By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

For Texas contractors looking to expand services, strengthen margins and better serve property owners, this is a timely opportunity to gain insights and make valuable industry connections.

As Texas contractors look for new ways to increase profitability, extend roof life and meet growing demand from property owners, roof coatings have begun to gain momentum. In response, the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) is bringing together leading manufacturers and experts to share real-world insights on what’s working in today’s coatings market in new in-person forum.

This forum, Lunch & Learn: Roof Coatings Forum, will be taking place on Wednesday, June 10 in Euless, Texas. According to an invitation from Kristen Harford, executive director of NTRCA, this educational event is designed to provide practical, experience-driven perspectives from a strong lineup of manufacturers, including ASC, Bitec and Polyglass. Rather than focusing on one product approach, the forum creates a unique opportunity to hear multiple viewpoints in one setting, helping contractors better evaluate solutions for their businesses and customers. 

The discussion will center around key topics shaping the coatings segment today, including opportunities to improve profitability, strategies for roof restoration/life extension and the latest technologies influencing the industry. Attendees will also gain a clearer understanding of how coatings deliver value to property owners, an increasingly important selling point as building owners look for cost-effective alternatives to full roof replacement.  

Beyond the presentations, the format is designed for engagement. Contractors will have direct access to manufacturer representatives, the ability to ask questions and the chance to explore tabletop displays and product samples. This hands-on component is especially valuable for those evaluating how to expand or refine their coatings offerings.  

Overall, association events like what NTRCA is doing help contractors stay informed and connected to the latest developments in the field. This is key to staying competitive, expecially in a market like Texas where climate conditions and building demands create ongoing opportunities for restoration solutions.

Again, the forum will be held at Texas Star in Euless from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with lunch provided. Space is limited and advanced registration is encouraged. Register here or visit the NTRCA directory on RoofersCoffeeShop. 

Asphalt roofing facilities across North America recognized for workplace safety.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) has completed its annual Accident Prevention Contest and is proud to recognize 82 asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities for their workplace safety, specifically low incident rates among workers.

Facilities that entered the 2025 Accident Prevention Contest were judged based on ARMA criteria derived from the standards set by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This information is gathered through quarterly safety data reports from the past calendar year.

“We are proud of the commitment that ARMA members have to a safe work environment for all employees,” said ARMA’s executive vice president Reed Hitchcock. “These facilities continue to maintain high standards in plant health and safety.”

Every year, ARMA’s manufacturer members are invited to participate in the Accident Prevention Contest by submitting data from their entire company, a specific division or an individual plant or mill in North America. Winners are honored in four different categories with a “perfect” score, meaning that zero safety incidents were recorded.

President’s Award: Recognizing the plant in each contest category with the best score over a two-year period.

• Group A: GAF (Shingle) – Shafter, California – 5 stars
• Group B: Atlas Roofing Corporation – Daingerfield, Texas – 3 stars
• Group C: Amrize – Beech Grove, Indiana – 1 star
• Group D: SOPREMA – Chilliwack, British Columbia – 1 star

Award of Excellence: Recognizing plants with three consecutive years of a “perfect” score (that are not recipients of the President’s Award).

• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Perfect Employee Safety Certificate: Recognizing plants with a “perfect” score for the reporting year.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Clinton, Iowa
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Fontana, California
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Owens Corning – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Denver, Colorado
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Kearny, New Jersey
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Linnton, Oregon
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Medina, Ohio
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Polyglass USA – Phoenix, Arizona
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Walsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Ennis, Texas
• TAMKO Building Products – Green Cove Springs, Florida
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• Tarco Roofing – North Little Rock, Arkansas

Certificate of Safety Improvement: Recognizing plants that demonstrated an improvement of at least 25% over their previous year’s performance.

• Atlas Roofing Corporation – Meridian, Mississippi
• Building Products of Canada – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Building Products of Canada – LaSalle, Quebec, Canada
• CertainTeed – Fremont, California
• CertainTeed – Jonesburg, Missouri
• CertainTeed – Little Rock, Arkansas
• CertainTeed – Norwood, Massachusetts
• CertainTeed – Oxford, North Carolina
• GAF – Baltimore, Maryland
• GAF – Dallas, Texas
• GAF – Ennis, Texas (Shingle)
• GAF – Michigan City, Indiana
• GAF – Mt. Vernon, Indiana
• GAF – Savannah, Georgia
• GAF – Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Johns Manville – Plattsburgh, New York
• Johns Manville – South Gate, California
•  IKO Midwest – Kankakee, Illinois
•  IKO Pacific – Sumas, Washington
• IKO Southeast – Sylacauga, Alabama
• IKO Southwest – Hillsboro, Texas
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Malarkey Roofing Products – Portland, Oregon
•  Malarkey Roofing Products – Southgate, California
• Owens Corning – Atlanta, Georgia
• Owens Corning – Brentwood, New Hampshire
• Owens Corning – Denver, Colorado
•  Owens Corning – Houston, Texas
• Owens Corning – Memphis, Tennessee
• Owens Corning – Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Compton, California
• Owens Corning (Asphalt) – Irving, Texas
• Polyglass USA – Fernley, Nevada
• Polyglass USA – Waco, Texas
• SOPREMA – Gulfport, Mississippi
• SOPREMA – Wadsworth, Ohio
• TAMKO Building Products – Columbus, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Frederick, Maryland
• TAMKO Building Products – Joplin, Missouri – High
• TAMKO Building Products – Knoxville, Tennessee
• TAMKO Building Products – Phillipsburg, Kansas
• TAMKO Building Products – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

ARMA extends congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

About ARMA

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low slope roof membrane systems. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

Polyglass’ sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that create positive, lasting impact.

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems, proudly served as a sponsor of the Hands & Hearts Gala hosted by Boca Helping Hands, an annual fundraising event benefiting children, individuals and families in need throughout Palm Beach County.

Held in Boca Raton, Florida, the gala brought together community leaders, donors and supporters for an elegant evening dedicated to advancing Boca Helping Hands’ mission of addressing hunger while creating pathways to long‑term self‑sufficiency. This year’s event honored founding member Gary Peters for his lasting contributions to the organization and its impact within the community.

Boca Helping Hands is a Boca Raton-based nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals and families facing economic hardship. In 2025 alone, the organization provided more than 3.5 million meals across Palm Beach County through pantry services, hot meal programs and weekend food assistance for children. The Hands & Hearts Gala plays a critical role in expanding these efforts while also supporting workforce development initiatives that help participants build sustainable, independent futures.

As a Spotlight VIP Table Sponsor, Polyglass hosted employees and guests at the gala and actively participated in both silent and live auctions in support of the organization’s critical programs. The Old Hollywood-themed evening featured a casino‑style experience, live entertainment and opportunities for attendees to engage directly in fundraising efforts that make a meaningful difference locally.

“Being part of the communities where we live and work is important to Polyglass. Supporting Boca Helping Hands is about more than attending an event,” said Scott Lelling, executive VP, strategic marketing at Polyglass. “It’s about standing alongside an organization that provides real help to individuals and families, creating opportunities for a stronger future. We’re proud to support their mission and the impact they continue to make right here in our local community.”

Polyglass’ sponsorship reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and organizations that create positive, lasting impact.

Contact Polyglass to learn more about their innovative roofing and waterproofing products.

About Polyglass U.S.A., Inc.
 
Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems. Known for its self-adhered modified bitumen roofing systems based on the company’s patented ADESO® Technology and CURE Technology®, Polyglass also produces a full line of premium roof coatings and roof maintenance systems. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Polyglass provides quality products and adds value through innovation. For more information about the premium products and services offered by Polyglass, call 800.222.9782 or visit polyglass.us.

By Jenny Yu.  

Attendees of the 2026 IIBEC Convention gained insights, education and networking opportunities. 

On March 12-15, 2026, the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show delivered on its promise to bring together roofing and building enclosure professionals for education, collaboration and innovation. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Brian Pallasch, EVP and CEO of the International Institute of Building Encloser Consultants (IIBEC), about the key takeaways that continue to shape how contractors, consultants and manufacturers work together. 

For Brian, one central theme for the conference was collaboration. “It really is about the partnership,” Brian stated. “When the contractor, the architect, the building enclosure consultant and the manufacturer work together, it’s to the benefit of the owner and the building. It’s a team.” As building systems grow more complex, this team approach is becoming essential across the industry. 

Brian also emphasized that IIBEC members play a critical role in ensuring quality and performance. “Our members are there to help the owner, the roofing contractor and the manufacturer get the job done — well done and right,” he said. That focus on quality was evident in both the educational sessions and conversations happening on the trade show floor. 

In addition, another key topic present throughout the conference and trade show was the long-term durability of building performance. “The idea of commissioning is, as buildings get more complex, you want to make sure that plans are actually being followed on the job site,” Brian explained, adding that building owners are increasingly focused on results: “They want to make sure that the building that they paid for is the building that they’re getting.” 

The Coffee Shops™ was thrilled to be part of such a successful event, recording live interviews that highlighted the innovation, learning and networking in strong supply. One standout moment included a Coffee Conversations® sponsored by Western Colloid Fluid Applied Roofing and Coating Systems, featuring a panel of industry experts who discussed the factors shaping the future of the roofing and building enclosure industry. 

“We had Lauren Morley, owner and president of R3NG Roofing and Gutters; Greg Hlavaty,  president of Western Colloid; and two amazing consultants, Sean Connolly and Dustin Smoot,” Megan Ellsworth of The Coffee Shops shared. “It was a fabulous conversation.” 

Other highlights included a state-of-the-industry address by RCS Influencer and Adams & Reese LLP Partner Trent Cotney; a live demo showcasing the strength of USG Securock® cover boards; and visits with Johns Manville and Polyglass at their hospitality booths. 

Overall, as the industry continues to evolve, IIBEC remains a hub for innovation, connection and professional growth. 

Listen to the full podcast to hear more insights about the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Join RCMA this October in Atlanta for the 2026 Fall Meeting.

At The Coffee Shops™, we are committed to sharing timely industry information while supporting the associations that move roofing forward. Organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) play a vital role in advancing education, advocacy and innovation, and we are proud to help promote their work and encourage membership across the industry. 

That momentum is clear in 2026. Under the leadership of President Josh Poole, RCMA continues to expand its impact through growing contractor engagement, strong technical initiatives and new leadership guiding the association forward. 

RCMA recently welcomed new board leadership, including George Daisey of Dow Chemical Company as supplier vice president, along with Brent Crenshaw of EPS Materials and Jayne Rollason of Polyglass USA, Inc. as directors. Their experience and commitment reflect the strength of leadership shaping the future of roof coatings. 

A key focus continues to be RCMA’s growing Contractor Membership, bringing applicators into the conversation around codes, standards and best practices. This inclusion ensures that real-world insights are helping guide the industry while giving contractors access to technical resources, education and valuable industry connections. 

RCMA is also advancing technical excellence with resources like Coatings Tech Note 6 on white roof coatings, providing practical guidance on performance, application and energy efficiency. At the same time, member companies are driving innovation across the industry, with SOPREMA USA and Fluid Applied Roofing (FAR) recognized at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) for their award-winning technologies. Collaboration remains at the core of RCMA’s success, with new members like BITEC® and AB Specialty Silicones strengthening the association’s network and expertise. 

Looking ahead, the RCMA 2026 Fall Meeting, taking place October 7–8 in Atlanta, Georgia, will bring together industry leaders, technical experts and decision-makers for two days of collaboration and forward-thinking discussion. For contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, this is the time to get involved.

Plan to attend the Fall Meeting and be part of the conversations shaping the future of roof coatings. 

By Jenny Yu. 

Polyglass’s Polyschool demonstrates the power of hands-on roofing training. 

Hands-on training continues to play a critical role in the strengthening of the roofing workforce, as highlighted in this special edition of CoatingsTalk™, hosted live from the Polyglass Polyschool facility in Winter Haven, Florida. The session brought together technical experts to discuss and demo how education and training initiatives are improving installation quality, workforce retention and overall business performance.  

Polyglass offers many forms of education, including on-site demos and lunch-and-learns, but the heart of their offerings is Polyschool, Polyglass’s training program designed to provide classroom instruction and real-world application. “Training is our passion,” said Marie Ferrer, national technical training manager for Polyglass. “We want to make sure that everything is translated into you being able to apply what you're doing.” 

Polyschool’s approach emphasizes active participation through a “tell, show, do, apply” methodology, allowing attendees to participate in technique demonstrations, practice opportunities and immediate feedback. This hands-on model reflects how adult learners retain information and helps crews bring best practices back to the jobsite. “You’re never bored,” Marie stated.  

For Allie Spangler, district sales manager for the Southwest Florida region, the in-person experience is a key differentiator. “For the sales team, this has become an extension of us,” Allie said. “There are so many modes of communication now, but ultimately, face-to-face is still authentic. That's what we want to do here at Polyschool.” 

That said, Allie also noted Polyglass’s online, virtual training sessions on their YouTube channel, PolyFlix: “Highly recommend it. It offers a lot of installation tips, how-to videos and time trials.” 

During the webinar, Gianluca Venturin, technical services representative of Polyglass, and Henry Rives, national technical services manager for Polyglass, led live demonstrations focused on installation best practices. One best practice Gianluca wanted to highlight was the importance of attention to detail in critical areas.  

“We touched on many products, but one thing every crew should take back from this demo is the importance of T-joints,” Gianluca said. “I do many on-site observations, and sometimes I find that T-joints are the weakest point. So, maybe spend two minutes more on a T-joint, and this will prevent leaks.” 

Henry agreed. “A half-second procedure that can save you an hour later,” Henry said. “And, it makes for better roofing. It’s the way it should be done.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to see Polyschool training in action!

By Emma Peterson. 

Whether you’re an attendee or an exhibitor, you don’t want to miss this premier air barrier event!  

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) will be hosting their annual building enclosure conference and trade show this May! This two-day show (May 5-6, 2026) will be held at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an unparalleled opportunity for design professionals, general contractors, air barrier contractors, consultants and testing labs to network, learn and grow together. 

Come as an attendee 

For attendees, this is your chance to earn valuable professional credits, network with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations in the air barrier world. There will be 22 dynamic presentations from top building enclosure experts sharing real-world insights and best practices across the two days of programming, offering professionals a chance to earn up to 12 total credits.  

There will also be unique in-person training opportunities that combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences. These trainings run a bit longer than the rest of the program, as they are divided into three core modules over three days (May 5-7, 2026). This year’s tracks include self-adhered/fluid applied installer training (SA/FL), spray polyurethane foam installer training (SPF) and auditor training.  

The best part? ABAA is providing “all BEC members, specification writers and architectural firm employees with a discounted rate.” Please note, these rates do not apply for the installer or field auditor training courses. Contact ABAA to learn more about eligiblity for these discounts.  

Exhibit on in the expo hall 

Looking for a way to meet your clients face-to-face? Consider exhibiting at ABAA’s annual building enclosure conference and trade show! The expo hall at the show is strategically placed at the heart of the event, giving you a great opportunity to gain exposure, build partnerships and foster new business growth. 

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your offerings alongside industry leaders like SOPREMA, VaproShield, Polyglass, Tremco, Sika, Georgia-Pacific and RAiNA. 

Learn more about the show and why it’s a great investment in your future, both as an attendee and an exhibitor.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Whether contractors need a fast-turn waterproofing solution or a fully built traffic coating, this system offers options without overcomplicating installation. 

At World of Concrete (WOC) 2026, Polyglass walked contractors through its polyurea traffic coating system step by step, highlighting not just how it’s installed, but how it performs in real jobsite conditions.  

Start with prep and the right primer 

Surface preparation sets the foundation for everything that follows. The team emphasized targeting a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 3-5, which ensures proper adhesion of the coating without showing through after application. 

From there, they selected their Primer PUc-1050. Applied thin, it promotes strong adhesion without slowing down production, having a dry time of only three hours. It was also at this time that they reinforced joints with liquid membrane or embedding polyester fabric directly into the primer for added durability. 

Base layer drives performance 

Once primed, this demonstration showcased their hand-applied polyurea system, Polyglass Tecnocoat CP-2049. Installed at approximately 80 mils, this self-leveling material creates a seamless, fully bonded waterproofing membrane. With a 20–25-minute working time and the ability to be applied by roller, squeegee or trowel, it gives crews flexibility on the job site while maintaining efficiency in installation. They used a spike roller pass to help release trapped air and prevent defects in the surface, ensuring a clean finish as the material cures. Within 45-60 minutes, the surface is walkable. 

One of the biggest advantages of this system is its compatibility. Unlike traditional systems, Polyglass’ hand-applied and spray-applied polyureas can work together. That means repairs don’t require remobilizing a full spray rig. Instead, crews can address damage quickly with a bucket and basic tools. 

Finishing for traffic and durability 

If the goal is waterproofing, Tecnocoat CP-2049 can stand alone as the finished product. However, for exposed applications, the demonstration applied Tecnotop 2C to serve as their wear layer. Applied at roughly 7-10 mils, it adds: 

• UV and chemical resistance 
• Long-term weatherability 
• Durability for pedestrian and vehicular traffic 

Crews can customize the finish by broadcasting aggregate into the topcoat for slip resistance or aesthetics, then sealing it with a final coat. Options range from quartz systems to decorative flake finishes and tinted polyaspartic coatings.  

From primer to topcoat, Polyglass’ polyurea system is designed to balance speed, flexibility and durability. Watch the full video to see how the right products, and the right process, can help your crews work smarter.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Industry leaders gather to explore wildfire risk, roofing performance and the future of resilient construction.

The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) held its Spring 2026 Seminar in Sacramento, California. The conference brought together researchers, fire professionals, code officials and roofing industry leaders to explore the growing challenge of wildfire risk and the role roofing systems play in prevention and resilience. 

The general session marked several important organizational milestones for RICOWI. Members celebrated the year of leadership by Al Janni and the announcement that the organization’s President’s Chair position has been renamed the Dave Roodvoets Chair in recognition of Roodvoets’ long-standing contributions and leadership within the organization. 

Steve Wadding of Polyglass was voted onto the board as an affiliate representative. The board also welcomed Ross Haigler as the new representative from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). 

RICOWI leadership reaffirmed its commitment to expanding visibility and engagement across the roofing and construction industries. Through partnerships with media organizations such as RoofersCoffeeShop, the organization continues to broaden awareness of research initiatives and best practices that protect buildings from severe weather events.  

Another highlight of the meeting was a recap of the research investigation led by Storm Investigation Program leaders Eric Olson and Phil Mayfield at Texas A&M University. RICOWI research programs are central to its mission of understanding how weather events impact roofing systems and translating those findings into improved standards, codes and manufacturing and installation practices.  

The Spring Seminar focused heavily on wildfire resilience and the growing challenges facing communities in the wildland urban interface (WUI). As development continues to expand into fire-prone regions, the roofing industry plays a critical role in slowing fire spread and protecting structures.  

Dr. Murray Morrison of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) opened the session with an overview of research examining how natural hazards such as wind, hail and wildfire impact the built environment. As managing director of research at IBHS, Dr. Murray leads programs that use wind tunnel measurements, boundary layer testing and full-scale structural testing to understand how structures perform under extreme conditions. His work helps translate scientific research into building code improvements and product evaluation standards that enhance resilience across the construction industry.  

Dwayne Sloan of UL Solutions continued the discussion with a deeper look at roofing system performance under fire exposure. As technical director for the built environment at UL Solutions, Dwayne has spent more than 38 years focused on reaction-to-fire testing and evaluation of building materials. His presentation reviewed the history of UL’s fire testing for roofing systems and explained how modern testing standards are adapting to address emerging technologies such as rooftop photovoltaic systems and building integrated photovoltaics. Dwayne also discussed research being conducted by the UL Fire Safety Research Institute, including studies of firebrand exposure and lessons learned from recent wildfire events in Southern California.  

Christina Reed of the International Code Council (ICC) addressed the growing threat posed by wildfires in communities located in the wildland urban interface. Christina, who previously spent more than three decades in the fire service and served as a battalion chief and state fire marshal, discussed how the International Wildland Urban Interface Code is evolving to help communities mitigate wildfire risk. Her presentation highlighted the importance of resilient construction strategies and provided an overview of the roof design and construction provisions included in the 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code.  

Together, the presentations underscored the complex relationship between roofing systems, fire spread and community resilience. From firebrands landing on roof surfaces to vulnerabilities at edges, vents and rooftop equipment, roofing details can significantly influence whether a structure ignites during a wildfire event.  

RICOWI continues to play a critical role in bringing together experts from across disciplines to share knowledge, advance research and support solutions that protect buildings and communities. The organization is also looking ahead to its Fall 2026 meeting, which will take place at Oak Ridge National Laboratory on November 3-4, offering members the opportunity to explore advanced research facilities and emerging building science initiatives.  

As wildfire risk increases across many regions of North America, collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, contractors, fire professionals and code officials will remain essential. Through continued research, education and industry engagement, RICOWI is helping to improve roofing performance and promote the best practices that benefit both consumers and the broader construction industry.  

For those interested in advancing research and helping the industry understand the impacts of extreme weather, RICOWI encourages professionals across the roofing and building sectors to get involved. By becoming a member, individuals and organizations can support critical investigations, share expertise and help shape the future of resilient construction. To learn more and sign up, visit https://www.ricowi.com/.