Securing rooftops as the industry’s safety mandate evolves

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Explore how Anchor Products is reframing rooftop attachments as a life safety and code compliance priority across the roofing industry. 

Safety remains one of the roofing industry’s most persistent responsibilities and one that continues to grow more complex as rooftops evolve. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth, Anchor Products leader Scott Carpenter joined the conversation to explain why rooftop attachment can no longer be treated as a secondary detail but must instead be viewed as a core life safety and operational priority. 

Scott, who came to Anchor Products after more than four decades in the roofing industry, centered the discussion on trust and accountability. He described the company’s work as extending beyond hardware alone, explaining that “we’re selling anchors, yes, but what we’re really selling is trust.” In his view, trust is built through education and consistency, especially as rooftops become increasingly crowded with HVAC systems, solar arrays, telecommunications equipment, and other critical assets. 

As rooftops fill up, the risks tied to unsecured equipment grow less theoretical and more immediate. Scott pointed to a recent wind event in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a stark example. A large rooftop unit was torn loose and rolled across the roof during high winds. “A 65 mile an hour wind blew it off the curb, and it went rolling across the roof,” he shared. Although the unit did not leave the building, the incident illustrated how even well-constructed roof systems can be compromised when equipment is not properly secured. 

These incidents pose risks well beyond the roof itself. Unsecured equipment can become flying debris, threaten pedestrians and damage vehicles or interior operations. Scott reinforced that perspective, noting that “it’s not the roofing that gets us in trouble, but it’s all those things that bounce around.” 

Code compliance plays a critical role in preventing those outcomes, yet Scott acknowledged that enforcement and awareness are inconsistent. He referenced industry standards directly, stating, “all component attachments must be bolted, welded or positively fastened.” Problems often arise years after installation, when new equipment is added without coordination between building owners, contractors and manufacturers. 

Anchor Products aims to bridge that gap by working closely with contractors, OEMs, specifiers and building owners to provide attachment solutions that align with roof systems and warranties. Scott framed the company’s approach as solution-driven rather than product-focused, explaining, “nobody really wants to buy a U-Anchor. What they want is a solution.” That mindset has shaped Anchor’s investment in hands-on education, including a mobile demonstration trailer designed to show real-world applications. 

For contractors, Scott noted, rooftop attachment also represents a practical opportunity. Service and maintenance programs place contractors in a position to identify unsecured equipment and address it before it becomes a larger problem. While he acknowledged the revenue potential, Scott stressed that the deeper value lies in reducing liability and protecting lives. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how Anchor Products is helping contractors, specifiers and building owners strengthen rooftop safety through code-compliant attachment solutions!