Authors

Thomas L. Smith, AIA, RRC, F.SEI

Thomas L. Smith, AIA, RRC, F.SEI, is a licensed architect and registered roof consultant. From 1988-98, he was NRCA's research director. Smith authored Low-Slope Roofing II published by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He is a member of the American Association for Wind Engineering's board of directors.

Articles authored

TitleSubtitleDate
A revised approach to wind load calculationsThe 2022 edition of ASCE 7 includes several roofing-related changesMay 2023
Short-term solutionsFollow these preliminary design guidelines to temporarily secure wind-damaged low-slope roof assembliesMay 2018
How do I load thee?Be prepared to address changes resulting from the 2016 edition of ASCE 7October 2017
Facing the windNailer attachment is one key to achieving good wind-uplift performanceMarch 2015
A preliminary protocolFollowing a well-founded protocol lends better results when evaluating wind-damaged roof systemsAugust 2013
Assessing Wind VulnerabilityHow to assess wind vulnerability of critical facilities' roof systems August 2011
Mapping the 2010 wind changesASCE 7's significant changes pertain to calculating wind loads on buildingsAugust 2010
ASCE 7 updateJune 2008
Calculating heat and moistureA German-U.S. computer program can help roof system designersJanuary 2008
Observations from the fieldA roof consultant shares his findings from studying storm-damaged roof systemsSeptember 2007
Learning about lightning protectionMarch 2006
The hurricanes of 2004An overiew of FEMA's findings and recommendations for roof system performanceSeptember 2005
Green buildings standardDemonstrating a commitment to sustainability through LEED certificationSeptember 2003
Detailing ASCE 7's changesUpdated ways to determine design wind loadsJuly 2003
Honing in on hangarsAircraft hangars have unique roofing needs that often are overlookedOctober 2002
Hurricane Andrew—10 years laterThe third-strongest hurricane in U.S. history left its mark on building codes and the roofing industryAugust 2002