GAF Tiger Paw = a premium synthetic roof underlayment (“roof deck protection”) that goes on top of your plywood/OSB deck and under your shingles. It’s basically your roof’s second skin—extra defense against wind-driven rain + moisture while you install, and long-term backup under the shingles. 

Why people use it (the Tiger Paw superpowers)

• High traction / walkability (anti-skid walking surface + back coating).  
• Moisture-control design to help reduce damaging moisture on the deck (vs many non-breathable synthetics).  
• Strength upgrade vs #30 felt: GAF lists 600% greater tear strength and 147% higher nail-pull strength than conventional #30 asphalt felt.  
• Doesn’t wrinkle/buckle like felt, so your finished shingle roof looks cleaner.  
• UV-stabilized: rated up to 180 days UV exposure (but that’s about UV degradation—not “temporary roof” performance).  

The roll you’re probably talking about

• 10 squares = 1,000 sq ft (excludes laps)
• 48” wide x 250’ long, ~40 lb roll  

Non-negotiables (don’t skip these)

• It’s water resistant, NOT waterproof — do not treat it like a temporary roof.  
• Install with plastic cap nails or cap staples — no bare nails/staples.  

If you tell me your roof type (asphalt shingles? low slope? LA area?) and whether you’re re-roofing or patching, I’ll tell you exactly where Tiger Paw fits in the stack (and where you’d instead want an ice & water leak barrier).