Plus the latest elected officers

By Jordan Loudon, Executive Director 

The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) recently held its second webinar in March 2021. One presentation featured Phil Dregger discussing advanced wind forensics and small changes that led to big problems. Bob LeClare gave an update on gutter codes, and the Metal Construction Association provided a prerecorded test that demonstrated Load Resistance of Flashings Used With Metal Roof Systems.

Prior to the second webinar, RICOWI held officer elections during its annual meeting in early March. Congratulations to all of the elected officers: Jason Hoerter, Chairperson; Al Janni, Vice Chairperson; Pete Keener, Secretary/Treasurer; Randy Ober, Director at Large; and David Balistreri, Past Chair.

A board vote was recently taken to approve the merge of RICOWI’s Hail Investigation Program (HIP) and Wind Investigation Program (WIP). The new temporary name of the sole committee is the Weather Investigation Program. This decision was made after much deliberation and consideration by the RICOWI Board and the HIP and WIP Program Chairs. The goal of the merged committee will remain the same: to publish unbiased reports that can be accessed by all. This change will allow for a broader scope of potential investigations.

The reports published on past Hail and Wind Investigations are available for complimentary download on the RICOWI website, under the Resources tab. The reports have been used by many in the industry and are referenced by members and non-members today. If you are interested in joining the Weather Investigation Program, you must be a RICOWI member.

RICOWI is planning a fall seminar in conjunction with the 2021 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show. The RICOWI seminar dates are September 15 and 16, 2021. A tour of the ATAS International Inc. plant in Mesa, Arizona, is scheduled, along with a whiskey tasting for the RICOWI Foundation fundraising event. At this time, an in-person event is tentative. We hope to be able to safely meet and enjoy one another’s company—should an in-person event happen, hybrid attendance will be an option.

When appropriate, we will include updates and reports from RICOWI in future issues of Roofing Elements. In the meantime, visit www.ricowi.com for further information and to sign up for email updates.