Fall Protection For AB Martin ABSeam Panels

Fall Protection For AB Martin ABSeam Panels

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Apr 29th 2024

AB Martin Roofing Supply logo. Image courtesy of www.abmartin.net.

Who Is AB Martin?

AB Martin is a cornerstone in metal roofing supplies, deeply rooted in the heart of Ephrata, PA. Since its inception, AB Martin has been a vital cog in the machinery of the post-frame industry, catering primarily to customers' needs across the surrounding states. AB Martin's journey traces back to a humble beginning in 1947. It all started when Amos B. Martin recognized a need in his Lancaster County community and began supplying metal panels for their chicken shelters.

Over 75 years, AB Martin has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a modest endeavor has blossomed into one of the Northeast's most rapidly expanding building supply companies. Today, the company boasts the impressive feat of producing over 19 million feet of metal panels annually, a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation.

As AB Martin continues to thrive and evolve, it remains steadfast in its dedication to providing top-notch solutions for its customers. From its origins in serving local neighbors to its current stature as a regional roll former powerhouse, AB Martin's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, quality craftsmanship, and customer-centric values. Join us as we delve deeper into the innovative offerings and compatible fall protection equipment that complement AB Martin's standing seam panel systems. The inherent feature of all standing seam panel systems is the non-penetrating nature of the system, which can prevent water leaks for decades. Workers must be cautious when selecting the most compatible fall protection products and strategies to protect these roof panels and the workers.

ABSeam Panel

AB Martin's ABSeam panels are the ultimate choice for beautiful, long-lasting standing seam metal roofs. Residential, Light Agricultural, and Commercial Roofing projects nationwide regularly use the ABSeam panel series for new construction and remodeling. The hidden clip system means no panel penetrations.

There are three distinct ABSeam versions. Let's discuss each one and examine the recommended fall protection products for it.

ABSeam 24 Gauge Steel Panels

AB Martin ABSeam in 24 gauge steel. Image courtesy of www.abmartin.net.

This popular panel option has a 1.5" tall seam. The standard panel width is 19.5", although AB Martin does roll custom widths down to 11-1/2" wide, so your width may vary.

Fall Protection For ABSeam – 24 Gauge Steel Panels

For 24 ga steel ABSeam panels, SSRA1 seam clamps are the recommended seam-mounted anchor points. They're non-penetrating and help workers stay secure. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks are also handy. They let workers attach walk boards to standing seam roofs, making moving around during installation and maintenance safer.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates are another optional adapter plate for the SSRA system. They mount on top of the SSRA1 anchors, allowing workers to set up horizontal lifelines and keeping them safe from falls across the roof surface. Alternative fall protection products for the ABSeam 24 ga steel panels are the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor and the Super Anchor 2815 ridge anchor.

The RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor hooks onto the roof's ridge, while the Super Anchor 2815 is a permanent anchor point mounted under the ridge cap.

ABSeam Textured 26 Gauge Steel Panels

AB Martin 26 gauge textured panel. Image courtesy of www.abmartin.net.

The 26 gauge steel ABSeam textured panel is available in 6 colors and features a non-glare finish and a non-slip grip for worker safety. The seam height is 1.5", and the panels are 16-1/2" wide. The substrate is AZ50 Galvalume, and there is a 40-year paint warranty.

Fall Protection For ABSeam Textured 26 Gauge Steel Panels

Workers should avoid using the SSRA1 seam clampsSSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and the SSRA3 Anchor Plates for 26-gauge steel ABSeam panels. They require the steel panels to be at least 24 gauge thickness. Therefore, the ABSeam 26 gauge version is non-compatible.

However, we have a couple of other options. For roofs with 7/12-12/pitches, we recommend the  RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor. It hooks over the ridge to provide a safe anchor point for workers. The  Super Anchor 2815 ridge anchors can be mounted underneath the ridge cap to create a permanent anchor point on the roof.

ABSeam 16oz Copper Panels

ABSeam standing seam panel in 16 oz copper. Image courtesy of www. abmartin.net.

The ABSeam panel is also available in a 16-oz copper substrate. This beautiful panel option has a 13-1/2" panel width and a 1-1/2" tall seam. The copper color can be maintained with clear coats and sealers, or it can be left to allow the patina process to begin. Copper roofs have been documented to last hundreds of years.

Fall Protection For ABSeam 16oz Copper Panels

Seam-mounted fall protection and mounting solutions should be avoided when working on copper roof panels. The substrate is just too soft to withstand an impact on the seam anchors.

In addressing the safety needs of roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12, we recommend the  RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor, meticulously designed to cater to steep pitches. This innovative anchor effortlessly hooks over the ridge, furnishing a reliable and secure anchor point for workers navigating challenging angles.

Alternatively, the Super Anchor 2815 ridge anchors offer a permanent solution for roofs with pitches less than 7/12. By mounting underneath the ridge cap, these anchors establish a steadfast anchor point on the roof, ensuring long-term safety for workers without compromising the structure's integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring the safety of workers and preserving the integrity of ABSeam roof panels go hand in hand. With many options available, selecting the most compatible fall protection products and strategies is crucial. AB Martin's commitment to quality and innovation is evident not only in its standing seam panel systems but also in its dedication to providing top-notch solutions for its customers.

The recommended fall protection for 24-gauge steel ABSeam panels includes the non-penetrating  SSRA1 seam clampsSSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 Anchor Plates. These solutions enhance worker safety and preserve the integrity of the roof panels. Additionally, alternative options such as the RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor and the Super Anchor 2815 ridge anchor offer versatility and reliability for different roofing scenarios.

However, it's essential to note the compatibility of fall protection solutions with different panel materials. While specific options may be suitable for 24-gauge steel panels, they may not be compatible with 26-gauge steel or copper panels due to their softer substrate.

The RidgePro Steep Assist Anchor and the Super Anchor 2815 ridge anchor emerge as reliable choices for addressing the safety needs of roofs with varying pitches. Whether navigating steep angles or establishing a permanent anchor point, these solutions ensure the safety of workers without compromising the structural integrity of the roof.

In essence, by prioritizing safety and selecting the proper fall protection solutions, contractors and workers can confidently carry out roofing tasks, knowing that they are supported by innovative and compatible products designed to uphold safety standards and the longevity of ABSeam roof panels.

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.

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.