Many homeowners concentrate on the kind of shingles they want for their roof, but there’s another crucial element that frequently goes overlooked: the starter strip shingles. This little but essential component of the roofing system is very important to the longevity and functionality of your roof.
In this post, we’ll discuss shingle starter strips in detail and explain why they’re crucial to your roof’s lifespan.
What Are Starter Strip Shingles?
Often called starter shingles, starter strip shingles are installed on a roof before the main asphalt shingles. Their main job is to protect against water leaks and wind uplift along the roof’s edge, helping to keep the roof secure and functional.
These shingles usually have a sealant strip that activates in sunlight, bonding them tightly to the shingles above and boosting the roof’s durability. Though they’re hidden once the main shingles are installed, starter shingles play a huge role in preventing leaks and extending the life of the roof.
Common Misconceptions
Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of starter strips in roofing. Some see them as an extra cost or may even skip them during installation. However, ignoring starter strips can cause serious problems later, such as leaks, blown-off shingles, and damage to the roof’s underlying materials. It’s essential to include them for a durable and effective roofing system.
Why Are Shingle Starter Strips Important?
Knowing the unique benefits of shingle starting strips will help you understand the role they play in the functionality of your roof.
#1. Waterproofing Protection
Starter strip shingles create a vital waterproof barrier along the eaves and edges of the roof. They cover the gaps between regular shingles, stopping water from getting underneath and causing leaks or damage inside the house. This layer of protection helps keep the roofing system strong and shields the structure beneath.
#2. Wind Resistance
These shingles boost the roof’s defense against strong winds. By securing the first row of shingles, starter strips prevent high winds from lifting or shifting them, which could expose areas of the roof. This protection is essential in places that experience severe weather.
#3. Seamless Installation
Starter strips provide a solid base for laying the main shingles, ensuring they stick properly. Their sealant activates in sunlight, bonding tightly to the shingles above. This helps with alignment and creates a smooth, uniform look across the roof.
#4. Aesthetic Appeal
Although starter shingles are hidden after installation, they create a clean, straight edge along the roof’s gables and eaves. This gives the roof a neat, even appearance, boosting curb appeal while also providing important structural benefits.
#5. Cost-Effectiveness
Using starter strip shingles can help save money in the long term by preventing water damage and expensive repairs. Their role in extending the life of the roof makes them a valuable addition to any project, offering both durability and overall value.
#6. Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Starter strip shingles can help improve a home’s energy efficiency by reducing air leaks at the roof’s edges. This helps keep indoor temperatures stable, lowering the need for heating and cooling. As a result, homeowners may enjoy lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.
#7. Protection Against Ice Dams
In colder areas, starter strips help prevent ice dams by allowing proper drainage at the roof’s edge. This directs melting snow away from the roof, reducing the risk of ice buildup. This protection is crucial to stop water from seeping under the shingles and damaging the roof or home.
#8. Preventing Shingle Curling
These shingles provide support at the edges, helping to prevent curling and damage over time. This support is essential for keeping the shingles strong and ensuring they last longer with less need for repairs.
#9. Foundation for Shingle Installation
Starter strips create a base for the first row of regular shingles. Without this base, the roof edges would be vulnerable to water leaks and wind damage. Properly securing these strips ensures that the rest of the shingles stick well, making the entire roofing system more stable.
Types of Shingle Starter Strips You Can Go For
Let’s examine some popular starter strips to help you choose the best option for your roofing project.
1. Atlas Pro-Cut® HP42® Starter Shingles
These Atlas starter shingles offer excellent roof protection and quick installation. Their 42-inch length covers 140 linear feet per bundle, making projects faster. A double sealant line helps resist wind uplift and fills gaps under exposed shingles. When installed with other Atlas roofing products, they qualify for the Atlas Signature Select® System Warranty for added reassurance.
2. CertainTeed Swiftstart® Metric Starter Shingle
Designed to improve roof durability, CertainTeed Swiftstart® metric starter shingles provide a solid foundation for the first row of shingles. They effectively reduce wind uplift and are simple to install. CertainTeed starter strip shingles are compatible with various roofing materials, making them ideal for new constructions and re-roofing.
3. GAF WeatherBlocker™ Premium Starter Strip Shingles
GAF WeatherBlocker™ Premium Starter Strip Shingles provide strong protection against wind and rain. Their design forms a tight seal at the roof edge to prevent water intrusion. Easy to install, GAF starter strip shingles help contractors finish projects efficiently. Additionally, they come with a lifetime limited warranty when paired with GAF Lifetime shingles and qualifying accessories.
How To Install Shingle Starter Strips
To install a starter strip properly, follow these steps to create a secure and effective roofing system:
Step 1: Prepare the Roof
> Remove Old Shingles: If needed, start by taking off any old shingles to expose the roof deck. Use a roof rake to lift them carefully without damaging the underlying structure.
> Check the Deck: Inspect for damage or weak spots and repair them to ensure a strong base for the new shingles.
Step 2: Install Drip Edge
> Add Drip Edge: Place a drip edge along the eaves and rakes. This metal flashing helps direct water away from the fascia, preventing moisture issues.
Step 3: Place Underlayment
> Lay Down Underlayment: Spread felt paper or another underlayment over the roof deck for added moisture protection.
Step 4: Cut Starter Strips
>How To Cut Starter Strip Shingles: Trim 3-tab shingles to about 7 inches wide, keeping the adhesive line near the roof’s edge for a strong seal. Use a utility knife to cut the tabs, leaving half of the shingle intact. This ensures proper alignment and prevents incorrect overlapping of the next rows.
Step 5: Install Starter Strips
> Position Strips: Align the first starter strip along the eave, allowing a 1/4 to 1/2 inch overhang over the drip edge for effective water runoff.
> Nail Strips: Secure with five to six nails per strip, spaced 2 to 3 inches from the edge for stability.
Step 6: Stagger Joints
> Stagger Placement: For additional starter strips, cut them shorter (around 12 inches) to create a staggered pattern that improves the seal and keeps water out.
Step 7: Continue Installation
> Install Along Rakes: Repeat for starter strips along the rakes, ensuring at least a 3-inch overlap between adjacent strips for wind resistance.
Step 8: Final Checks
> Inspect the Installation: Once all strips are in place, double-check that they are securely fastened and aligned, with no gaps that could allow water in.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Misalignment: If the starter strip isn’t aligned correctly, it can affect shingle placement.
- Weak Sealing: Ensure the adhesive side sticks well to the shingles to avoid wind and water damage.
- Wrong Cut Shingles: The cut edge should face the roof’s peak, not the eaves.
- Insufficient Fastening: Using too few nails or placing them wrong can result in a loose starter strip.
How Much Does A Shingle Starter Strip Cost?
The price of a shingle starter strip usually falls between $0.40 and $2 per linear foot, depending on the brand and material. A bundle typically covers about 105 linear feet and costs around $40 to $80, depending on the retailer and product features. Overall, starter strips are an affordable and necessary part of roofing projects.
Start Your Roofing Project Right With All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters!
Now you know shingle starter strips are vital for preventing water damage and wind uplift, which helps your roof last longer. If you’re getting a new roof or have concerns, contact a roofing professional for proper installation.
Need a reliable roofing company to protect your home? Choose All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters! Our experienced team knows how important shingle starter strips are for preventing water damage and wind uplift. We use top-quality materials with the best shingle roofing services to give you a durable roof. Contact us today for an instant quote at (937) 902-2839!
