Originally Published as: SteelGrip SAMM
METAL OF HONOR AWARDS: 2
WEBSITE: SteelGripSAMM.com
PHONE: 231-944-0109
If you’ve got the grit to work on a steel roof, you need the grip to keep you there.
That’s how Neil Warner, President and inventor of SteelGrip SAMM® Safety Assist Magnetic Mats (SAMM mats), envisioned working on steel roofing. It’s been 14 years since the idea originated. The concept was simple: magnet, glue, fabric. In reality, there were pesky details:
- Is the magnet strong enough
- How much weight will it hold
- Will it keep both workers and tools in place
- Does it leave marks on the roof
- Will it break apart over time
- Will it hold when the roof is wet or dust & pollen covered
- Can it be easily cleaned
After testing numerous flexible magnetic sheetings, one was found that served most requirements. Three years and two dozen fabrics later, a fabric with weave and surface grip heavy enough to hold footwear and tools in place, wet or dry, was discovered. Bonding the magnet to the diamond deck rubber mats was an additional challenge. After developing a two-part epoxy to securely bond magnet and fabric, it was time for field- and third-party element testing.
A high-end building contractor/excavator tested the first SAMM mats. Three years and much problem-solving communication ensued. The contractor stated not only were SAMM mats extremely time efficient on roof repairs, ridge cap and valley installment, but kept tools and equipment close at hand without them becoming fall hazards. SAMM mats lessened leg and back stress by not having to hold legs and feet braced against screw heads and ribs. Workers went home not feeling worn out from jelly legs. SAMM helped eliminate the need for expensive lift equipment. SAMM mats and a ladder to access roof and lay out a job was simple and time saving.
The first SAMM mats sold did not have the non-slip rubberized coating on the underside as nothing tested performed well. In 2023, in-house formula modifications ensued. One year later a combination resin to hardener held. It could be cleaned of sand and shavings, was easy to lift and place, and held in wet or dry conditions. Also introduced in 2023 was the SAMM PRO. This mat was designed for multiple roofing styles including pole barn, standing seam, corrugated and architectural. Built with rare-earth magnets called neodymium, these super-strong magnets help get the job done.
Customer creativity found uses for SAMM beyond roofing and painting:
- welders
- packaging conveyer lines
- wildlife and animal control capture
- Fender protection or set under hood areas for tools and parts when working on vehicles and equipment.
With return customers averaging 20%, SteelGrip SAMM® has proven itself a game changer in the industry.
SAMM has dedicated itself to “Preventing Injuries and Saving Lives”®
