<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>RICOWI heads to Oak Ridge for Fall 2026 Conference</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ricowi-heads-to-oak-ridge-for-fall-2026-conference</link>
<description>ricowi-heads-to-oak-ridge-for-fall-2026-conference</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/10/ricowi-heads-to-oak-ridge-for-fall-2026-conference-pr-photo.jpg'
            alt='RICOWI heads to Oak Ridge for Fall 2026 Conference pr photo'
            title='RICOWI heads to Oak Ridge for Fall 2026 Conference pr photo'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='1080' height='1080'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p dir="ltr">By Jesse Sanchez.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr">The Fall 2026 RICOWI Conference brings roofing professionals together for education, networking, meetings and tours.</h2>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc" rel="" target="_blank">RICOWI</a> will gather industry professionals in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, <strong>November 3-4, 2026</strong>, for its Fall 2026 Conference, bringing together technical education, committee discussions, networking and an inside look at research relevant to the building and roofing industries.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Programming begins Tuesday, November 3, with three educational presentations before attendees transition into RICOWI committee meetings, the RICOWI Foundation Annual General Meeting and the RICOWI Membership Meeting. Tuesday&rsquo;s sessions are open to all attendees, giving nonmembers an opportunity to learn more about the organization while connecting with industry professionals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The educational program will explore emerging technologies and industry challenges. Presentations include &ldquo;From Construction Automation to Roof Recovery: New Technologies for PostWeather Inspection and Repair&rdquo; by Dr. Nolan Hayes of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and &ldquo;Waste-Derived, Halogen-Free Flame Retardants for Fire-Resilient Building Envelopes&rdquo; by Dr. Mengjia Tang of ORNL. Michele Steinberg of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will also present &ldquo;Designed for Disaster? Overcoming Community Vulnerability to Wildfire.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Following the day&rsquo;s meetings, attendees can continue networking at the RICOWI Foundation Fundraiser Reception. The evening will feature food, auction items and a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds going directly to the Foundation. Separate registration is required for the fundraiser.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The conference continues Wednesday, November 4, with transportation to ORNL for a guided facility tour. Participants will gain insight into the laboratory&rsquo;s research capabilities and technologies relevant to roofing and building professionals. Afternoon presentations will examine high-performance polyisocyanurate thermal insulation materials and considerations surrounding roof replacement and re-covering.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The conference will conclude Wednesday evening with an optional group dinner, giving attendees another opportunity to connect after two days of education and industry engagement. While seminar registration is closed, the event highlights RICOWI&rsquo;s focus on technical learning, collaboration and research relevant to the roofing and building industries.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ricowi.com/event/fall-2026" rel="" target="_blank"><strong>Learn more about the Fall 2026 RICOWI Conference and RICOWI Foundation Fundraiser!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Fall seminar brings roofing research into focus</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/fall-seminar-brings-roofing-research-into-focus</link>
<description>fall-seminar-brings-roofing-research-into-focus</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/10/ricowi-fall-seminar-brings-roofing-research-into-focus.png'
            alt='Fall seminar brings roofing research into focus'
            title='Fall seminar brings roofing research into focus'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Jesse Sanchez.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The 2026 RICOWI Fall Seminar will bring roofing professionals to Tennessee for research, education, collaboration and a behind-the-scenes look at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI)</a> is preparing to <strong>bring roofing professionals together Nov. 3-4, 2026, for its Fall Seminar</strong> near Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/jordan-loudon-andre-desjarlais-inside-ricowis-fall-seminar">During this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, RICOWI Executive Director Jordan Louden said the organization&rsquo;s strength comes from bringing together people from across the roofing and building envelope industries in a collaborative environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its sponsoring and affiliate members include associations, architects, engineers, consultants and manufacturers who gather to exchange information across different areas of the industry. Describing what makes the event valuable, Jordan explained, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s collaborative. It&rsquo;s educational. It&rsquo;s a place where people come to learn and share and for the most part, agendas are left at the door.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>That emphasis on collaboration will shape this year&rsquo;s Fall Seminar, which will feature educational programming on both days. Topics from Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers will include roof recovers, fire testing, construction automation and waste-derived, halogen-free flame retardants. A representative from the National Fire Protection Association will also participate. Andre Desjarlais, residential program manager for building envelope energy efficiency at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, noted, &ldquo;If we can be a little smarter about deciding what can be salvaged or not, instead of just assuming that we&#39;re going to throw it all away, I think would be a big step forward.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attendees will also have the opportunity to see research facilities firsthand. The tour will include building science research, manufacturing demonstrations and a historic reactor site connected to the laboratory&rsquo;s origins in the Manhattan Project. Looking at the broader value of seeing that work in person, Andre emphasized, &ldquo;If you want to get a view of the future or the possible future, then I think coming to the seminar would be worthwhile.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event will also include RICOWI committee meetings, sponsor reports and a RICOWI Foundation fundraiser with live music, raffles and networking opportunities, giving attendees multiple ways to learn from research while connecting with professionals from across the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gYzBakE1ibuMr9WRpyBFW?go=1&amp;sp_cid=1f9d02a10989833f3a66f5029449e122&amp;utm_source=embed_player_p&amp;utm_medium=desktop&amp;si=9cbab64cd4214615&amp;nd=1&amp;dlsi=20d77cf2927c4393">Listen to the podcast</a> or <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/jordan-loudon-andre-desjarlais-inside-ricowis-fall-seminar">Watch the conversation</a> to learn more about the research, education and industry collaboration taking shape at the 2026 Fall Seminar!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Wildfire resilience takes center stage</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/wildfire-resilience-takes-center-stage</link>
<description>wildfire-resilience-takes-center-stage</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/08/ricowi-wildfire-resilience-takes-center-stage.jpg'
            alt='Wildfire resilience takes center stage'
            title='Wildfire resilience takes center stage'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Jesse Sanchez.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>This seminar brought roofing professionals together for fire-focused education, committee collaboration and new storm investigation findings.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI)</a> is expanding its research focus as the roofing industry confronts a broader range of weather-related challenges. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026">During this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, RICOWI Chair Al Janni and Executive Director Jordan Loudon joined host Megan Ellsworth to discuss the organization&rsquo;s 2026 spring seminar in Sacramento, California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RICOWI&rsquo;s mission includes providing relevant, nonbiased research on roof system performance following significant weather events, applying those findings to industry practices and communicating changes to building codes. While much of its past work has centered on wind and hail, the organization has also begun examining fire, thermal and moisture issues. Describing that evolution ahead of the seminar, Jordan explained, &ldquo;This year is the first where we&#39;re really homing in on fire-related educational topics.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>That focus shaped the 2026 spring seminar, with speakers representing the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), International Code Council (ICC) and UL. Presentations addressed wildfire behavior, mitigation strategies, wildland-urban interface code provisions, fire investigations and standards related to external fire exposure. Highlighting the practical value attendees could gain from the program, Al emphasized, &ldquo;With the information that&#39;s going to be presented to them, they&#39;ll have some new information on where to look as far as ASTM goes.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The seminar also followed the formation of RICOWI&rsquo;s Wildfire Resistant Roofing Committee, which drew interest from existing members and new participants. The educational seminar took place March 11, followed by committee meetings March 12 at the SAFE Convention Center in downtown Sacramento. Those meetings also included discussion of findings from a recently released hail investigation report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond the seminar, RICOWI continues its post-storm field investigation work, which has informed installation guidance, testing practices and code-related developments. Reflecting on the organization&rsquo;s collaborative role in the industry, Jordan shared, &ldquo;The word that has always been used to describe RICOWI is &lsquo;think tank.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026"><strong>Listen to the podcast to learn more about how RICOWI&rsquo;s spring seminar brought wildfire resilience, roofing research and industry collaboration into sharper focus!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Shaping the future of roofing resilience</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/shaping-the-future-of-roofing-resilience</link>
<description>shaping-the-future-of-roofing-resilience</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/ricowi-shaping-the-future-of-roofing-resilience.png'
            alt='Shaping the future of roofing resilience'
            title='Shaping the future of roofing resilience'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>RICOWI&rsquo;s investigations continue to influence roofing codes, standards and installation practices nationwide.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The recent <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues Inc. (RICOWI)</a> Spring 2026 Conference in Sacramento reinforced the organization&rsquo;s growing role in advancing roofing resilience, technical research, and code development across the industry. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026">In this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Jordan Loudon and Al Janni, leaders of RICOWI, about how the organization&#39;s ongoing work shapes real-world roofing performances today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the conference, wildfire resilience emerged as a major focus as industry leaders, researchers, and code officials examined the growing risks facing structures in wildfire-prone regions. Presentations from organizations including the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, UL Solutions, and the International Code Council explored roofing system performance under extreme fire exposure and evolving building code requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Al explained that many roofing improvements seen today can be traced directly back to RICOWI storm investigations. &ldquo;As a manufacturer, some of these investigations actually made changes within our installation guides for contractors,&rdquo; Al explained. He pointed to roof edge failures discovered during past wind events as one example. Those findings helped drive the adoption of improved perimeter securement methods and standards such as ANSI/SPRI ES-1 for edge metal performance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;There have been some code changes done,&rdquo; Al said. &ldquo;Areas where events have gone through that we&rsquo;ve investigated have seen less damage because of changes based on past RICOWI investigations.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to technical research, the conference emphasized industry education and collaboration.&nbsp; Jordan highlighted how RICOWI committee meetings provide opportunities for attendees to engage directly with roofing experts, researchers, and industry associations. &ldquo;Anybody can sign up to attend the committee meetings,&rdquo; Jordan said. &ldquo;We encourage first-time attendees to come because it is a good gateway to RICOWI membership.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Al added that continued learning remains one of the organization&rsquo;s greatest strengths. &ldquo;At the conference, you definitely walk away with something,&rdquo; Al expressed. &ldquo;You just don&rsquo;t know when you&rsquo;re going to draw on that information.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/focusing-on-fire-resistance">Read the first article in this series</a> or <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026">Listen to the podcast</a> to learn more about RICOWI&rsquo;s research initiatives and industry collaboration efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>UL Solutions highlights growing urgency of fire testing in roofing at RICOWI Spring Seminar</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ul-solutions-highlights-growing-urgency-of-fire-testing-in-roofing-at-ricowi-spring-seminar</link>
<description>ul-solutions-highlights-growing-urgency-of-fire-testing-in-roofing-at-ricowi-spring-seminar</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/04/ricowi-ul-solutions-highlights-growing-urgency-of-fire-testing.png'
            alt='RICOWI UL Solutions highlights growing urgency of fire testing'
            title='RICOWI UL Solutions highlights growing urgency of fire testing'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>This seminar presentation focused on growing external fire danger and the future of roofing in wildfire zones.</h2>

<p>At the RICOWI Spring Seminar on March 11,&nbsp;2026,&nbsp;in Sacramento, California, industry leaders gathered to explore some of the most critical challenges facing the building envelope. One of the standout presentations came from Dwayne Sloan of <a href="https://www.ul.com/">UL Solutions</a>, who shared deep insights into fire testing, certification and the increasing risks tied to wildfire exposure in&nbsp;today&rsquo;s built&nbsp;environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hosted by the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI)</a>, the seminar reflects the organization&rsquo;s ongoing mission to investigate and document the performance of roofing and building envelope systems under severe weather conditions. RICOWI brings together contractors, consultants, manufacturers,&nbsp;researchers&nbsp;and other industry professionals to study the effects of extreme weather events such as hurricanes,&nbsp;hailstorms&nbsp;and wildfires. Through field investigations, research and education, the organization works to improve building practices, enhance&nbsp;resilience&nbsp;and provide valuable data that supports codes,&nbsp;standards&nbsp;and industry advancements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sloan, technical director for the built environment at UL Solutions, brought decades of&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;in reaction to fire testing and building material evaluation. His&nbsp;role&nbsp;overseeing certification services, evaluation&nbsp;reports&nbsp;and code development places him at the center of evolving fire safety standards that directly&nbsp;impact&nbsp;roofing professionals across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The session focused on external fire exposure, particularly as wildfire urban interface zones continue to expand. Sloan emphasized that while UL has played a foundational role in evaluating roofing systems for decades, the scale and intensity of modern wildfires are introducing new challenges that&nbsp;the industry&nbsp;must address. Roofing systems that were once considered resilient are now being tested in ways that were difficult to imagine even a generation ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A key part of the discussion centered on UL 790, the long-standing standard for fire testing of roofing systems. Sloan reviewed how this test method has evolved and how it is being applied to modern assemblies, including those incorporating photovoltaic systems. As rooftop solar continues to grow, understanding how these systems interact with fire exposure is becoming increasingly important for both safety and code compliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The presentation also explored ASTM E108, another critical fire test standard, and the ongoing efforts to refine testing methods to better reflect real-world fire conditions. Sloan highlighted how&nbsp;wind driven&nbsp;flames, ember intrusion and complex roof geometries all play a role in how roofing systems perform during a fire event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond testing, Sloan addressed the importance of certification and compliance. With multiple standards, evolving codes and increasing scrutiny from regulators, contractors and manufacturers must stay informed to ensure their systems meet current requirements. Misunderstandings around certifications can lead to costly mistakes, making education and clarity more important than ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UL&rsquo;s Fire Safety Research Institute was also featured as a key contributor to ongoing research. Through&nbsp;full scale&nbsp;fire investigations and studies of recent wildfire events, the institute is helping the industry better understand how fires spread and how building materials respond under extreme conditions. These insights are critical as the roofing industry works to develop more resilient systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For roofing professionals, the takeaway was clear. The environment is changing, and so are the expectations for performance. As&nbsp;wildfires continue&nbsp;to&nbsp;impact&nbsp;communities across North America, the role of roofing in protecting&nbsp;structures has never been more important. Staying informed on testing standards, certification&nbsp;processes&nbsp;and emerging research will be essential for contractors,&nbsp;consultants&nbsp;and manufacturers alike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The session reinforced the value of collaboration between organizations like RICOWI, UL&nbsp;Solutions&nbsp;and the broader roofing industry. By working together and sharing knowledge, the industry can continue to advance fire safety and better protect the built environment in an era of increasing risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To learn more about the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues and how you can be part of advancing critical research on extreme weather, visit <a href="https://ricowi.com/">https://www.ricowi.com/</a> and consider becoming a member to help make a difference in the future of the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>RICOWI Spring Seminar highlights wildfire resilience, research and industry collaboration</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ricowi-spring-seminar-highlights-wildfire-resilience-research-and-industry-collaboration</link>
<description>ricowi-spring-seminar-highlights-wildfire-resilience-research-and-industry-collaboration</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/ricowi-ricowi-spring-seminar-highlights-wildfire-resilience-research-and-industry-collaboration.png'
            alt='RICOWI Spring Seminar highlights wildfire resilience, research and industry collaboration'
            title='RICOWI Spring Seminar highlights wildfire resilience, research and industry collaboration'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>Industry leaders gather to explore wildfire risk, roofing performance and the future of resilient construction.</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc" target="_blank">The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI)</a> 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;s President&rsquo;s Chair position has been renamed the Dave Roodvoets Chair in recognition of Roodvoets&rsquo; long-standing contributions and leadership within the organization.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steve Wadding of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/polyglass-2" target="_blank">Polyglass</a> 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).&nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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&amp;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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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&rsquo;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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.ricowi.com/" target="_blank">https://www.ricowi.com/</a>.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>RICOWI investigation highlights lessons from Texas A&amp;M hailstorm</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ricowi-investigation-highlights-lessons-from-texas-am-hailstorm</link>
<description>ricowi-investigation-highlights-lessons-from-texas-am-hailstorm</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/ricowi-investigation-highlights-lessons-from-texas-a-m-hailstorm-heidi-article-canva.png'
            alt='RICOWI investigation highlights lessons from Texas A&M hailstorm'
            title='RICOWI investigation highlights lessons from Texas A&M hailstorm'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>Findings presented during RICOWI&rsquo;s spring meeting highlight how different roofing systems performed following a major hailstorm at Texas A&amp;M University.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>At the recent spring meeting of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc" target="_blank">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI)</a> in Sacramento, California, roofing professionals gathered to review the findings of a major hail damage investigation conducted at Texas A&amp;M University. The meeting brought together contractors, consultants, manufacturers and researchers from across the industry, including RoofersCoffeeShop&reg;, who participated in the event and discussions surrounding the study.</p>

<h3>The Texas A&amp;M case</h3>

<p>The <a href="https://ricowi.com/reports" target="_blank">investigation</a> examined roof conditions across several buildings on the Texas A&amp;M campus following a severe thunderstorm that struck the area on March 15, 2025. The storm produced unusually large hailstones, some reported to be as large as three inches in diameter. RICOWI investigators conducted a detailed visual survey of seven campus structures in April 2025 to document roof performance, determine the causes of observed anomalies and better understand how different roofing systems respond to severe hail events.</p>

<p>The buildings examined in the study included Peterson Building, Liberal Arts &amp; Humanities, Engineering Activities Building A, Scoates Hall, Blocker Building, General Services Complex Building 1800 and Clements Residence Hall. Each structure featured different roof systems, including spray polyurethane foam (SPF), modified bitumen, asphalt shingles, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and standing seam metal panels.</p>

<p>Because hail size and intensity varied across the campus, the event created a unique opportunity to evaluate how multiple roofing materials perform under similar storm conditions. Investigators documented evidence such as hail spatter, dented metal components and areas of granule loss or membrane damage that indicated hail impacts ranging from roughly one to more than two inches in diameter.</p>

<p>The study found both cosmetic and functional damage across several roofing types. Metal components such as coping, flashings and rooftop equipment frequently showed dents or deformation consistent with hail impact. Asphalt shingles exhibited bruising, granule loss and gouging, conditions that can shorten the service life of the roof even if immediate leaks are not present.</p>

<p>Modified bitumen roofs showed circular areas of granule loss where hail impacts had dislodged the protective surface layer. This type of damage exposes the underlying asphalt to ultraviolet light, accelerating oxidation and long-term deterioration. In contrast, a 14-year-old TPO roof inspected during the study showed widespread hail spatter but no visible punctures or membrane fractures, demonstrating the resilience that some single-ply systems can exhibit under severe weather conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most notable findings involved spray polyurethane foam roofing assemblies used on several buildings at Texas A&amp;M. The university&rsquo;s standard system includes SPF topped with a polyurea coating, silicone layers and embedded mineral granules. Investigators observed that roofs using this full assembly experienced little to no hail damage. However, sections where the foam had not yet been coated or areas where repairs lacked the polyurea layer showed significantly more impact damage. &nbsp;These comparisons suggested that the polyurea component provided additional impact resistance, helping the system withstand large hailstones more effectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study also highlighted the physics behind hail damage. Impact energy increases dramatically as hailstone size grows. For example, increasing hail diameter from one inch to 1.75 inches can raise impact energy nearly tenfold, while two-inch hailstones can generate roughly sixteen times the energy impact of one-inch hail. This exponential increase explains why seemingly small changes in hail size can produce significantly different damage outcomes across roofing systems.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The big picture</h3>

<p>RICOWI&rsquo;s mission is to advance knowledge about weather-related roof damage through unbiased field investigations. By documenting real-world storm events and comparing roofing system performance, the organization helps contractors, consultants, manufacturers and insurers better understand building resilience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As discussions at the Sacramento meeting showed, studies like this provide valuable insights for the entire roofing industry. For RoofersCoffeeShop and the many professionals attending the meeting, the presentation reinforced the importance of ongoing research and collaboration to help roofing systems perform better in the face of increasingly severe weather events.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Building stronger roofs: RICOWI’s latest field investigation</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/building-stronger-roofs-ricowis-latest-field-investigation</link>
<description>building-stronger-roofs-ricowis-latest-field-investigation</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/ricowi-building-stronger-roofs-ricowis-latest-field-investigation.png'
            alt='Building stronger roofs: RICOWI’s latest field investigation'
            title='Building stronger roofs: RICOWI’s latest field investigation'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>RICOWI&rsquo;s 2025 Texas A&amp;M University hail study reveals vital insights into modern roof performance after severe storms.&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fricowi.com%2fabout&amp;c=E,1,kM0406XEgUIpPAYpLm7ySx40lXGkvwJP7b1y_-OBVG2g9TepS7NyqsapX_HZcz-tkhPO52vKZvY9q3yK2V8X9f4Ct_7tpSSy4LJONBCPWKkL&amp;typo=1">Back in 1990</a>, the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI)</a> was formed as a non-profit with the partnership of the Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as well as some sponsor members from the roofing industry. RICOWI&rsquo;s initial goal was identifying and analyzing roof damage specific to hurricane winds. Then, in 1999, their operations expanded to address roof damage from hail.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, RICOWI has combined the old Wind Investigation Program (WIP) and Hail Investigation Program (HIP) into one Storm Investigation Program (SIP), tasked with mobilizing volunteer RICOWI members into small teams to get on storm-damaged roofs, compile damage data and produce comprehensive reports that are available at no charge to members and non-members alike.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The goal of these studies is to investigate the field performance of roofing assemblies after major weather events and to report &ldquo;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fricowi.com%2fhail-investigation-program&amp;c=E,1,USRcLViSW-vWSU4y_oX0VBQkW3aAaoYdgxlpLvY-6mOAIyL6VX-o9LQfw0OgfNeE-DD0qI6fnYupMTP_syvxJXaM85z9T6PAlZpTGaccVzil&amp;typo=1">roof assembly performance and modes of damage</a>.&rdquo; These data are then used to improve building codes, roof systems design, installation procedures and educate the roofing industry and public on how to build stronger, more secure roofing systems.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The first HIP investigation was launched in the spring of 2004. The program &ldquo;deployed four teams to Oklahoma City to conduct field investigations of roof damage after the April 21, 2004, Oklahoma City hailstorm was declared a &lsquo;catastrophe&rsquo; by the insurance industry.&rdquo; <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fricowi.com%2freports&amp;c=E,1,sGwJFUgkHxsGgiPIJ_VS-2HkcE-v4k8zkM6py-oYTtyPrvPCGqZaT9ud0kwPw35StoYp696oPy2vmI4pRIIRNeZ2fbeAPRX3MNAvtFoI&amp;typo=1">In the investigation</a>, approximately 100 roofs, both steep- and low- slope were investigated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>More recently, RICOWI deployed a two-man team to Texas A&amp;M University to study buildings in the aftermath of a severe hail event in March 2025. The scope of this investigation was &ldquo;to perform a visual survey, analyze relevant roof construction and conditions and determine causation for any roof system anomalies observed during the inspection.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their team has now released the field report from this investigation, providing valuable insights into the impacts hail has on modern roofing materials. This resource is a key part of advancing weather-related roofing science and developing stronger, safer buildings.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Focusing on fire-resistance</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/focusing-on-fire-resistance</link>
<description>focusing-on-fire-resistance</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/ricowi-focusing-on-fire-resistance.png'
            alt='Focusing on fire-resistance'
            title='Focusing on fire-resistance'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>RICOWI&rsquo;s Spring 2026 event will deliver critical insights into fire testing, industry standards and mitigation strategies.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026">In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Jordan Loudon, executive director of <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc">RICOWI Inc. (Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues)</a>, and Al Janni, chairperson of the organization, about the upcoming RICOWI Spring 2026 Conference taking place <strong>March 11-12, 2026</strong>, at the SAFE Convention Center in Sacramento, California.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, the conference will spotlight wildfire resistance. &ldquo;This year is the first where we&#39;re really homing in on fire related topics as a result of the major things that are happening within the industry,&rdquo; Jordan explained, noting the formation of RICOWI&rsquo;s Wildfire Resistant Roofing Committee last year. Interest in joining RICOWI has surged, with a dozen roofing professionals joining the effort. &ldquo;When the first wind investigation and hail investigation happened, people saw that RICOWI was doing this work and wanted to be a part of it. Same thing with fire.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The educational lineup features research-driven insights from leading organizations. Al highlighted a presentation from IBHS examining wildfire behavior and mitigation strategies. &ldquo;Murray Morrison from IBHS is going to talk about the wildfires: how they attack through embers, the radiant heat and a direct flame contact that it has on buildings, the mitigation actions that lower the wildfire risk of buildings,&rdquo; Al said. Al noted that IBHS will also address neighborhood-scale mitigation efforts in the wake of the catastrophic events in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additional sessions include updates from the International Code Council on 2024 Wildland Urban Interface provisions and from UL&rsquo;s Fire Safety Research Institute. &ldquo;There are some great things that we have coming down the pike with our speakers,&rdquo; Al expressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the fire-focused presentations, attendees can participate in the RICOWI Foundation Fundraiser at Dao Distillery, an artisanal spirit tasting experience. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s going to be really fun,&rdquo; Jordan shared. &ldquo;Each attendee gets to walk away with a $60 bottle from the distillery, and the cuisine is going to match the spirits.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/inside-the-ricowi-spring-conference-2026"><strong>Listen to the podcast to learn more about what to expect at the RICOWI Spring 2026 Conference!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>SPFA delivers education, recognition and industry resources for 2026</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/spfa-delivers-education-recognition-and-industry-resources-for-2026</link>
<description>spfa-delivers-education-recognition-and-industry-resources-for-2026</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/spfa-spfa-delivers-education-recognition-and-industry-resources-for-2026-customer-website.png'
            alt='SPFA delivers education, recognition and industry resources for 2026'
            title='SPFA delivers education, recognition and industry resources for 2026'
            class=''
            style=' '  width='600' height='300'  loading='lazy' decoding='async' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>From new podcasts to technical research and workforce development, SPFA is strengthening resources that help members stay competitive and compliant.</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/spfa" target="_blank">Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA)</a> continues to expand its support for contractors, suppliers and manufacturers through education, recognition and technical resources designed to strengthen the spray foam industry.</p>

<p>As 2026 gets underway, SPFA is rolling out new programs, research, publications and professional development opportunities that help members stay informed, compliant and competitive.</p>

<h3>Introducing the Foam-It-Right&reg; Podcast</h3>

<p>SPFA recently launched the Foam-It-Right&reg; Podcast, an original podcast series focused on real conversations that matter in the field. The podcast is designed to help professionals:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Work smarter and more efficiently</li>
	<li>Stay compliant with changing regulations</li>
	<li>Grow sustainable spray foam businesses</li>
	<li>Navigate jobsite challenges</li>
</ul>

<p>Supplier members can also participate through Season, Episode and Ad Roll sponsorships, available on a first-come, first-served basis.</p>

<p>For sponsorship information, contact Aubrey Barto at <a href="mailto:abarto@sprayfoam.org">abarto@sprayfoam.org</a>.</p>

<h3>Celebrating industry excellence</h3>

<p>SPFA congratulates Wedge Roofing for earning the Silver Award in the 2026 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards at the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire" target="_blank">International Roofing Expo</a> in Las Vegas. Recognition like this highlights the craftsmanship and professionalism driving the roofing and spray foam industries forward.</p>

<h3>SPF roof performance proven through research</h3>

<p>SPFA continues supporting independent research validating spray foam roofing performance. A recent <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ricowi-inc" target="_blank">RICOWI</a> inspection evaluated an SPF roof system at Texas A&amp;M University in College Station following a severe hail event. Using a 50 mil polyurea and 40 mil silicone coating, the SPF roof successfully withstood 1-inch diameter hail, demonstrating strong performance when compared with other roofing systems.</p>

<p>For more information or the full RICOWI report, contact Jason Hoerter, SPFA director of technical services, at <a href="mailto:jasonhoerter@sprayfoam.org">jasonhoerter@sprayfoam.org</a>.</p>

<h3>Education, webinars and technical tools</h3>

<p>SPFA continues expanding educational offerings including:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Tech Tuesday Webinar:</strong> Overview of safer consumer products regulations impacting spray foam insulation and how California continues to influence national compliance</li>
	<li><strong>New homeowner marketing brochure:</strong> <em>Protecting Spray Foam in Your Home with Fire-Protective Intumescent Coatings</em>, created to help contractors educate homeowners and building owners on code requirements</li>
</ul>

<p>Resources are available through the SPFA Member InfoHub and at <a href="http://sprayfoam.org" target="_blank">sprayfoam.org</a>.</p>

<h3>Get involved through SPFA committees</h3>

<p>SPFA members are encouraged to participate in committee activities shaping the future of the industry. Upcoming meetings include:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Marketing Committee</strong> &ndash; February 3, 11:00 a.m.&ndash;12:00 p.m.&nbsp;EST</li>
	<li><strong>Membership Committee</strong> &ndash; February 17, 11:00 a.m.&ndash;12:00 p.m.&nbsp;EST</li>
	<li><strong>Safety Committee</strong> &ndash; April 10, 2:00 p.m.&ndash;4:00 p.m.&nbsp;EST</li>
</ul>

<p>Meeting details and participation information are available in the InfoHub.</p>

<h3>Innovations in foam editorial opportunity</h3>

<p>SPFA is accepting submissions from manufacturer, supplier and distributor members for its upcoming &quot;Innovations in Foam&quot; editorial series. This initiative provides high-value exposure while highlighting technical advancements within the industry.</p>

<p>To participate, contact Aubrey Barto at <a href="mailto:abarto@sprayfoam.org">abarto@sprayfoam.org</a>.</p>

<h3>Growing the SPFA community</h3>

<p>SPFA continues to welcome new members from across the country, reflecting continued growth in spray foam roofing, insulation and building envelope markets.</p>

<h3>PCP certification and workforce development</h3>

<p>SPFA is expanding professional certification opportunities through:</p>

<ul>
	<li>PCP Roadshows hosted nationwide</li>
	<li>On-site exam prep and testing at major industry events</li>
	<li>PCP prep courses and written exams available in Spanish online and at SprayFoam 2026</li>
</ul>

<p>These programs support workforce development and reinforce professionalism across the spray foam industry.</p>

<h3>Supplier corner and industry promotion</h3>

<p>Suppliers can engage directly with contractors through SPFA networking events, sponsorships and promotional programs designed to foster meaningful business connections. SPFA also encourages members to contribute articles, insights and success stories to SprayFoam Professional, helping shape the future of industry education and communication.</p>]]></content:encoded>
</item></channel></rss>