Our Vision

To be recognized as the leading collaborative roofing research and educational forum where building science and sound practice are forged.

About RICOWI

Background

The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI) was established in 1990 as a non-profit organization to identify and address important technical issues related to the cause of wind damage which include:

  • Dynamic testing of roof systems;
  • Importance of sample size for tests;
  • Role of wind tunnels and air retarders;
  • Need for acceptable procedures for ballasted systems;
  • Field data and response team reports;
  • General lack of communication within the roofing industry as to what the problems are, what is being done and should be done to alleviate them, and how effectively information is transferred within the roofing industry and to others in the building community.

In 1996, RICOWI was incorporated as a non-profit corporation devoted to research and education on wind issues. After a review of the need for similar education and research in the areas of hail, energy efficiency and durability effects, the organization's objectives were broadened in 1999 to include other weather topics, and "Wind" in RICOWI's name was changed to "Weather" to reflect the expanded scope. RICOWI is assisted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the banner organization.

Download RICOWI bylaws.

Hurricane and Hail Investigation Programs

RICOWI has implemented two strategic investigation programs:
Wind Investigation Program (WIP)
Hail Investigation Program (HIP)

The purpose of the programs is to:

  • Investigate the field performance of roofing assemblies after major hurricane and hailstorm events;
  • To factually describe roof assembly performance and modes of damage;
  • To formally report the results for substantiated hurricane / hail events.

The data collected will provide unbiased detailed information on the wind and hail resistance of low-slope and steep-slope roofing systems from credible investigative teams. We can expect a greater industry understanding of what causes roofs to perform or fail in severe wind and hail events, leading to overall improvements in roof system durability, the reduction of waste generation from re-roofing activities, and a reduction in insurance losses that will lead to lower overall costs for the public. The reports and multimedia presentation will document roofing systems that fail or survive major weather events and will provide educational materials for roofing professionals to design wind and hail resistant roofing systems. All data will be used to improve building codes, roof systems design, and educate the industry and the public.

Our Mission

Providing relevant non-biased research pertaining to the performance of roofing systems following significant weather events; including but not limited to wind, hail, fire, thermal and moisture issues.

Applying research results to promote the development of new, or refining existing, industry consensus standard practices for roof system design and material testing and monitor and communicate changes to building codes.

Promoting roofing best practices for the benefit of consumers and industry representatives.

Seminars

RICOWI Seminars, held in the spring and fall focus on the proper design, installation and testing procedures for specific roofing materials. The spring seminar is normally scheduled to coincide with the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Annual Convention. Fall seminars are usually held at research testing or educational facilities and include a tour. They are of interest to roofing professionals, architects, contractors, engineers, facility managers and those in the insurance fields.

Meetings

RICOWI meetings are held twice a year, usually in conjunction with the spring and fall seminars. RICOWI meetings are attended by people that are concerned about roofing and weather issues.

The meetings include a technical forum and a business session where the direction and business of RICOWI is discussed. During the technical segment, the Sponsor and Affiliate Members have an opportunity to report on the latest developments in their organizations and technical subjects of common interest. You can bring your knowledge or concern to another group of experts that can peer review your ideas, suggest tests or procedures, or confirm that you are headed in the right direction.

Antitrust Statement

This is a reminder about Restraint of Trade limitations: we are not permitted to discuss or agree/disagree upon actions that would limit the free marketplace function, or put onerous business plan limitations on a member, supplier, vendor or other entity associated with RICOWI, Inc.

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RICOWI is an International Roofing Conference Education Partner

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RICOWI is an International Roofing Conference Education Partner

International Roofing Conference Education logo

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