UL Solutions highlights growing urgency of fire testing in roofing at RICOWI Spring Seminar

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

This seminar presentation focused on growing external fire danger and the future of roofing in wildfire zones.

At the RICOWI Spring Seminar on March 11, 2026, 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 UL Solutions, who shared deep insights into fire testing, certification and the increasing risks tied to wildfire exposure in today’s built environment. 

Hosted by the Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI), the seminar reflects the organization’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, researchers and other industry professionals to study the effects of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, hailstorms and wildfires. Through field investigations, research and education, the organization works to improve building practices, enhance resilience and provide valuable data that supports codes, standards and industry advancements. 

Sloan, technical director for the built environment at UL Solutions, brought decades of expertise in reaction to fire testing and building material evaluation. His role overseeing certification services, evaluation reports and code development places him at the center of evolving fire safety standards that directly impact roofing professionals across the country. 

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 the industry must address. Roofing systems that were once considered resilient are now being tested in ways that were difficult to imagine even a generation ago. 

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. 

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 wind driven flames, ember intrusion and complex roof geometries all play a role in how roofing systems perform during a fire event. 

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. 

UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute was also featured as a key contributor to ongoing research. Through full scale 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. 

For roofing professionals, the takeaway was clear. The environment is changing, and so are the expectations for performance. As wildfires continue to impact communities across North America, the role of roofing in protecting structures has never been more important. Staying informed on testing standards, certification processes and emerging research will be essential for contractors, consultants and manufacturers alike. 

The session reinforced the value of collaboration between organizations like RICOWI, UL Solutions 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. 

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 https://www.ricowi.com/ and consider becoming a member to help make a difference in the future of the roofing industry.