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What is the Difference Between Fixed and Freestanding Roof Edge Systems?

Overview of Each Roof Edge System


TopFix Roof Edge Protection

  • A fixed, rivet-mounted system designed for metal profile and standing‑seam roofs with up to 45° pitch. It attaches securely to copings or parapet walls for permanent edge protection.

  • Components include a base plate with multiple fixings, galvanised uprights, cradle clamps, tubes, elbow and wall connectors – no welding or hot‑works on site. 


Freestanding Roof Edge Protection

  • A non‑penetrative, modular guardrail that sits on the flat roof surface, relying on moulded plastic counterbalance weights. No drilling, no compromise to the roof membrane. 

  • Ideal for flat roofs, plant perimeters, maintenance zones, and areas where minimal disruption is paramount.


Installation & Impact on Roof


TopFix Roof Edge Protection

  • Requires mechanical fixing via rivets and sealing strips (for profile roofs), or clamps for standing seams – resulting in minimal, controlled membrane penetration. 

  • Quick off-the-shelf installation with no site welding or fabrication required. 


Freestanding Roof Edge Protection

  • Entirely non‑penetrative, avoiding any roof drilling – ideal for preserving warranties and preventing leaks. 

  • Portable, flexible, and can be repositioned or removed as needed. Installation is fast and simple, with no specialist tools.



 Compliance & Safety Standards


Both systems meet relevant UK and European safety standards, including:

  • BS EN 13374 (Edge protection standard)

  • BS EN ISO 14122‑3 (Guardrails for permanent platforms)

  • HSE’s Work at Height Regulations and HSG 33 guidelines.

Each system is modular and delivered in kit form, with no welding required – helping to minimise environmental impact and on-site disruption. Separate component parts can also be ordered as needed to meet your requirements.


Key Differences at a Glance


Feature

TopFix System

Freestanding System

Attachment

Rivet-fixed to roofing or parapet (penetrative)

Counterbalanced, no roof penetration

Roof type

Metal profile roofs, parapets, sloped up to 45°

Flat roofs, plant zones, flexible layouts

Portability

Permanent installation, not easily relocated

Modular, easily moved or reconfigured

Installation

Riveting + sealing; minimal roof disruption

Simple placement of weights; fast and no tools

Best for

Where permanent, durable edge rail is desired

Where membrane integrity matters or changes likely


Choosing the Right System


Choose TopFix when:

  • You have metal profile or standing‑seam roofing up to 45° and can accept minimal, controlled roof penetration.

  • You need a permanent fall‑protection solution tightly integrated into rooftop structure.

  • Long-term durability and minimal future relocations are priorities.



Choose the Freestanding System when:

  • The roof membrane must remain intact (e.g., flat single‑ply or warranty-sensitive installations).

  • Installation flexibility is key – such as systems around HVAC units, solar panels, or roof plant.

  • You want a portable, easily maintained setup that can be relocated with ease.


Environmental Considerations


TopFix Roof Edge Protection

  • Sold in a modular kit that reduces the need for site visits and on-site fabrication, cutting down emissions from transport.

  • The modular nature of the TopFix kit aids reconfiguration if needed, but drilled fixings may limit ease of reuse.

  • No welding on site, therefore no harmful hot works emissions.


Freestanding Roof Edge Protection

  • Similarly modular with no hot works or fabrication so also reduces material and transport waste during installation, no welding emissions.

  • Completely modular and easily disassembled or repositioned, enhancing longevity and reuse, minimising waste.

  • Both single and double counterweights are made from recycled plastic, improving the green credentials of the Freestanding system. Using recycled plastic reduces the demand for virgin materials, as well as diverting plastic from landfills or incineration, thereby reducing pollution levels.


Summary & Recommendations


  • TopFix: A robust, fixed-edge solution for metal roofs or parapet edges, offering high durability and compliance but requiring some roof fixing.

  • Freestanding: A non-penetrative, highly flexible system tailored to flat roofs and areas where preserving the membrane is essential.


Still unsure which fits your building best? Consider factors like roof type, durability expectations, need for future reconfiguration, and warranty requirements. Speak to Kite Group today to find what Roof Edge Protection System works best for you!

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