Roofing, waterproofing and exterior wall system experts share newest sustainable building design and industry practices

The growing popularity of rooftop energy production systems, sustainable and vegetated roofs, and the impact of climate, fire and drainage on overall design standards are just a few topics to be explored during a five-day, intensive, educational program taught by today’s leading authorities within the building envelope industry. The 25th RCI International Convention and Trade Show offers members of the building envelope and construction communities the latest in industry news and advances. The event is being held at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Fla., March 25-30. Hosted by RCI Inc., the leading international association of professional consultants, architects and engineers who specialize in the specification and design of roofing, waterproofing and exterior wall systems, the conference will focus on “Exploring the Sustainability Built Environment.” Architects, engineers, contractors, facility managers and anyone involved with designing or maintaining commercial or industrial properties will benefit from over 30-hours of building envelope design education sessions, live product demonstrations and a two-day trade show featuring over 130 exhibitors. “This convention brings together leading experts in roofing, waterproofing and exterior wall technology,” said David Hawn, president of RCI. “With vegetated roofs and alternative energy solutions dominating the headlines, our programming delivers timely and relevant topics for members of the building and construction community.” This year’s programming concentrates on sustainable building, with sessions designed to educate attendees on the newest code regulations for roofing materials, trends in integrating solar and alternative energy sources into building design, and methods to address wind and fire resistant requirements for vegetated roof systems. Continuing Education credits are earned by attending. For each educational program and auxiliary seminar attended, members of the American Institute of Architects receive one hour of Learning Units and all attendees can earn Continuing Education Hours from RCI. Featured content of the conference will include:
Central Findings of the RCI Foundation Roofing Industry Research Summit James Hoff, Ph.D, of TEGNOS Research Inc., Carmel, Ind., will reveal the most notable findings gained from a recent meeting in which manufacturing and industry association leaders identified and addressed the major opportunities and risks that will affect the roofing industry over the next decade. The Roof as a Platform Thomas Hutchinson, RRC, FRCI, AIA, CSI, of Hutchinson Design Group Ltd., Barrington, Ill., will address the various components that designers should consider when integrating energy-producing systems such as wind turbines and rooftop solar panels. Fire and Wind Resistance Standards for Vegetated Roofs Mike Ennis, RRC, of Single-Ply Roofing Institute, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, will discuss the newest standards for vegetative roof systems including wind uplift, fire-spread resistance and other variables such as plant type, spacing and soil water content, as developed by SPRI and Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. For more information about the RCI International Convention and Trade Show or to register, visit www.rci-online.org.