Fall Protection For Fabral Standing Seam Systems
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Apr 25th 2024
Who Is Fabral Roofing Systems?
Fabral has been a leading name in the metal roofing industry since 1967. They've supplied steel panels for critical projects like the Vietnam War and contributed to modern sustainability efforts, such as aiding eco-friendly initiatives in schools. Join us as we delve deeper into Fabral's expertise in metal roofing. With their commitment to excellence and innovative approach, there's much to uncover in their world of construction solutions.
Let's explore Fabral's standing seam roof systems and determine the most compatible fall protection equipment for each panel series. Ensuring everyone knows which fall protection gear best suits each panel type is essential. After all, in construction, safety should always come first. Attaching fall protection has always been an issue with all standing seam panel systems. Providing 5,000 lb anchor points on a roof system that doesn't allow penetrations is tricky! This research paper will guide the various Fabral standing seam systems properly. The correct selection of fall protection equipment is essential for keeping workers safe when on Fabral roofs worldwide.
Horizon S/ Horizon S100/Horizon 16 Nailstrip SnapLock Panels
The Horizon Series measures 16" wide with 1" tall seams, ideal for residential, post-frame, and light commercial projects. The snaplock design makes this style of panel popular for DIY projects. All Horizon panels are 26 gauge steel substrates. The Horizon panels are installed over solid decking but not over old roofing materials. 3/12 is the minimum slope requirement for suitable water runoff.
Fall Protection For Horizon Series Panels
Due to the light 26 gauge substrate of the Horizon series panels, the SSRA1 Seam Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plate fall protection devices are not compatible. Instead, we recommend the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor for roofs ranging from 7/12 to 12/12 and the Super Anchor 2815 for roofs with 6/12 or less. These alternative anchors provide secure, non-penetrating anchorage points for workers.
Stand N Seam Panels
Fabral's Stand'N Seam panel is a durable, structural roof system with the industry's reputation for having the highest wind uplift resistance. The double-locked seams and unique one-piece clip provide excellent weather protection with unlimited therm expansion.
The panels are available in 12" and 16" widths and require mechanical seaming. The 2-1/2" tall seams allow for excellent water drainage, making minimum slopes as low as ½:12 possible. The Stand N Seam panels are available in 22—and 24-gauge steel, aluminum, and copper substrates.
Fall Protection Solutions for Stand N Seam Metal Roof Systems
SSRA1 seam clamps serve as anchor points that provide dependable attachment solutions for workers. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks also offer a platform for affixing walkboards to standing seam roofs, enabling movement and access during installation and maintenance activities. SSRA3 Anchor Plates offer flexibility by allowing horizontal lifeline deployment, ensuring fall protection coverage across the entire roof surface.
It's worth mentioning that SSRA1 Seam Anchors require a minimum of 24 gauge steel, restricting compatibility to 22 and 24-gauge steel Stand N Seam panels. However, the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor presents an excellent option for aluminum and copper panel versions.
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor hooks over the roof's ridge, creating an anchor point for workers. The Super Anchor 2815 would be another alternative for more permanent anchor point installations.
1-1/2" SSR/1-1/2" SSR 150 Snaplock Panels
These 24 gauge structural steel panels are 16" wide. Thanks to the factory-installed seam sealant; they can be installed with a minimum slope of 1/12. Due to the 1-1/2" tall snaplock seam, these panels are easy to install over factory decking or existing roofing.
Fall Protection For 1-1/2” SSR/1-1/2” SSR 150 Snaplock Panels
For Fabral 1-1/2" SSR Panels, SSRA1 seam clamps, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates are fully compatible. Using walkboards and horizontal lifelines on 1-1/2" SSR panels is simple and effective with these adapters.
Another option for 7/12 to 12/12 roofs is the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor and the Super Anchor 2815 strap anchor for roofs with pitches less than 7/12. steeper roofs
Powerseam/Powerseam II Panels
The Powerseam series of panels is known for strength and durability across multiple project types. It is available in 12", 16", and 18" widths with 2" seam heights. The taller seams allow for installations on roofs as low as 1:12 pitch. Single or double-locked seams and curving are installation options for the Powerseam panels. The panels can be ordered in 22 or 24-gauge steel or aluminum substrates. Let's look at the best possible fall protection solutions for the Powerseam panels.
Fall Protection Solutions for Powerseam/Powerseam II Metal Roof Systems
SSRA1 seam clamps serve as anchor points that provide dependable attachment solutions for the 22 and 24-gauge versions of Powerseam panels. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks also offer a platform for affixing walk boards to standing seam roofs, enabling movement and access during installation and maintenance activities. SSRA3 Anchor Plates offer flexibility by allowing horizontal lifeline deployment, ensuring fall protection coverage across the entire roof surface. It is crucial to mention that workers on curved seam metal roof systems should not use seam-mounted anchors.
For aluminum versions of the Powerseam panels, the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor is an excellent alternative for 7/12 to 12/12 pitched roofs. For roofs under 7/12 pitch, we recommend the Super Anchor 2815 permanent roof anchors. These strap-style anchors mount underneath the ridge cap.
Thin Seam Snaplock Panels
The Thin Seam has a snaplock design suitable for installation over solid surfaces or open framing. The 1-3/4" tall seams allow minimum roof slopes as low as 1:12. Panel widths can be 12", 16", or 18", and 22 or 24-gauge steel, aluminum, or copper are the available substrates.
Fall Protection Solutions for Thin Seam Metal Roof Systems
We recommend the SSRA1 Anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and the SSRA3 Anchor Plates for 22— and 24-gauge steel Thin Seam panels. These safety products create non-penetrating anchor points on the seams and can support 10' walk boards or 100' horizontal lifelines on the Thin Seam panel systems. The SSRA equipment is not compatible with aluminum or copper Thin seam panels.
For aluminum and copper versions of the Thin Seam panels, the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor is an excellent alternative for 7/12 to 12/12 pitched roofs. For roofs under 7/12 pitch, we recommend the Super Anchor 2815 permanent roof anchors.
Slim Seam Snaplock Panels
The Slim Seam panels feature a 1.5" tall snaplock-style seam that allows installation on roofs as low as 1:12 pitch. This structural panel is mounted on one-piece stainless steel clips, allowing unlimited thermal expansion. The Slim Seam panels are available in 12" and 16" widths in a 24 gauge steel substrate. Curving is available on this panel series; workers should avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved panels.
Fall Protection For Slim Seam Snaplock Panels
22 and 24-gauge steel Slim Seam panels are fully compatible with all SSRA fall protection products. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide reliable anchor points for single-worker tie-off. Workers can expand the functionality of the anchors by adding the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks for walk boards. If temporary horizontal lifelines are required, workers can also deploy the SSRA3 Anchor Plates on top of the SSRA1 Anchors.
Aluminum and copper versions of the Slim Seam may be compatible with the Ridge Pro Steep Assist and Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors. The Ridge Pro hooks over the roof peak, and the strap anchors mount underneath the ridge cap.
Curved versions of the Slim Seam panels would need to be evaluated on-site by a qualified safety professional to determine the appropriate fall protection method.
Snap On Seam
Fabral's Snap-On seam is a two-component, snaplock design requiring no seaming equipment. Fast and easy installations save money on labor costs. The Snap-On Seam has numerous options; panel widths can range from 12" up to 20", and the seam height options are 1" or 1-3/4". A minimum slope of 3:12 is required, and 22 or 24-gauge steel or .032"/.040" aluminum are the available substrates. Tapering and curving are possible with the Snap-On Seam series of panels.
Fall Protection For Snap On Seam Panels
Fabral Snap On 22- and 24-gauge steel panels are 100% compatible with the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 fall protection devices. The SSRA1 seam clamps offer dependable anchorages for individual worker tie-offs. The integration of SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks enhances this system, facilitating the installation of walkboards. Additionally, should the need for temporary horizontal lifelines arise, workers can seamlessly incorporate SSRA3 Anchor Plates atop the SSRA1 anchor.
Aluminum and copper versions of the Snap-On Seam are compatible with the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor, which hooks over the roof peak on 7/12 to 12/12 peak roofs. The Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchor, hidden underneath the ridge cap, can also be used for roofs under 7/12 pitch.
A safety professional should assess curved versions of the Snap On Seam panels to determine the most compatible safety equipment for fall protection.
2-1/2 SSR Batten Seam Panels
The 2-1/2" SSR Batten panel is versatile and durable. It is available in 18" seam widths with a 2-1/2 seam height. The taller seam profile allows for a minimum slope of just ½:12. The available substrates for this series of panels are 18, 20, 22, and 24 gauge steel plus options for .032", .040", and .050" aluminum.
Fall Protection For 2-1/2 SSR Batten Seam Panels
The steel versions of the Fabral 2-1/2" snaplock panels are 100% compatible with the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 fall protection devices. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide single-worker tie-off, while the other adapter plates allow walk boards and horizontal lifelines to be used without making panel penetrations.
Aluminum versions of the 2-1/2" SSR panels are compatible with the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor for steeper 7/12 to 12/12 roofs. For lower sloped roofs under 7/12, workers can use the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors.
IP Seam 3/IP Snap 3 Panels
The IP series from Fabral are trapezoidal profiles with 3" tall seams for superior water drainage. This feature allows for a minimum slope requirement of ½:12 and is available in 22—or 24-gauge steel substrates.
Fall Protection For IP Seam 3/IP Snap 3 Panels
Both steel versions of the Fabral IP panels are fully compatible with the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 fall protection products. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide single-worker tie-off, while the other adapter plates allow walk boards and horizontal lifeline use without penetrations.
Aluminum versions of the 2-1/2" SSR panels are compatible with the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor for steeper 7/12 to 12/12 roofs. For lower sloped roofs under 7/12, workers can use the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors.
Snap On Batten Panels
The Snap-On Batten panel has a unique profile and utilizes a concealed clip that allows for unlimited thermal expansion. Panel width options are 12", 16", 18", and 20" with a 1-7/8" high seam profile. This panel requires a 3:12 minimal slope and is available in aluminum or 22/24 gauge steel substrates.
Fall Protection For Snap On Batten Panels
The batten strip style of the Fabral Snap On panel is non-compatible with the typical seam-mounted fall protection devices such as the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3.
We recommend using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for 7/12 to 12/12 roofs and the Super Anchor 2815 for roofs with pitches under 7/12.
Conclusion
Construction safety is of utmost importance in the building industry. The range of Fabral standing seam roof systems requires careful consideration when selecting the appropriate fall protection gear to ensure the well-being of workers and the integrity of roofing structures.
Each Fabral panel series has unique fall protection requirements. The Horizon Series, for example, has a lightweight 26-gauge substrate, while the Stand' N Seam panels are renowned for their wind uplift resistance. It is crucial to consider the compatibility of fall protection gear for each panel series.
The correct fall protection equipment ensures workers' safety and prevents damage to the roofing seams and structure. Seam-mounted anchors, adjustable roof jacks, and anchor plates offer versatile solutions to provide secure attachment points without compromising the integrity of the panels.
Additionally, alternative options such as the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor and Super Anchor 2815 provide reliable alternatives for various panel types and pitches, accommodating the diverse needs of construction projects.
In conclusion, prioritizing safety by selecting the appropriate fall protection gear tailored to each Fabral standing seam panel series upholds the highest standards of construction excellence while ensuring the well-being of workers. Let's continue to build safely, one panel at a time. Call us today at 863-703-4522 to discuss your project, or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Learn more about fall protection by reading OSHA's 48-page manual.