A mid-roof anchoring system includes a series of anchoring channels secured to the roof structure along a line midway between the eave and the ridge of the roof. Metal roof panels installed over tile substructure are permitted to float laterally on the roof, except where they are attached to the anchoring channels. As a result, the roof panels expand or contract in both directions away from the midway line. This approach minimizes thermally induced movement the upper and lower edges of the roof, and minimizes reaction forces at the anchor.