Deck Armor

Deck Armor: A Game-Changer for Your Roofing System

When it comes to protecting your home from the harsh elements, your roof is the first line of defense. While shingles often get the spotlight, one component that is just as important but frequently overlooked is the roof deck protection. This is where Deck Armor comes in. It’s more than just an underlayment – it’s a comprehensive solution designed to safeguard your home from moisture, wind, and other potential threats, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your roof.

At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we believe that choosing Deck Armor for your roofing system is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what Deck Armor is, how it works, its many benefits, and why it should be a key part of your roof protection strategy.

What is Deck Armor and How Does It Work?

Deck Armor is a premium breathable synthetic roofing underlayment that adds an extra layer of protection between your roof deck and shingles. Traditional roofing felt is no longer the best option in modern roofing because of its tendency to absorb moisture and cause wrinkles and buckling. Deck Armor, on the other hand, offers superior durability, breathability, and resistance to the elements.

Key Features of Deck Armor:

• Breathable Material: One of the standout features of Deck Armor is its ability to allow moisture to escape from the attic, while still preventing external moisture from penetrating the roof deck.
• Synthetic Construction: Unlike traditional organic felts, Deck Armor is made from synthetic materials that resist moisture absorption, buckling, and wrinkling.
• High Tear Strength: With over 600% more tear strength than standard #30 felt, Deck Armor is designed to withstand the rigors of installation and continue protecting your roof throughout its lifespan.

The Benefits of Deck Armor

Choosing Deck Armor is about more than just adding another layer to your roof – it’s about ensuring long-lasting protection for your home. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits that make Deck Armor the preferred choice for many roofing professionals:

Protection from Wind-Driven Rain

Wind-driven rain is one of the biggest threats to a roof. Deck Armor acts as a reliable barrier, preventing water from seeping into the roof deck and causing long-term damage to the structure beneath. With Deck Armor, you’re not just protecting your shingles, but the entire roof system.

Moisture Control

Moisture trapped beneath roofing materials can lead to mold, mildew, and structural decay. Deck Armor’s breathable design allows internal moisture to escape while keeping external moisture out, reducing the risk of these problems and helping to extend the life of your roof.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Nobody wants a roof that looks uneven or disheveled. Traditional felts can absorb moisture and lead to buckling, creating an unsightly roof. Deck Armor prevents these issues by resisting moisture, ensuring that your shingles lay flat and uniform, giving your home a clean, attractive look.

Durability and Longevity

Deck Armor’s synthetic construction is designed to last. Unlike organic felts that can become brittle, rot, or break down before your shingles need replacing, Deck Armor remains strong and effective for the entire lifespan of your roof, protecting your home for years to come.

Deck Armor in the Roofing System

A roofing system is more than just shingles, and Deck Armor plays a crucial role in creating a comprehensive, durable, and resilient roofing system. At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we integrate Deck Armor into the overall roofing strategy, ensuring complete protection.

Deck Armor is a key component in the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, a system that combines high-quality shingles with superior roof deck protection, leak barriers, and ridge cap shingles. The result? A roofing system that stands up to the toughest conditions and offers long-term peace of mind.

Installation Process for Roof Deck Armor

Professional installation of Deck Armor is key to maximizing its benefits. Here’s how our experienced team at Chase Construction NW, Inc. ensures that your Deck Armor is installed properly:

1. Preparation: Before installation, we inspect and clean the roof deck to remove any debris or old underlayment. A smooth, clean deck is essential for proper installation.
2. Laying the Underlayment: Deck Armor is rolled out horizontally across the roof deck, starting from the bottom edge. Each row overlaps the previous one to provide full coverage.
3. Securing the Underlayment: The underlayment is secured using roofing nails or staples. Special care is taken around edges, valleys, and roof penetrations to ensure there are no gaps for moisture to enter.
4. Shingle Installation: Once the Deck Armor is in place, shingles are installed over the underlayment. Thanks to Deck Armor’s flat and smooth surface, shingles lay uniformly, improving the overall look and performance of your roof.
5. Final Inspection: We conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything is installed correctly, and there are no areas vulnerable to leaks.

Deck Armor vs. Traditional Roofing Felt: A Clear Choice

When deciding between Deck Armor and traditional roofing felt, the differences are clear:

Feature	Deck Armor	Traditional Felt (Organic)
Material	Synthetic, breathable	Organic, non-breathable
Moisture Resistance	Prevents buckling and wrinkling	Absorbs moisture, prone to buckling
Tear Strength	Over 600% greater tear strength	Lower tear strength, prone to damage
Installation Ease	Lightweight, easy to cut, works in all weather	Heavier, can become rigid or sticky based on temperature
Durability	Long-lasting, resists rot and brittleness	Can rot or become brittle before shingles reach their full lifespan
Aesthetic Impact	Shingles lay flat and uniform	Shingles may appear uneven due to felt buckling

How Deck Armor Protects Against Common Roofing Issues

There are several roofing challenges that Deck Armor is specifically designed to address:

• Moisture Buildup: Prevents moisture from getting trapped between your shingles and roof deck, reducing the risk of mold, mildew, and decay.
• Wind-Driven Rain: Acts as a barrier to prevent wind-driven rain from penetrating your roof and causing internal damage.
• Structural Decay: Deck Armor ensures that moisture can escape, helping to prevent long-term damage to your home’s structural integrity.

Maintenance Tips to Maximize Deck Armor’s Performance

To get the most out of your Deck Armor underlayment, here are some key maintenance tips:

• Regular Roof Inspections: Schedule inspections to check for signs of damage or wear. Early detection can save you from costly repairs.
• Keep Gutters Clean: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof deck and underlayment. Make sure your gutters are clear of debris.
• Monitor Attic Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and to ensure that Deck Armor’s breathable design works effectively.

Common Misconceptions About Deck Armor

There are a few misconceptions about Deck Armor that we’d like to clear up:

• Myth 1: “Deck Armor is unnecessary if you have good shingles.” While shingles are your roof’s first defense, Deck Armor adds an essential extra layer of protection, especially against wind-driven rain and trapped moisture.
• Myth 2: “Deck Armor is too expensive.” While Deck Armor may have a higher upfront cost, its durability, longevity, and the protection it offers make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Myth 3: “Deck Armor is difficult to install.” On the contrary, Deck Armor is installer-friendly, with features like lightweight construction and ease of cutting.

Choose Deck Armor for Long-Term Protection

Deck Armor offers superior protection, durability, and aesthetic benefits, making it the smart choice for any homeowner. Whether you’re installing a new roof or upgrading an old one, Deck Armor ensures that your roof stands strong against the elements for years to come. At Chase Construction NW, Inc., we are committed to providing top-quality roofing services, and we believe Deck Armor is a critical component of any reliable roofing system.

For more information on roof health or to learn how Deck Armor can benefit your home, contact us at Chase Construction NW, Inc. You can reach us at (253) 445-8950.

Estimates are always free at Chase Construction NW, Inc. Fill out our quick estimate form, and we’ll get back to you promptly. Let us help you protect your home with the best roofing materials and services available in the Northwest. Construction North West Inc. on Yelp

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GAF Deck Armor worth it?

Yes, GAF Deck Armor is a premium breathable roofing underlayment that provides superior protection against moisture and wind-driven rain. Its durability and long-lasting performance make it a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking to protect their roof.

What is Deck Armor?

Deck Armor is a synthetic, breathable roofing underlayment designed to protect the roof deck by allowing moisture to escape while preventing water from seeping in. It provides an additional layer of defense beneath the shingles.

Is GAF Deck Armor waterproof?

No, GAF Deck Armor is not completely waterproof. It is water-resistant and breathable, which allows moisture to escape from inside while preventing external water from penetrating the roof deck. However, it should not be used as a temporary waterproof roof cover.

What is the perm rating of GAF Deck Armor?

The perm rating of GAF Deck Armor is 16 perms, which indicates its high level of breathability, allowing water vapor to escape from the roof deck effectively.