GAF Tiger Paw is a high-performance roof deck protection product designed to offer superior durability, UV resistance, and ease of installation. As a non-asphaltic, polypropylene underlayment, it provides a reliable barrier against moisture while maintaining breathability and flexibility. This article provides a detailed overview of the product’s material composition, key features, and best practices for installation, based on the available documentation. It also highlights the advantages of Tiger Paw over traditional underlayment materials, emphasizing its value for both residential and commercial roofing projects.
Material and Design Features
GAF Tiger Paw is engineered using a non-asphaltic, polypropylene material that offers a unique combination of strength and flexibility. Unlike traditional felt underlayments, which are primarily made of organic fibers and bitumen, Tiger Paw is lightweight and resistant to wrinkling and buckling. This characteristic ensures that the underlayment lies flat and conforms smoothly to the roof deck, providing a stable surface for the final roofing material—typically shingles.
The synthetic design of Tiger Paw also contributes to its durability. The material is not only resistant to tearing but also maintains its structural integrity under a wide range of environmental conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for long-term protection against moisture, wind, and other external factors that can compromise roof performance.
Another notable feature is the product’s anti-skid back coating, which enhances installer safety by reducing the risk of slips and falls during the installation process. Additionally, the light gray surface of Tiger Paw is designed to be cooler to the touch, which improves comfort for roofers working in hot conditions.
UV Resistance and Breathability
One of the most significant advantages of GAF Tiger Paw is its UV resistance. Traditional underlayments, such as asphalt-saturated felt, are prone to degradation when exposed to prolonged sunlight. This can lead to a loss of structural integrity and reduced effectiveness as a moisture barrier. In contrast, Tiger Paw is engineered to withstand extended UV exposure without degrading, making it a reliable choice for roofing projects that may experience delays or require long periods of time between installation phases.
In addition to UV resistance, the product is designed to be breathable. This means that it allows moisture to escape from the roof deck rather than trapping it, which helps prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and rot. The breathability feature is especially important in humid climates or areas prone to high moisture levels, as it supports the long-term health of the roof structure.
Installation Best Practices
Proper installation is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of GAF Tiger Paw as a roof deck protection system. The process involves rolling out the underlayment horizontally across the roof deck, starting from the eaves and working upward. Each row should overlap the previous one by at least four inches to ensure a continuous barrier against moisture. This overlap helps prevent gaps that could allow water to seep through, especially during heavy rainfall or snow melt.
To secure the underlayment, corrosion-resistant nails or staples are recommended. Installers should place fasteners every 12 inches along the edges and every 24 inches in the field. Using corrosion-resistant fasteners is essential to prevent rusting, which could compromise the integrity of the underlayment over time.
Before installation, it is crucial to ensure that the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of debris. Any dirt, dust, or construction residue should be removed to allow the underlayment to adhere properly. A clean surface also helps prevent wrinkles and buckles, which can affect the appearance of the finished roof and potentially create weak points in the underlayment.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
GAF Tiger Paw is designed with installer safety in mind. The product’s surface provides excellent walkability, reducing the risk of slips and falls during installation. This is particularly important for roofers working on steep or uneven surfaces. The anti-skid back coating further enhances safety by keeping the roll in place during the unrolling process, preventing it from shifting unexpectedly.
Temperature considerations are also an important factor during installation. The documentation advises against installing Tiger Paw in temperatures below 40°F. At lower temperatures, the material may become less pliable, making it more difficult to handle and increasing the risk of tearing or improper adhesion. This limitation should be taken into account when planning roofing projects, especially in colder regions or during the winter months.
In addition to temperature concerns, installers should always wear appropriate safety gear, including non-slip shoes and a harness when working at heights. These precautions are essential for minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe working environment.
Performance Comparison with Traditional Felt Underlayment
When compared to traditional felt underlayment, GAF Tiger Paw offers several distinct advantages. One of the most notable is its resistance to wrinkling and buckling. Felt underlayments are often prone to these issues, which can lead to an uneven surface and affect the final appearance of the roof. Tiger Paw’s synthetic design ensures a smoother, more uniform application, resulting in a better-looking finished roof.
Another key advantage is the product’s durability. Felt underlayments are typically more susceptible to tearing and degradation over time, especially when exposed to moisture and UV light. In contrast, Tiger Paw’s non-asphaltic construction provides greater resistance to these factors, offering long-term protection for the roof deck.
Breathability is another area where Tiger Paw outperforms traditional underlayments. Felt materials are generally less breathable, which can lead to trapped moisture and potential issues with mold and rot. Tiger Paw’s breathability allows excess moisture to escape, promoting a healthier environment for the roof structure.
Long-Term Benefits and Value
GAF Tiger Paw is positioned as a long-term investment in roof protection. Its combination of durability, UV resistance, and breathability ensures that it remains effective for the life of the roofing project. This can reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements, offering cost savings over time.
The product is also designed to be compatible with a wide range of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and other common roofing products. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for both residential and commercial applications, where different roofing materials may be used depending on the project requirements.
For homeowners, the use of GAF Tiger Paw provides an added layer of protection for their investment. A well-protected roof deck can extend the lifespan of the entire roofing system, reducing the risk of water damage and other issues that can lead to costly repairs. For contractors, the product offers a reliable and efficient solution that supports both performance and safety during installation.
Conclusion
GAF Tiger Paw is a high-performance roof deck protection product that offers a range of advantages over traditional underlayment materials. Its non-asphaltic, polypropylene construction provides superior durability, UV resistance, and breathability, making it an ideal choice for a variety of roofing applications. The product is designed to be easy to install, with best practices that include proper overlapping, secure fastening, and attention to temperature conditions. Installer safety is also a key focus, with features such as anti-skid coatings and a non-slip surface that reduce the risk of accidents during the installation process.
By following the recommended installation guidelines and leveraging the product’s advanced features, installers can ensure a long-lasting and effective roof deck protection system. Whether used in residential or commercial settings, GAF Tiger Paw provides a reliable and durable solution that supports the performance and longevity of the roofing system.