Installing lifelines on sanding seam sheet roofs: how to ensure safety without compromising waterproof integrity

Standing seam sheet roofs are becoming increasingly popular in residential, public, industrial and sports settings. Commonly found in mountainous, snowy regions, or areas subject to heavy rainfall, they offer excellent performance in terms of impermeability and durability.

Often, they are also the solution of choice for heritage-protected structures, such as churches or historic buildings, thanks to the possibility to customise their appearance with a wide range of finishes and colours. This type of roof is characterised precisely by its standing seam – the system by which two metal sheets are joined together by folding the two edges over one another in a hook shape, with the side ribs overlapping and seamed together, creating a continuous, hole-free system that effectively protects against infiltration.

Standing seam sheet roofs: Why are they so popular?

This type of roof offers a good compromise between visual appeal, lightness and resistance to weathering.

The standing seam ensures a clean finish, with no visible screws, and highly effective waterproofing; installation is quick and adapts to various roof forms. The system allows for the creation of large, continuous metal surfaces, minimising potential water infiltration points.

Precisely due to its structural characteristics, however, standing seam sheet roofs present certain challenges when it comes to installing safety systems.

Risks on standing seam sheet roofs

Despite the seemingly easy access and uniform surface, standing seam sheet roofs represent one of the most critical scenarios in terms of safety at height.

Firstly, the low surface grip significantly increases the risk of slipping, especially in rainy or humid conditions.

Secondly, their use on buildings with architectural restrictions discourages the installation of railings or visually intrusive protections, making the adoption of specific, carefully designed fall arresters all the more essential.

The main challenge in selecting these devices lies in the difficulty of installing them on the standing seam sheet: the presence of longitudinal seams makes it significantly harder to position a traditional lifeline. Any installation must therefore be fully compatible with the geometry of the metal sheets and must not, under any circumstances, compromise the roof’s waterproofing.

Installing fall arresters on standing seam roofs

Designing fall protection systems on a standing seam sheet roof means striking a balance between safety and preserving the roof's integrity and geometry.

Each component must be installed in such a way as not to compromise the continuity of the seams, and therefore the roof’s watertightness. In addition, fall arresters must be certified in accordance with EN 795, CEN/TS 16415 and UNI 11578 (the latter applicable only in Italy), which set out the technical requirements and installation methods for anchor points and lifelines.

How to avoid water infiltration

Avoiding damage to the waterproofing is one of the main challenges when both designing and installing a lifeline on a standing seam roof.

Drilling into the roof to insert screws or anchors exposes it to the risk of water infiltration, which can damage both the insulation layer and the indoor spaces below.

That’s why the most effective solutions are those that use clamping brackets directly on the seam itself, avoiding the need for drilling. This way, the continuity of the standing seam sheet is preserved, and waterproofing remains intact.

If you’re looking for a lifeline compliant with EN 795, CEN/TS 16415 and UNI 11578 for standing seam sheet roofs, the support is key

Regardless of the model chosen, a lifeline can only guarantee safety and meet the specific requirements of the roof if the support it is mounted on is fully compatible with the underlying structure.

In the case of standing seam roofs, it’s not enough to choose a device with EN 795, CEN/TS 16415 and UNI 11578 certification: the lifeline anchoring method must be specifically designed for seamed metal sheets.

The supports must perfectly adhere to the profile of the roof and correctly transfer loads without deforming the metal sheet. They must also be made from corrosion-resistant materials, capable of withstanding mechanical and environmental stress throughout the entire service life of the fall arrester.

Rothoblaas fall protection systems for standing seam roofs

To support designers and installers, Rothoblaas Solutions For Safety has developed a range of fall protection systems specifically tailored for standing seam sheet roofs, with a strong focus on ease of installation and maintaining waterproof integrity.

SIANK, for example, is the single anchor point perfect for standing seam sheet roofs. It is clamped onto a single seam without piercing the metal sheet, ensuring maximum strength and quick installation.

For those designing a horizontal lifeline on standing seam roofs, the PATROL system offers a modular and highly flexible solution. The dedicated supports enable quick installation on metal, timber or concrete substrates, making the system adaptable to any requirement – including the specific constraints of standing seam sheet roofs. PATROL is compatible with both through and non-through configurations, enabling efficient installation while remaining fully compliant with EN 795.

Equally reliable in terms of performance is the AOS01 anchor point combined with the SEAMO support for round standing seam sheet roofs: this combination allows fastening with four clamps across two seams, without piercing the metal sheet. A solution that ensures optimal load distribution and high strength, even in challenging environmental conditions. The fall protection system consisting of the AOS01 anchor point and the SEAMO support withstands plane stress (360°) and is designed for installation on flat and sloping roofs.

Finally, to work at height in complete safety, personal protective equipment must never be overlooked – operators must be able to work safely while secured to the lifeline. The BIA harness + PROTECTOR helmet PPE set is a practical and comfortable choice for this type of requirement: the ergonomic BIA harness and the EN 397-compliant safety helmet offer reliable, certified protection for all stages of work on the roof.

How much does it cost to secure a standing seam roof?

The answer to this question naturally depends on the size of the area to be secured and the solutions selected. However, it is important to remember that safety is not a cost – it's an investment. Those who work on standing seam sheet roofs are well aware of the risks in a field where a single mistake can cost a life: Falls still account for a shockingly high proportion of fatal workplace accidents.

The real technological leap lies in designing systems that do not compromise the integrity of the roof. Rothoblaas has embraced this challenge with an approach that combines maximum safety with complete respect for the roof's technical features.

For designers, installers and those who work at height, we offer more than just products – we provide tailored technical consultancy to help identify the most suitable system for the project and every type of substructure.

Get in touch with our consultants and make your standing seam roof safe – today.