why do arxhitectural shingles have you cut the first course

You do need to use a starter course with architectural shingles. The starter edge will help seal the edges and cover your shingle joints. As it won’t be visible on the finished roof, you don’t need to worry about the look of your starter strip and whether it matches your architectural shingles.

Full Answer

What is the history of architectural shingles?

History of Architectural Shingles In the 1970s, architectural shingles emerged as a sturdier, high quality option for asphalt roofing. Today, architectural shingles are widely popular among homeowners, and asphalt shingles make up 80% of the roofing market.

Do you need a starter course with architectural shingles?

You do need to use a starter course with architectural shingles. The starter edge will help seal the edges and cover your shingle joints. As it won’t be visible on the finished roof, you don’t need to worry about the look of your starter strip and whether it matches your architectural shingles.

Are architectural shingles more expensive than other roofing options?

However, though more expensive than some roofing options, architectural shingles offer lasting durability. Some manufacturers of architectural shingles offer 30-50 year warranties, while standard asphalt shingles typically have 20-30 year warranties. Cost: 3-tab shingles are cheaper and lighter than architectural shingles.

Why did they change from traditional 3-tabs to architectural laminated shingles?

The move from traditional 3-tabs to architectural laminated shingles was mainly an aesthetic evolution.

Do you need a starter course with architectural shingles?

You do need to use a starter course with architectural shingles. The starter edge will help seal the edges and cover your shingle joints. As it won't be visible on the finished roof, you don't need to worry about the look of your starter strip and whether it matches your architectural shingles.

What is the purpose of a starter row of shingles?

1:442:34ESSENTIALS 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. We've seen some contractors not

How do you cut starters for architectural shingles?

1:493:21How to Install Laminate Architectural Shingles by Malarkey Roofing ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe overall diagonal pattern pieces cut from shingles along one rake can be used to either continueMoreThe overall diagonal pattern pieces cut from shingles along one rake can be used to either continue the diagonal installation pattern or finish off courses at the opposite.

What length should I cut the shingles to start a new row?

1:455:55How To Properly Start Shingle Courses On A Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's approximately six to eight inches that gives you your exact mark where you want to cut it orMoreIt's approximately six to eight inches that gives you your exact mark where you want to cut it or there's another method for cutting.

What happens if you don't use starter shingles?

The starter strip is crucial because it adheres to the shingles on the edges of your roof and protects them from the elements. Without starter strip shingles, a gust of wind would have no trouble sneaking under the shingles on the edges of your roof and blowing them up, and perhaps even off, your roof.

Should shingles overhang the drip edge?

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.

Can you cut architectural shingles for ridge cap?

Architectural shingles with two layers may be cut into three or four uniform widths like 3-tab shingles and used to cap the ridge. The thinner non-laminated half of thicker dimensional shingles can be cut from the laminated portion to form 3 or 4 ridge or hip shingles.

Are you supposed to remove the plastic strip on the back of shingles?

Because the cellophane strips have no effect on the performance of asphalt shingles, it's fine to leave them in place as you install the shingles. In fact, the effort to remove them is unnecessary and just adds an extra step for the contractor.

Are architectural shingles harder to install?

Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.

How do you cut shingles off the edge of a roof in a straight line?

As an alternative to tin snips, you can use a hook knife to cut the shingles along your chalk line. Place it beneath each shingle against the drip edge; the blade should be facing up. Then, slide the hook knife in your direction and it will score the bottom of the shingle.

How much of an architectural shingle is exposed?

Laminated or architectural shingles have a wider variety of exposures. The maximum exposure for laminated shingles is 10 inches, but it all depends on which specific shingle you use. Other laminated shingles may have exposures as small as 5 inches.

What is the offset for architectural shingles?

What Is The Minimum Acceptable Shingle Offset? The minimum acceptable offset recommended by GAF and the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is 4” (102 mm) between joints on succeeding courses. The joint offset for a particular product may be greater than 4” (102 mm).

Why are laminated shingles used in homes?

Because designer architectural laminated shingles are engineered to create the in-demand, high-end look of genuine wood shakes or natural slate tiles, they are an excellent choice for estate homes or other properties of distinction.

What is laminated shingle?

The term “laminated” means that the shingle’s construction consists of two or more basic shingles laminated or bonded together. Both laminated shingles and traditional 3-tab shingles provide effective protection against wind uplift and blow-off.

What is the function of a roof?

The primary function of any roof is to protect your family, your home and its valuable contents against inclement weather. When choosing the right residential roofing products, you need to consider the climate you live in, the architectural design of your house, how long you plan to live in your home, what the neighboring houses look like and, ...

Do shingles help your home?

If you’re planning to stay in your home for many years to come, these shingles will provide superior weather resistance and a solid long-term value for the cost.

What is architectural shingles?

Architectural roof shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. They are among the highest quality type of roofing shingles made and are composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base with ceramic-coated mineral granules that are embedded within water-resistant asphalt.

How much does architectural shingles cost?

The architectural shingles price might be a bit higher than other asphalt shingles with a cost of about $15 per square on average, but they are long-lasting and appealing to the eye since they are designed to resemble premium materials.

Can severe weather affect shingles?

As with every structure, severe weather can cut down the lifespan of your shingles, but the architectural shingles cost takes into account the variety of components that go into the shingle to create a stronger and longer lasting roof for your home.

Why use starter shingles along rake edge?

A simpler and very useful purpose for using starter shingles along the rake edge is that it gives the installer a nice straight line to use as a guide when ending each course of the field shingles.

When installing shingles at the eave on the first course, the starter is visible?

When roofers install those shingles at the eave on the first course, the starter is visible, and, therefore, its color is relevant. In this case, an additional starter shingle course, in matching colors to the finished shingle, is required as a secondary starter layer.

Why are starter strips important?

Starter strips are an important and integral part of an asphalt shingle roof system. They aid the roof’s water-shedding function by covering shingle joints (and cutouts in traditional three-tab shingles) at the eaves.

What is starter shingle?

Starter shingles are the initial shingle products installed on the roof, just before the first course of the finish shingles, which will comprise the visible parts of the roof. Since the starter shingles will be covered by the roof shingles, it doesn’t matter what color they are, (except in special situations — see below).

How many square feet does a bundle of shingles cover?

When you buy a bundle of shingles for your roof, typically you look at the coverage as a function of area (for example, three bundles might cover 100 square feet ). Starter shingles are not sold by area covered.

Where is the starter strip on a roof?

As well, starter shingles have a sealant strip, and, when positioned correctly, the sealant strip will be on the top surface and at the lowest edge of the roof . At the roof’s rake edges, the starter doesn’t necessarily perform that joint-covering function it performs at the eave, but it is integral in the roof’s overall wind resistance.

Where to use starter strip shingles?

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. At the eave, the starters provide a simple way to “cover” the joints between the finish shingles in the first course, ensuring complete water-shedding roof coverage.

What is architectural shingle?

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, consist of a heavy fiberglass mat base laminated to multiple layers of water resistant asphalt. Ceramic-coated mineral granules are ingrained in the top layer of the shingle. Additionally, the mat base on an architectural shingle is made much heavier than a traditional asphalt ...

What are the variables that affect the price of architectural shingles?

However, many variables can impact the price of architectural shingles including color, warranty, roof size, and oil prices . Furthermore, the cost of simply buying architectural shingles is much less than the cost of having architectural shingles installed.

How fast can architectural shingles withstand wind?

Since architectural shingles also have multiple laminated layers, they can withstand wind gusts of up to 110-120 mph. Lighter weight 3-tab asphalt shingles can peel back if wind gusts are over 80 mph.

What is a 3 tab shingle?

3-Tab: Similar to architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are made with asphalt. However, they differ from architectural shingles in multiple ways. 3-tab shingles received their name from their identical cutout patterns that come in three tabs. They contain only one layer of asphalt which makes them much lighter and, therefore, ...

What are the disadvantages of laminate shingles?

Disadvantages of Laminate Shingles. Cost: 3-tab shingles are cheaper and lighter than architectural shingles. Environmental Footprint: Since asphalt shingles are petroleum based, their production can require more energy usage and emit more greenhouse gases than alternatives such as cedar shakes.

How long do 3 tab shingles last?

Because of this, their lifespan is usually 12-15 years, they’re cheaper, and they have shorter warranties. Unlike architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles come in one size and shape, giving them a consistent, flat look. They lay side by side.

How long does cedar shake roof last?

Additionally, cedar shake roofing can last up to 50 years, and water typically doesn’t penetrate the wood until 15-20 years of use. Composite Polymer Shingles: Composite polymer roofing products can come in multiple sizes and shapes and are designed to have a staggered, multilayer look similar to cedar shingles or architectural shingles.

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.

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.

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.

How much more expensive are architectural shingles?

How to Install Architectural Shingles. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Architectural shingles may be about 20 percent more expensive than the typical three-tab shingles, but for those who can afford it, they are worth it. Instead of one layer of roofing materials, architectural shingles are designed ...

How many bundles of shingles per square?

Measure your roof to determine the number of 10-foot by 10-foot squares you'll need to cover the entire surface. When purchasing your shingles, you will need three bundles per square.

Can you install architectural shingles yourself?

Instead of one layer of roofing materials, architectural shingles are designed with multiple layers, creating a thick and heavy tile that is more weather-resistant and creates a three-dimensional look. If you're looking for a higher quality, better-looking roof tile, but need to save money, you can install these tiles yourself.