what is a starter shingle course

by Mittie Christiansen 8 min read

Full Answer

What is starter course?

Starter courses can be three-tab shingles with the bottom 5 in. cut off or a starter strip that comes on rolls in various widths. Starter strips have the advantage of stiffening shingles above and, viewed from below, providing a clean, unbroken line. Still, trimming three-tab shingles is cheaper, so here’s a quick look at that method.

What does the 7 in line mean on shingles?

The 7-in. line indicates the top of the starter course ; the 12-in. line indicates the top of the first course of shingles . Starter courses can be three-tab shingles with the bottom 5 in. cut off or a starter strip that comes on rolls in various widths.

Can you put starter strips on a roof?

Instead of doubling shingles along the roof rakes, install a starter strip. It’s stiff enough to resist wind uplift. And, seen from below, it presents a much cleaner, straighter line than individual shingles.

Is it cheaper to trim shingles with starter strips?

Still, trimming three-tab shingles is cheaper, so here’s a quick look at that method.

Do you cover starter course with shingles?

You’ll cover the starter course with the first course of shingles. Running starter courses along the rakes isn’t imperative, but it’s smart because starters stiffen the overhanging shingle edges and create a cleaner sightline from below.

What is starter shingle?

Starter shingles (also known as starter strips) are a key component to your new roofing system. A starter strip is an asphalt based shingle utilized to waterproof the eave and rake edges of your home during a re-roof. Take a look at your roof and you’ll see how the field roofing shingles are overlapped to create seamless flow ...

What is a factory starter?

Factory starter is also a part of the GAF complete roofing system and required to qualify the roof for an upgraded warranty. Here are a few technical points for Pro-Start starter strips (from GAF website):

What is the purpose of tar strips on a roof?

Adhesive tar strips help prevent shingle blow-off from harsh winds (along eaves as well). A straight line to properly orient each new row of shingles. Thicken the shingle layers sticking over the rake edge to help prevent drooping. Without starter strips or starter shingles, water will likely penetrate your roof edge.

What size should the starter strip be on a Golden Pledge?

The edge of the starter strip should hang over the eave and rake edge 3/4″ in order to create a drip edge. This is required on all Golden Pledge system warranties.

Can shingles overlap?

But along the eave line, roofing shingles come to an edge and can’t be overlapped. To prevent water penetration, we install starter shingles or starter strips. Where the shingles on the eaves butt up against each other, these starter strips provide the overlap function.

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Can you put underlayment on a roof without starter strips?

Without starter strips or starter shingles, water will likely penetrate your roof edge. A good underlayment, like GAF Tiger Paw synthetic hybrid underlayment goes a long way to reducing damage. But it is only a secondary layer of protection that functions robustly when the water that reaches it is a low enough quantity.

Can you install a drip edge after the shingles?

We don’t recommend installing a drip edge after your starter shingles. In fact, the proper order to follow should be your drip edge first, along with an underlayment such as an ice and water shield.

Can you install rolled roofing over shingles?

Rolled roofing or roll on shingles is an alternative roofing material that’s extremely easy to install, affordable, and adaptable.

How many feet of shingles is a bundle of 10?

For example, if a bundle of 10 shingles is equivalent to 60 meters/linear feet of coverage, you can use the total length of your eaves and rake edge to see how much you’ll need for the installation. Finally, make sure that the joints of your starter shingle are not coincidental with the joints of your finished shingle.

What is the most vulnerable part of a roof?

The most vulnerable parts of your roof that lack starter strips would be your eaves and rake edges . Installing a starter strip on your roof edges (over underlayment and/or ice and water shield) will also have a tar adhesive strip to prevent your shingles from blowing off in harsh weather conditions.

Why are starter strips called starter strips?

Some manufacturers refer to starter shingles as starter strips because this also avoids confusion between a starter shingle and roof shingle. Starter strips also don’t have a specific color system, unlike roof shingles. Since your starter strip will be placed below your roof shingles, aesthetics don’t matter as much.

How many lineal feet are in a starter shingle?

Depending on the manufacturer, this is around 33.33 lineal feet.

What does a starter shingle do to a roof?

Specifically, a starter shingle on your gables improves your roof’s wind resistance.

What do you need to do before you can put asphalt shingles on your roof?

Utility knife. Before you can begin setting asphalt shingles on your roof, you must install a row of starter shingles. These shingles are instrumental in making sure the asphalt shingles are correctly laid out on your roof. If these first shingles are not installed correctly, there will be problems with the entire set of shingles.

Can you put a second course on top of a starter course?

Because this is the starter course, the second course will be placed directly on top of it. If there is any overlap, the second course will not seal correctly to the adhesive strip. Use the same number of roofing nails on each successive shingle until you finish the first row.

What is the purpose of articles being reviewed?

To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.

Where should drip edge flashing go on a roof?

You should already know where the middle of the roof is, and there should be a piece of drip edge flashing that goes along the length of the entire roof.

What is a starter strip?

Starter strips for roofing are designed as a starter course before installing the first course of shingles. The Pro-Cut Starter Strip is an easy, cost-saving alternative to the traditional method of cutting tabs from 3-tab shingles to form a starter course. The Pro-Cut Starter Strip may also be used as a rake edge strip to prevent wind uplift of the field shingles. For more information on starter strips for roofing, contact your local Atlas agent today.

How to use Pro Cut 6xr starter strip?

If using the Pro-Cut 6xr Starter Strip Roll, roll into place with the sealant tack line next to the eave edge, remove release sheet and press into place. Abut end joints of the Pro-Cut 6xr Starter Strip Roll, making sure such abutments do not occur over any overlaps or seams of the ice and water membrane or at shingle butt joints.

What temperature should Pro Cut starter strip be installed at?

Pro-Cut Starter Strip is formulated to be installed in ambient temperatures of 40? and above.

How long is Pro Cut Hip and Ridge warranty?

Pro-Cut Hip & Ridge installed with non-Atlas manufactured shingles covering the field of the deck will be covered by a materials only warranty provision of 20 years - prorated straight line.

Where to install Pro Cut starter strips?

Pro-Cut Starter Strips can be installed starting at either end of the eave. Begin installing the starter strips from the same end you intend to start the first course of field shingles.

Can you stack pro cut starter shingles?

IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS: Pallets of Pro-Cut Starter Shingles should not be double stacked. Provide cover on top and sides, allowing for adequate ventilation and store at room temperature until use. Protect from weather during storage and on job site.

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