Three New Wind Related Design Tools

FM Approvals’ RoofNav Now Free

Factory Mutual (FM Global) is now allowing unrestricted, free access to RoofNav, their former subscription-based web-roofing tool that simplifies the configuration and assembly of FM-Approved roofs.  Included with the website is an online classification calculator and approval listing directory.  This website will prove to be a valuable resource for anyone who requires the most up to date details on FM approved roofing products and assemblies.  To gain free access visit www.roofnav.com to register.

NRCA’s Roof Wind Designer

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in the US has developed a web based design tool which can be accessed free of charge at www.roofwinddesigner.com.  Roof Wind Designer is intended to provide users with an easy to use means for accurately determining roof systems’ design wind loads for many commonly encountered building types.  Unfortunately the program does not reference Canadian geographical locations and will be of little help to local designers.

Canadian Wind Load Calculator

While the NRCA Roof Wind Designer may be unhelpful in Canada, the National Research Council of Canada’s Institute for Research in Construction is developing a Wind Load Calculator that will be based on the 2005 National Building Code.  The Institute’s Dr. Bas Baskaran is leading the project and has indicated that this valuable tool will be available later in 2007.