Leading the Roofing Industry Through Innovative Collaboration

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.

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Wind Investigation Program

RICOWI requires each of our trained investigators to complete this confirmation form for the 2024 hurricane season. We would like to commit approximately 50 people to fill 7 four-member teams, the logistics team and some observer positions. No matter your level of participation, this is an excellent opportunity to learn firsthand as well as help others by providing information for the good of the industry.

Sign up to volunteer for the 2024 Wind Investigation Program.

Hail Investigation Program

Participation in this investigation is a major commitment of time and must be seriously considered, as we expect each team member to take an active role from deployment through execution of the report. A team captain will be appointed and will assume responsibility to assign team positions i.e., report writer, photographer and data recorder (includes sample collecting where possible).

Sign up to volunteer for the 2024 Hail Investigation Program.

Membership

Organizations and individuals join RICOWI to provide support for unique
roofing industry programs, to become part of a professional group with shared interests and ideas, to have the opportunity to participate in hail and hurricane investigation programs and to encourage and coordinate industry research projects.

Sponsor Members

Industry associations who represent the manufacturing, design, consulting for, installation of, or the insuring of roofs and/or roof-related products or represent other professional services in connection with roofs and related concerns.

Affiliate Members

Any person, or individual representative of a firm, institute, manufacturer, corporation, or other entity that has an interest in roofs and roofing-related products.

Lifetime Achievement Honorary Members

Have distinctive accomplishments in roof system engineering, wind science, program development, research and those allied pursuits beneficial to the organization as demonstrated by executive leadership in our corporation. This is the highest honor bestowed by RICOWI for extraordinary meritorious service.

Education Members

Any person, or individual representative of a college or university or other academic organization that has an interest in roofs or roof-related products.

Download our membership application form.

Learn more about RICOWI membership.

The RICOWI Foundation

The RICOWI Foundation supports roofing industry projects that investigate climate resiliency and related issues through evaluation and funding. The Foundation actively will seek proposals that will address these projects.

Mission Statement

The RICOWI Foundation identifies and provides funding for the advancement of research related to weather performance of roofing products and systems.

2023 Challenge Grant Pledges

• Building Envelope Consultants, LTD.
• Duro-Last
• Eagle Roofing Products
• Georgia Pacific / DensDeck
• ISANTA
• Lakeside Construction Fasteners
• Malarkey Roofing Products
• National Gypsum Company
• USG
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions
• WindSmart, LLC

Learn more about the RICOWI Foundation.