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.