Educational Programs

RCI's Educational Program has earned an industry-wide reputation for presenting top-quality, comprehensive education. Roof consultants, facility managers, contractors, architects, engineers, roofing material salespeople, property managers and others can gain new insight and professional development in the continually evolving world of roofing technology.

Designed to provide individuals of differing backgrounds with relevant information about roofing technology and design, RCI's educational programs vary in intensity, from basic roofing concepts to advanced specific application principles and theory. Of attendees polled, 99% describe the programs as "worthwhile" and say they would attend future educational events

Continuing Educational Credit

RCI grants Continuing Educational Hours (CEHs) based on hourly attendance. Additionally, each course is registered to provide Learning Units from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Health Safety and Welfare
Programs meeting AIA Health Safety and Welfare requirements are identified with an asterisk (*) after the title.

 

  • International Convention and Trade Show*


    The grandest of RCI's Educational Programs, the Convention combines four days of highly technical seminars, demonstrations, and auxiliary programs. It also includes an extensive trade show, roundtable discussions, RCI governance meetings, and recreational activities.

    Find out more about the International Convention & Trade Show

    *provides AIA HSW credit

    Advanced Thermal and Moisture Theory*

    This one-day course is designed for individuals who want to develop an in-depth understanding of thermal and moisture design considerations. Participants should come prepared with basic knowledge of thermal terminology and calculation skills.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • Advanced thermal calculation methods, including: annual energy estimates, cooling load calculations, and calculations of temperatures within cross sections
    • Cool and reflective roofing technology
    • Principles of moist air and the effects of moisture on building insulation and other materials
    • Fundamentals of using vapor retarders and air barriers
    • Mold concerns associated with roofing and building envelope designs
    • Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of thermal terminology and calculation skills. Successful completion of the Roofing Technology and Science I program, or practical experience is recommended.

    Register / More Info
    8 Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    Advanced Waterproofing*

    A two-day course aimed at the practicing waterproofing consultant or designer and for those just getting into this field. Although the term "waterproofing" can refer to many segments of a building, this course is limited to plaza decks, terraces, below grade walls, and floor slabs. This course provides a good review or learning experience for those aiming toward their RCI's Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC) credential.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • concepts unique to waterproofing
    • negative and positive systems including lagging
    • proper drainage
    • surface and below grade water management
    • detailed description of materials and systems unique to waterproofing
    • vegetative roof design principles
    • waterproofing specifications and details
    • waterproofing case studies

    How is this class different from RCI's Previous Waterproofing Class?
    This is a more technical waterproofing class with added depth for those with experience in waterproofing. Case studies are provided to illustrate techniques and the vegetative roofing portion is expanded. In brief, this course is no longer an introductory program. It has become a more technical course for those already familiar with basic waterproofing concepts.

    Who should attend?
    Logical course attendees include consultants and architects who design waterproofing systems and specialty waterproofing contractors. This course is well suited for those preparing to take the RWC exam.

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit
     
    Construction Specifications and the Project Manual*

    Write Better Construction Documents

    Construction Specifications and the Project Manual is a one-day program ideal for those new to writing or interpreting specifications.

    • learn to write clearer specifications
    • understand the correct organization of the project manual
    • explore submittal protocols
    • maintain a valid contract by using proper change procedures
    • use effective forms and methods to attract qualified bidders

    Register / More Info
    8 Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

    Professional Roof Consulting*

    This two-day course has been developed for roof consultants who wish to broaden their skills and develop techniques for improved professionalism. The program features concepts that are both business related and technical in nature.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • important concepts for becoming more professional as a consultant
    • roof consulting ethics, including the Mission and history of RCI
    • business concerns such as legal and insurance matters, contracts and contract documents
    • design related consulting issues such as roof system selection criteria, reroofing considerations, roof asset management, and roof inspections
    • selected technical issues including the chemical and physical forces in roofing and an overview of waterproofing

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    Roof Asset Management*

    A one-day educational program offering an overview of the critical aspects of Roof Asset Management (RAM).

    RAM frequently starts with roof design for maintenance. It involves spending money for data acquisition, roof maintenance, inspections, and even moisture surveys. These are done to extend the life of the roof and to achieve the lowest cost of roof ownership per year. Added benefits are more dependable and consistent performance of the roof asset and better control of the budgeting process. The program offers insights regarding:

    The program offers insights regarding:

    - definitions and the process of setting up a complete RAM program.
    - justification of expenditures both in logic and in hard numbers
    - an overview of the critical aspects of the process
    - accounting terms for better communication with building owner decision makers
    - commercially available asset management computer programs and compare advantages and disadvantages

    Register / More Info
    8 Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit
     
    Roof Technology and Science I*

    This two-day course is a single component of a two-part series covering, in detail, aspects of the technology and science of roofing. It features terminology and technical information regarding roof decks and structures, roof insulation, bitumen membranes, built-up and modified bitumen membranes and flashing systems. An understanding of heat transfer theory, moisture, thermal design, and the calculation of U factors will also be presented.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • critical aspects of roof decking and related supporting structures
    • heat transfer and practical heat transfer calculations
    • the function of heat transfer and the different types of roof insulation
    • the technology behind roofing bitumens and their related BUR and modified bitumen membranes
    • basic flashing nomenclature and bituminous flashing system construction


    The Roof Technology and Science I and II courses feature fundamental and advanced concepts that frequently prove useful for students who plan to enroll in other RCI Educational Programs. This course also serves well as a stand-alone course as it provides a broad technical background for roofing industry personnel and building owners.

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    Roof Technology and Science II*

    This two-day course a single component of a two-part series covering, in detail, aspects of the technology and science of roofing.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • fundamentals of single-ply, polyurethane foam and PMR roof systems
    • basic concepts and terminology of metal roofing
    • steep roof design and installation: asphalt shingles, tiles, wood shakes and shingles
    • building codes
    • fire testing/ratings of roofing
    • a basic understanding of wind interaction upon roofing and typical wind ratings
    • principles of roof asset management including roof inspections, maintenance, and non-destructive evaluations

    The Roof Technology and Science I and II courses feature fundamental and advanced concepts that frequently prove useful for students who plan to enroll in other RCI Educational Programs. This course also serves well as a stand-alone course as it provides a broad technical background for roofing industry personnel and building owners.

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    Rooftop Safety for Consultants and Building Owners*

    Learn the OSHA safety responsibilities of each participant of the roof construction process.

    A one-day program designed to interest the:

    • Owner
    • Designer
    • Roof Consultant / Roof Observer
    • Contractor

    This course covers the proper role for the consultant and owner in regards to safety during roof construction. This course also provides suggestions for consultant or owner safety programs for their employees.

    Additionally, an overview of roofing contractor OSHA safety regulations will be provided so that consultants and building owners are generally aware of safety requirements placed on the roofing contractor.

    OSHA Regulations Covered Include:

    • General Duties
    • Who qualifies as a competent person
    • Electrical Safety
    • Fall Protection
    • Ladders
    • Stairways
    • Fire Protection

    8 Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    Rooftop Quality Assurance*

    Rooftop Quality Assurance is a two-day course for professionals interested in field inspection and quality of applications. The program covers the diverse and challenging aspects of roofing as encountered in the field and is ideal for roofing material manufacturers, general contractors, quality assurance observers, and field inspectors.

    Instructors cover fundamentals of quality assurance, component assembly and quality practice guidelines for a variety of roofing systems.

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     
    RRC Review and Update*

    A one-day educational program designed for the practicing RRC and the person preparing for the RRC exam. This course offers technical updates and provides a summary/overview of other RCI educational programs.

    As a perquisite, attendees should posses a strong understanding of roofing design.

    Who Should Attend?
    Consultants with RRC designation, design personnel and those who have taken appropriate course work or have experience in the course content but desire a concentrated update and review course in preparation for the RRC exam. Note: This course is designed as a review and update and will not provide training in each area.

    Course topics include:

    Wind Design
    - Review of ASCE calculation techniques
    - R of FM Global calculations and new 2006 FM Global requirements

    Thermal Calculations
    - General thermal calculation review and ASHRAE update review
    - Temperatures within cross sections - review
    - Vapor retarder review and logic
    - Payback analysis review - current information

    Specifications
    - CSI format under new 42 Division Format
    - Job control using RCI, AIA and CSI documents

    LEED Design Basics
    - Specifying within the LEED frame work
    - Review of reflective roofing criteria and fundamentals

    Vegetative Roofing Design
    - Terms and criteria

    RAM Terms and Methods
    - Principles and terminology
    - Calculation methods

    Register / More Info
    8
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

     

    Symposium on Building Envelope Technology*

    The RCI Symposium on Building Envelope Technology is held annually in strategic geographic locations. This technical two-day meeting features insightful presentations about each element of the building envelope.

    Geared towards roof professionals, architects, engineers, contractors and facility managers, this comprehensive program will be of interest to anyone involved in building design, construction or maintenance.

    Topics offered generally include: flashings, roof moisture surveys, skylights, curtainwalls, walls, stucco, exterior insulation & finishing systems, waterproofing, and moisture/air Infiltration, and others.

    Tabletop displays allow attendees to investigate current industry trends and products, and meet face-to-face with industry representatives.

    For the latest on the Symposium on Building Envelope Technology, see the Events Calendar.


    Approximately 11
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *segments of this program may provide AIA HSW credit

     
    Wind and Drainage Theory*

    This two-day course is designed to develop and improve the attendee's understanding of wind and drainage design theory. Much of the program focuses on ASCE wind design calculations. Students practice in-class problem solving.

    Highlights of the program include:

    • wind issues and wind design including: FM 1-49 and 1-52
    • calculation methods for both ASCE -7 and Factory Mutual wind uplift evaluations - students will perform practice calculations
    • roof edge design to prevent wind blow-off, including ANSI/SPRI ES-1-98 and FM 1-49
    • drainage calculation techniques for internal and external drains including tapered insulation design - students will perform practice calculations
    • roof drainage techniques including calculation methods for tapered insulation designs
    • ASCE wind design calculations - students will perform practice calculations

    Register / More Info
    16
    Continuing Educational Hours
    *provides AIA HSW credit

 

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