TAS 100

TAS 100, Test Procedure for Wind and Wind Driven Rain Resistance of Discontinuous Roof Systems, is one of the Testing Application Standards (TAS) published with the Florida Building Code. The TAS documents originated in the South Florida Building Code used by Miami-Dade and Broward counties and are closely tied to the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) provisions.

Purpose

"Discontinuous" roof systems are those made of individual units or panels that overlap rather than forming one continuous membrane, such as tile, metal panels, metal shingles, and composite shingles. TAS 100 checks whether such a system, together with its underlayment, prevents wind-driven rain from reaching the roof deck. It is also used for roof accessories such as ridge vents and attic fans.

How the test works

A test deck is built as it would be in the field, including eave, valley and rake details, with fasteners spaced to corner and perimeter requirements rather than the lighter field spacing. A spray rack wets the deck at 8.8 in (224 mm) per hour while a wind generator blows across it in stages at 35, 70, 90 and 110 mph (56, 113, 145 and 177 km/h), with 10-minute rests between stages. To pass, no water may penetrate through the deck sheathing.

Where it is used

Manufacturers use TAS 100 results to support Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance and Florida Product Approvals for roof coverings and accessories. A TAS 100 result is often presented on vent and ridge product literature as evidence of wind-driven rain resistance.

Review and modernization

The Florida Building Commission's Hurricane Research Advisory Committee has studied whether water penetration tests such as TAS 100 need updating, partly because of lessons from recent hurricanes about water entry at vents and roof edges.

Related standards

TAS 100 is one of a family of Testing Application Standards used for HVHZ product approval. Others, such as TAS 114, appear alongside it in Miami-Dade approvals for underlayments and roof components.