SPRI Offers Wind Design Seminar

SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry presents the Wind Design Seminar on Monday, October 16, 2006. The Seminar is a comprehensive, day-long program on factors to consider regarding the wind resistance of low-slope roofing systems.

The Seminar will be held from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. SPRI Technical Director David Roodvoets and SPRI Member Mike Blanchette of Amtech Roofing Consultants will present this informative five hour session.

The program covers basic wind design issues, including an introduction to ASCE 7- 2002 and 2005, Factory Mutual tests and requirements, problem solving using the SPRI Wind Load Design Guide for Low Sloped Flexible Membrane Systems and Underwriters Laboratories tests and requirements. The process of selecting a wind resistant design based on Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratories test reports will also be discussed. An interactive portion of the program leads seminar participants through real-world examples, step by step. In this way, SPRI’s program conveys both the science and the practice of calculating wind loads.

SPRI Technical Director Dave Roodvoets explains, “Our goal is to educate people who are involved in roof design, whether they are architects, consultants, specification writers or contractors, so that they fully understand wind loads and their designs comply with local building codes. Instead of arbitrarily specifying FM 1-90 roofs, whether they’re needed or not,” Roodvoets continues, “this program aims to help people avoid over-engineering their roofs, which makes them cost more than they should, as well as to prevent roofs from being under-engineered.”

The program is approved for 5 AIA Learning Units and 5 RCI CEH credits. The fee to attend this seminar is $125 for RCI members and $175 for non-members.

SPRI represents sheet membrane and related component suppliers in the commercial roofing industry. Since 1981, SPRI has been a resource for building owners, architects, engineers, specifiers, contractors and maintenance personnel, providing objective information about commercial roofing components and systems. Email SPRI or call (781) 647-7026.