Deck Armor vs Tiger Paw: Don’t Choose an Underlayment Until You Read This!
You’re investing in a new roof, a shield for your home that needs to last for decades. You’ve picked the shingles, you’ve hired a contractor, but now you’re faced with a choice that sounds technical and confusing: the underlayment. Specifically, you’re looking at two popular GAF products, Deck Armor and Tiger Paw, and wondering which is the right choice for your home.
This isn’t just a minor detail; the layer beneath your shingles is your roof’s critical second line of defense. The wrong choice could trap moisture, leading to rot and mold, while the right one can extend the life of your entire roofing system. Let’s break down the problem and find the right solution for you.
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What is Synthetic Underlayment and Why Does It Matter?
For years, roofing felt (tar paper) was the standard. But modern synthetic underlayments, made from engineered polymers like polypropylene, have changed the game. They are far more durable, tear-resistant, and water-resistant than old-school felt.
This thin layer protects your roof deck (the wooden structure of your roof) from water that might get past the shingles during severe weather like wind-driven rain. It’s a crucial barrier, especially before the shingles are fully installed, and can prevent a host of problems down the road. Both Deck Armor and Tiger Paw are leading synthetic options, but they serve two very different purposes.
Meet the Contenders: A Tale of Two Underlayments
At a glance, Deck Armor and Tiger Paw seem similar. They are both premium synthetic products from GAF, designed to offer superior protection compared to traditional felt. However, the core difference lies in one key feature: breathability.
This single attribute fundamentally changes how each underlayment performs and dictates which one is the ideal choice for your specific home and climate. Understanding this is the key to making an informed decision.
GAF Tiger Paw: The Tough Water-Shedding Shield
Think of Tiger Paw as a tough, reliable raincoat for your roof deck. Its primary job is to provide an incredibly strong and durable barrier against external water intrusion. Made from non-asphaltic polypropylene, it’s engineered to be exceptionally tear-resistant—up to 600% stronger than standard #30 felt.
Its surface is specially designed with a high-traction texture, making it safer for roofers to walk on during installation, even on steep pitches. While GAF notes it has a moisture-control design, its main strength is its robust ability to shed water from the outside. If a storm hits before your shingles are on, or if a shingle gets damaged later, Tiger Paw is the formidable barrier you want in place.
GAF Deck-Armor: The Premium Breathable Membrane
Deck-Armor is a different kind of beast altogether. While it is also strong and water-resistant, its standout feature is its breathability. It’s designed not just to block water from getting in, but also to let moisture from inside your attic get out. This is a critical distinction.
Everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing release moisture into your home’s air. This warm, moist air rises and can get trapped in your attic. If your attic isn’t perfectly ventilated, that moisture can condense on the underside of your cool roof deck, leading to devastating problems like mold, mildew, and wood rot. Deck-Armor’s breathable technology allows this water vapor to escape through the roof, protecting the structural integrity of your home from the inside out.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Deck Armor vs. Tiger Paw
To make the choice clearer, let’s compare the key features of these two underlayments side-by-side. This will help you see where each product shines and how their differences relate to your home’s specific needs.
| Feature | GAF Deck-Armor | GAF Tiger Paw |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Premium breathable protection; allows interior moisture to escape. | Superior water-shedding barrier; protects against external water. |
| Breathability (Perm Rating) | High (rated as breathable technology). | Low (acts more as a vapor barrier). |
| Tear Strength | Excellent, approximately 600% greater than #30 felt. | Excellent, also significantly stronger than #30 felt. |
| Walkability | High-traction, slip-resistant surface. | High-traction, slip-resistant “Safe-Grip” surface. |
| Ideal Use Case | Homes with less-than-perfect attic ventilation or in humid climates. | Asphalt shingle roofs in areas with heavy rain; homes with good attic ventilation. |
| Cost | Premium price point, generally more expensive. | More budget-friendly than Deck-Armor, but more than felt. |
| Material | UV-stabilized breathable polypropylene. | UV-stabilized non-asphaltic polypropylene. |
The Core Decision: Should Your Roof Breathe or Be Sealed?
The choice between Deck Armor and Tiger Paw boils down to one fundamental question: Is it more important for your roof to breathe or to have the most robust possible water-shedding layer? The answer depends entirely on your home’s construction and your climate.
When to Choose Deck-Armor (The Breathable Solution)
You should strongly consider Deck-Armor if your home meets any of these criteria:
- Poor Attic Ventilation: Many older homes, or even some newer ones with complex rooflines, lack adequate ventilation. If you don’t have a robust system of soffit and ridge vents, moisture can easily get trapped. Deck-Armor provides a crucial escape route for this moisture.
- High Humidity Climates: If you live in a place where the air is consistently humid, there’s more moisture trying to get into your attic. A breathable underlayment is essential insurance against mold and rot.
- You Want Peace of Mind: Deck-Armor is the premium option. It protects from both internal and external moisture threats. If you are investing in a “lifetime” roof, choosing a breathable underlayment is the best way to ensure the wooden deck underneath lasts just as long.
By allowing moisture to escape, Deck-Armor protects the very structure of your roof deck, preventing long-term decay that can be incredibly expensive to repair.
When to Choose Tiger Paw (The Water-Shedding Workhorse)
Tiger Paw is an excellent and cost-effective choice under these circumstances:
- Excellent Attic Ventilation: If you are confident that your attic has a high-performing ventilation system, the risk of trapped moisture is much lower. In this case, focusing on a tough external barrier like Tiger Paw is a smart move.
- Budget Considerations: Tiger Paw offers outstanding durability and water resistance at a lower price point than Deck-Armor. It’s a significant upgrade over felt without the premium cost of a breathable membrane.
- Focus on Asphalt Shingles: Tiger Paw is specifically optimized for use with asphalt shingle roofs, providing a tough, non-buckling surface that helps shingles lay flat and look great.
For a well-ventilated roof, Tiger Paw provides all the protection you need from external threats like wind-driven rain, making it a reliable and economical choice.
Installation is Key: Don’t Let a Good Product Go to Waste
Choosing the right product is only half the battle. Flawless installation is what guarantees performance. A poorly installed underlayment, whether it’s Deck Armor or Tiger Paw, can lead to leaks and negate the benefits you paid for. It’s critical that your roofer fastens the material correctly, with proper overlaps, to ensure a watertight seal.
Sometimes, a contractor might install the underlayment and then have to pause the project. If you’ve ever worried about why a roofer left your roof exposed with just the underlayment, know that both these products have UV resistance for up to 180 days. However, they are not designed to be permanent waterproof barriers on their own.
Proper installation also involves integration with other roofing components. For instance, ensuring the underlayment works correctly with the flashing and eaves is critical. A situation with a drip edge installed wrong can channel water underneath even the best underlayment. And if you’re concerned about what happens if there’s rain right after a new roof is put on, having a high-quality, properly installed underlayment provides crucial peace of mind.
The Final Verdict
The “Deck Armor vs Tiger Paw” debate doesn’t have one right answer for everyone. The best choice is personal to your home, climate, and budget. Here’s the final takeaway:
Choose Deck-Armor if you want the ultimate, premium protection against both external rain and internal moisture damage. It is the superior choice for homes with any ventilation concerns or for homeowners who want the absolute best long-term protection for their roof deck.
Choose Tiger Paw if you have a well-ventilated attic and need a tough, durable, and cost-effective water-shedding barrier for your asphalt shingle roof. It provides excellent protection against the elements and is a massive upgrade over traditional felt paper.
By understanding the fundamental difference—breathability—you can now have an informed conversation with your contractor and confidently choose the perfect underlayment to protect your home for years to come.
