By Mary Klett, ASA Communications Team
For decades, contractors, maintenance workers, and service professionals have accessed flat parapet-style roofs in much the same way: by climbing an extension ladder, stepping over a metal parapet cap, and hoping the ladder remains stable and the walking surface is safe. Despite major advances in construction safety, this everyday task has remained largely unchanged—and often hazardous, especially in rain, snow, ice, or other inclement weather.
SAKK SAFETY LLC was created to address this long-standing safety gap. Its mission is simple: to make accessing flat parapet-style roofs safer. The company’s flagship product, the SAKK® MAT, was developed specifically for workers who must transition from an extension ladder onto a flat roof with a parapet wall.
The need for a better solution is clear. According to a survey conducted by students from the University of Wisconsin Parkside, 82% of construction managers and safety directors said their companies work on numerous projects each year that require employees or subcontractors to access flat or parapet-style roofs from extension ladders. This means the risk is not rare or occasional—it is a routine challenge across the construction and building maintenance industries.
The SAKK® MAT addresses two critical issues at once. First, it helps secure the top of the ladder to reduce movement and prevent the ladder from falling over. Traditionally, workers have relied on makeshift methods such as bungee cords, ropes, tie wire, or even screws installed into the parapet cap. These methods can be unreliable and may damage the building, particularly the metal parapet cap. The SAKK® MAT offers a safer and more practical alternative by using buckle attachments and an adjustable J-hook system to help anchor the ladder without damaging the parapet.
Second, the SAKK® MAT provides a non-slip surface for workers as they step from the ladder onto the roof. This is especially important in wet or freezing conditions, when metal parapet caps can become slippery and dangerous. Instead of chipping ice or snow from the parapet cap with a hammer—another practice that can cause permanent damage—the worker can remove loose snow or ice with a scraper and place the SAKK® MAT over the access point.
The SAKK® MAT is designed for jobsite practicality. It is made from recycled, UV-resistant material that can remain outdoors for extended periods. It can also be rolled up and secured with wrap-around Velcro for convenient storage. When laid out, it measures 48 inches by 18 inches; when rolled, it measures approximately 6 inches in diameter by 18 inches. The product is proudly made in the USA by Roeming Industries in Mequon, Wisconsin.
A SAKK MAT that has been rolled up for transport/storage.
Flat parapet-style roof access may seem like a routine task, but routine tasks are often where preventable accidents happen. By combining ladder anchoring with a non-slip transition surface, the SAKK® MAT offers a practical safety improvement for contractors, building maintenance professionals, and property owners alike. Its purpose is straightforward: reduce the risk of slips, falls, ladder movement, and property damage while giving workers a safer way to access the roof.
About the Creator of Sakk Mat: The product was developed by Steve McDonough, who has spent more than 43 years in the construction industry. His experience includes new construction, remodeling, maintenance, and repair work—all areas where roof access is often required. After observing that parapet roof access methods had not meaningfully changed in more than four decades, McDonough created the SAKK® MAT to provide a safer, more dependable way to secure a ladder and protect workers during roof entry and exit. Find out more: https://sakksafety.com/ Or contact Steve McDonough at sakksafety2010@gmail.com
