Where do they go? Historically, starter strip shingles have been used not only at the lower eave edge of the roof, but experienced professionals also use them at the gable, or rake edges of roofs.
The starter course protects your roof by filling in the spaces under the edges of the first row of exposed shingles. In other words, the starter course is a backing for the first visible row of shingles.
1:006:32HOW TO INSTALL THE STARTER SHINGLE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's perforated and you divided in two right now we're installing the starter strip on the gableMoreAnd it's perforated and you divided in two right now we're installing the starter strip on the gable end. And five mils per shingle approximately two to three inches back from the rake.
There are also pre-cut starter strips that can be purchased from roofing manufacturers. Installing a starter strip this way is important because otherwise your shingles can be lifted up by strong wind and potentially ripped off. And your wind warranty will be void due to improper installation.
The GAF shingle application instructions for our entire product line specifically state that that film does not need to be removed. Note: The film strips on the back of each shingle are to prevent sticking together of the shingles while in the bundle. Their removal is NOT required during application.
1:092:34ESSENTIALS OF THE STARTER SHINGLE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe starter shingle is not optional. Especially on the eaves. But also on the gable ends on theMoreThe starter shingle is not optional. Especially on the eaves. But also on the gable ends on the right the starter shingle is necessary for complete roof install.
After installing drip-edge along the eaves, double the first course of shingles or, as shown, install a starter strip. The lower edge of the starter strip overhangs the drip-edge by 1⁄4 in. to 3⁄4 in. —or even 1 in. if bowing eaves or rake boards require it.
2:156:00How to Install Starter Shingles - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you're gonna want to do is you're going to want to come off of that about a quarter of anMoreSo what you're gonna want to do is you're going to want to come off of that about a quarter of an inch and that will give you your perfect spacing on here and then you're gonna go ahead and nail that.
The edge of the shingles should hang over a roof between an inch and an inch and a half — or between a half inch and three-quarters of an inch if drip edge flashing is installed. Too much overhang and the shingles could blow off in high winds; too little can allow water to seep into rake or fascia boards.
Installing roof drip edge flashing properly The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge. This lets any water that gets on the roof run down the underlayment and over the drip edge.
Cut 12 inches (30.4 centimeters) off the length of the first shingle that you lay. Then lay down whole tiles to the end of the row, trimming the last shingle so that it fits correctly. Continue laying and nailing down shingles in this manner.
The starter shingle's two purposes are water protection and wind protection at the eave and rake. A starter shingle is used to seal with the field shingle at the first course along the eave and rake. This helps prevent wind and water from getting beneath the shingle in this critical location.