protection systems.

For 26 gauge panels, particularly on roofs with a slope between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the ideal solution. This anchor hooks over the roof peak, providing a secure tie-off point for workers and ensuring they can maintain 100% tie-off at all times.

Since some Snaplock panels may not be compatible with certain fall protection products, we suggest conducting a test fit to determine compatibility.

Regency Panels

Regency Panels offer a sleek, modern solution with their 16" width and 1" seam height in a snaplock style. Made from 28-gauge steel, Regency is a Snaplock standing seam roofing panel that is both practical and attractive. The hidden fasteners reduce the need for panel penetration, eliminating the unsightly appearance of exposed fasteners across the roof. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Regency Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Designed for ease of installation, Regency Panels are an excellent choice for both re-roofing projects and new construction. The slotted fastening track allows the panels to expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring long-term durability. These panels are available in various popular colors, especially for residential projects.

Fall Protection for Regency Panels

Fall protection is critical when working with Regency Panels, mainly due to the lightweight 28-gauge steel substrate and the specific seam design. Unfortunately, SSRA products are not compatible with this panel. We recommend using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for roofs with slopes ranging from 6/12 to 12/12.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a non-penetrating solution, hooking securely over the roof peak to give workers a stable and reliable tie-off point. This design allows them to maintain 100% tie-off while navigating the roof, ensuring safety without compromising the panel's structural integrity.

TSR Panels

TSR Panels are perfect for demanding applications, featuring a 24" width and a 2.7" triple-seamed standing seam. These panels are built explicitly for extremely low-slope roofs and are excellent for industrial and institutional buildings. Their versatility allows them to be installed on both single-skin and insulated roof systems, offering different levels of efficiency based on the building's needs. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products TSR Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Workers can install TSR Panels over structural decking in projects requiring high load capacities and structural diaphragm action. This profile incorporates a thermal clip-mounting system for improved insulation values, making it an excellent choice for energy-efficient buildings. With lengths ranging from 5' to 50' and available in 22—and 24-gauge steel, TSR Panels are an ideal solution for projects requiring long-lasting durability and performance.

Fall Protection for TSR Panels

When working on TSR panels, proper fall protection is essential to ensure workers' safety and preserve the roof's structural integrity. For 22 and 24-gauge steel panels, the following products offer a comprehensive solution:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors securely clamp onto the seams without penetrating the panels, allowing for safe attachment points for fall protection gear while maintaining the roof's weathertightness.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Roof jacks create a stable working platform by supporting 10-foot wooden walk boards between the SSRA1 anchors, allowing workers to move across the roof safely during installation or maintenance.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These anchor plates are used with SSRA1 Seam Anchors to install temporary 100' horizontal lifelines. This system allows workers to move freely across larger roof areas while remaining securely tied off, ensuring continuous fall protection without repeatedly reconnecting safety gear.

For steeper roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is also an excellent option. This non-penetrating anchor hooks over the roof peak to provide a reliable tie-off point that allows workers to maintain 100% tie-off throughout the project, ensuring safety without compromising the roof system.

Using these compatible fall protection products, you can maintain worker safety and the integrity of the TSR Panels, ensuring a long-lasting, secure roofing system.

Tradition 100 Panels

The Tradition 100 panel system, with its I-style Snap-Cap seam cover, is designed for straight-sloped and curved roof applications over a rigid solid surface. This highly versatile system features a 16" wide panel with a 1" seam height. It can be curved across its width to follow a contoured wall or curved over its length to form barrel-vaulted roofs or parapet wall edges. The thermally responsive clip system allows the panels to expand and contract with temperature changes, ensuring long-term durability. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Tradition 100 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Tradition 100 panels are available in lengths from 4' to 40' and are made of 20, 22, and 24 gauge steel, making them ideal for various architectural designs. With hidden fasteners and the Snap-clip system, this panel provides a sleek, clean appearance while maintaining the roof's structural integrity. This design is particularly suited for sloped roofs with pitches as low as 3:12, making it a versatile option for various building styles.

Fall Protection for Tradition 100 Panels

When working on Tradition 100 panels, using the proper fall protection system that complements the panel's design is essential. Because the Tradition 100 features a full batten cover, seam-mounted anchors such as the SSRA1 are incompatible with this panel system.

For roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is the recommended solution. This anchor hooks securely over the roof peak, allowing workers to maintain 100% tie-off while moving across the roof. The Ridge Pro provides reliable fall protection without compromising the roof's design, ensuring worker safety on challenging slopes and curved surfaces.

Tradition 150 Panels

The Tradition 150 profile features a T-style mechanically seamed rib with a height of 1 1⁄2" (38 mm), making it ideal for low-slope roofing applications. This panel system is for roofs with slopes as shallow as 2:12. The Tradition 150 panel also incorporates thermally responsive clips, which allow for expansion and contraction as temperatures change. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products Tradition 150 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

With hidden fasteners and the KR-Clip system, this roofing solution ensures a secure and clean installation. At the same time, The mechanically seamed ribs, paired with factory or field-applied sealant, offer superior weatherproofing for low-slope roofs. Available in lengths from 4' to 40' and in 20, 22, and 24 gauge steel, Tradition 150 panels are built to handle various roofing needs with strength and durability.

Fall Protection for Tradition 150 Panels

For working on Tradition 150 panels, the correct fall protection system is essential to ensure worker safety and maintain the roof's integrity. The following fall protection products are compatible with this panel system:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors clamp securely onto the standing seams without penetrating the panel, providing a non-penetrating method of attaching safety gear. This strategy preserves the roof's weather tightness while ensuring workers have safe tie-off points.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Roof jacks allow workers to install 10-foot wooden walk boards between SSRA1 anchors, creating a stable surface to move during installation or maintenance and significantly reducing the risk of slips or falls.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These plates mount on top of the SSRA1 Seam Anchors, enabling the setup of temporary 100' horizontal lifeline systems that extend across larger areas. These systems ensure continuous fall protection for workers while allowing freedom of movement.

For steeper roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is an excellent option. This system hooks over the roof peak and provides a secure anchor point, allowing workers to maintain 100% tie-off while moving across the roof.

By using these fall protection solutions, you can ensure the safety of the workers and the integrity of the Tradition 150 panels while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

SR2 Insulated Panels

The SR2 standing seam roof panel offers the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality. With a 40" width and a 2" tall seam, this panel integrates the classic look of metal standing seam roofing with the enhanced performance of an insulated metal panel. The field-seamed, hidden fastener joinery system adds to the architectural appeal and provides maximum protection against the elements. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for VicWest Building Products SR2 Insulated Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

The SR2 panel has various finishes, including smooth, embossed, lightly planked, or Mesa rib. This weathertight panel is suitable for retrofit and new construction applications and is constructed from 22, 24, or 26-gauge G90 galvanized or AZ50 Galvalume steel. Its composite design simplifies installation and reduces costs by integrating the exterior aesthetic, weather barrier, insulation, and vapor barrier into a single component.

With lengths ranging from 8' to 50', SR2 insulated panels are a versatile choice for various projects. They offer excellent thermal performance and structural integrity.

Fall Protection for SR2 Insulated Panels

Worker safety is a top priority when installing or maintaining SR2 panels. The choice of fall protection systems depends on the gauge and substrate of the panels.

We highly recommend SSRA products for 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel versions:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors attach securely to the standing seam without penetrating the roof. By preserving the weathertight integrity of the SR2 panels, SSRA1 anchors offer reliable attachment points for fall protection gear, ensuring workers can safely complete their tasks.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Mounted on top of SSRA1 Seam Anchors, these roof jacks support 10' walk boards, creating a safe platform for workers. Each SSRA2 Roof Jack has height-adjustable legs to accommodate various seam heights.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Unfortunately, SSRA3 Anchor Plates are incompatible with SR2 panels due to their 40" width. This panel width makes it impossible to set up horizontal lifelines using SSRA3 on SR2 panels.

For other substrates or gauges, including 26-gauge steel, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is the recommended solution:

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This system hooks over the roof ridge and offers a secure tie-off point, ensuring workers remain 100% tied off on steeper roofs. It's beneficial for slopes ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, providing safety for high-risk tasks.

By implementing these fall protection solutions, contractors can ensure that work on SR2 panels is both safe and efficient. These systems protect workers and maintain the structural integrity and performance of the SR2 panels, upholding the high standards of AWIP's standing seam roof systems.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For VicWest Building Products

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.

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Ensure Stable Access Points

Ensure workers correctly set up ladders and scaffolding to provide maximum stability. Train workers on OSHA-approved ladder safety, including the 4-to-1 rule, to reduce fall risks when accessing roofs.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide workers with top-notch full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. This gear minimizes the impact of a fall, helping to prevent severe injuries and keeping safety a priority on site.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure workers wear non-slip, metal-roof-specific footwear, especially in wet conditions. Proper shoes are crucial to reducing the risk of slipping on slick metal surfaces.

Secure Work Areas with Protective Barriers

Install guardrails or warning lines to establish safe zones on low-slope roofs. These barriers help prevent falls by clearly defining work areas and adding valuable worker protection.

Utilize Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

Use roof anchors specifically designed for standing seam roofs and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid anchors that require mounting over panel clips, as locating the clips after installation can be nearly impossible.

Implement Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchors to enhance safety for future maintenance or inspections. These systems provide reliable tie-off points, ensuring continuous protection for workers.

Encourage Regular Use of Trauma Straps

Ensure workers consistently use trauma straps with their harnesses and are adequately trained. Trauma straps are essential for preventing suspension trauma after a fall, especially during extended suspension.

Foster a Safety-First Workplace Culture

Conduct regular safety training and equipment inspections to create a safety-first culture. Encourage workers to stay proactive in maintaining a safe work environment, which will help minimize accidents.

Establish OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before starting any project, develop a safety plan compliant with OSHA guidelines. Include detailed rescue procedures and ensure that every worker knows their role in case of an emergency.

Take Precautions for Curved Metal Panels

Avoid using standard seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. Consult with a safety expert to develop a fall protection plan tailored to the unique challenges of curved roofs.

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.