Asphalt Starter Strip Shingles On Roofs: Essential Guide, Installation, And Best Practices

Starter strip shingles play a vital role in modern residential roofing, especially when using asphalt shingles. Proper application of asphalt starter strips increases wind resistance, prevents leaks, and helps your shingles last longer. This article provides an in-depth look at the function, benefits, types, and installation of asphalt starter strip shingles, as well as expert tips and answers to common questions homeowners have about their use on American roofs.

Asphalt Starter Strips On Roofs: Quick Reference Table

Aspect	Details
Primary Function	Provides secure edge for first course of shingles; wind & water protection
Placement	Installed at eaves and rakes, directly on underlayment
Material	Typically fiberglass or organic mat with asphalt and granules
Manufacturer Options	GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, IKO, TAMKO
Improves Warranty	Yes, required for many roofing system warranties
DIY Suitability	Possible, but requires precision for proper function
Failure to Use	Increased risk of wind uplift, leaks, and shingle misalignment

What Are Asphalt Starter Strip Shingles?

Asphalt starter strip shingles are specialized roofing components designed for the edges of a roof. Unlike regular shingles, these strips do not feature decorative tabs or patterns. Instead, they feature a uniform, rectangular shape with distinctive sealant lines.

Starter strips set the stage for the first course of full asphalt shingles, providing a strong base and ensuring proper adhesion. Their primary duty is to fill in the gaps left by cutouts in traditional shingles and to offer a secure, water-shedding edge.

Why Are Asphalt Starter Strips Important?

Starter strips are crucial due to their unique protective and functional benefits:

• Prevents Wind Uplift: The adhesive strip on starter shingles helps lock down the bottom edge of the first row, keeping shingles secure in high winds.
• Water Barrier: They create a unified edge without gaps—stopping wind-driven rain from entering beneath the roof covering at shingle joints.
• Proper Alignment: Ensures the first visible shingle course is perfectly straight and aligned, enhancing the finished look.
• Warranty Requirements: Major manufacturers require starter strips to validate system warranties.
• Prevents Shingle Blow-Off: By anchoring the first shingle course, starter strips reduce the risk of shingle loss during storms.

Types Of Asphalt Starter Strips

Homeowners and roofers can choose from several types of starter strips, each suited to different installation preferences and roofing systems:

• Factory-Made/Pre-Cut Starter Strips: Produced by shingle manufacturers for easy installation, quality control, and warranty protection.
• Field-Cut Starter Strips: Created by cutting tabs off three-tab shingles; economical but may not contain optimal adhesive placement.
• Self-Adhered Starter Strip: Features a peel-and-stick adhesive backing, requiring no additional nails at the eave edge.
• Standard Asphalt (Non-Granulated) Strip: Basic asphalt-felt strips with minimal or no granules, now less common.

Where Are Asphalt Starter Strips Installed On The Roof?

Proper starter strip placement is pivotal for complete roof protection. These strips are installed:

• At The Eaves: The horizontal lower edge of the roof, to protect against wind-driven rain and start the shingle run.
• At The Rakes (Gable Ends): The sloped sides of the roof, typically required by manufacturers to guard shingles from wind lift at the perimeter.

Some installations use two different starter shapes for eaves and rakes, but most utilize the same product in both locations, flipping the strip as required to position the sealant correctly.

How Do Starter Shingles Work?

Starter strips may appear plain, but their adhesive strip—usually a wide, tar-like bead—serves a critical sealing function. As shingles heat up in the sun, this adhesive bonds tightly to the back of the first row of full shingles, creating a powerful seal.

This seals the vulnerable shingle tabs and prevents wind from getting underneath, which can otherwise lead to edge failure and subsequent leaks or shingle loss.

Step-By-Step Installation Of Asphalt Starter Strips

1. Surface Preparation

Before installation, ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and free of debris. Install a layer of approved underlayment (such as felt paper or synthetic membrane) over the deck. Drip edge flashing should be placed along the eaves beneath the underlayment; along the rakes, it typically goes on top for optimal runoff management.

2. Laying The Starter Strip At The Eaves

• Remove plastic release liner from any self-adhering starter strips.
• Position starter strip flush with eaves, with adhesive nearest the edge. Overhang drip edge by about 1/4″ to 3/8″.
• Stagger seams at least 6″ from seams in full-size shingles above.
• Nail as recommended by the manufacturer, generally about 1″–3″ from the roof edge and at suggested intervals (usually every 8″–10″).

3. Laying The Starter Strip At The Rakes

• Run starter strip up both sides of each gable (rake), either before or after eave strips.
• Place adhesive line along the outer rake edge for optimal sealing.
• Trim strips to precisely fit corners and overlaps.

4. First Course Of Shingles Installation

When the starter rows are set, align the first course of full shingles exactly over the starter strip. The shingle’s lower edge should precisely line up with the starter strip, allowing the two adhesive strips (starter strip and shingle) to form a tight seal once the roof heats up.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Asphalt Starter Strips

• Omitting Starter Strips: Failing to use starter strips is a major cause of edge leaks and shingle blow-off.
• Poor Alignment: Misaligned starter strips lead to crooked shingle courses and visible defects.
• Improper Overlap: Starter strips must be lapped per manufacturer guidelines (usually 2″) at joints to avoid water infiltration.
• Sealant Misplacement: The adhesive strip must be closest to the roof edge—otherwise, the seal will not function as intended.
• Using Excess Nails: Over-nailing can cause splits; always follow nail placement instructions.
• Failure To Use Starter On Rakes: Some installers neglect starter strips at rakes, which can void warranties and reduce wind resistance.

Can You Make Your Own Asphalt Starter Strips?

Some roofers—especially in past decades—would create starter strips by trimming the exposed tab sections off standard three-tab shingles. While this is still possible:

• Manufacturer starter strips include optimized adhesive placement and consistent width for better sealing and easier installation.
• Field-cut versions may lack correct adhesive or precise fit, risking wind uplift and warranty denial. Most modern roofing companies recommend factory-made starter strips.

Brand Examples: Popular Asphalt Starter Strip Products

The following are widely used starter strip products in American roofing:

• GAF Pro-Start Starter Strip Shingles: Designed for rapid placement on eaves and rakes; part of GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System.
• Owens Corning Starter Strip Plus: Engineered for maximum adhesion and to meet warranty requirements.
• CertainTeed SwiftStart: Granule-coated for aesthetics; easy installation and strong sealant bead.
• IKO Leading Edge Plus: Universal compatibility with IKO shingle products and high strength seal.
• TAMKO Starter Shingles: Designed for 20-, 25-, and 30-year asphalt shingles with weather-resistant performance.

Asphalt Starter Strips And Roof Warranties

Major shingle manufacturers require correctly installed starter strips on both eaves and rakes to validate their enhanced roof warranties. Neglecting starter strips—or installing them incorrectly—can result in voided warranties, even if every other component is installed to code.

Homeowners should ensure their roofing contractor is using approved starter strips from the same brand family as the shingles for full coverage and to meet all system certification guidelines.

Advanced Tips For Asphalt Starter Strip Installation

• Hot-Weather Installation: Ensure shingles stick securely by scheduling on sunny days; avoid cold-weather installations when adhesives struggle to bond.
• Overlap Protection: Start each row of starter strips with a 2″–3″ overlap at butt ends for maximum protection from blow-offs.
• Cut Cleanly: When field-cutting, use a sharp utility knife to create a straight, uniform edge.
• Seal Rake Edges: On high-wind roofs, apply an additional compatible asphalt sealant at the rakes as a backup.
• Drip Edge Integration: Starter strips should overlap the drip edge for best water-shedding results—verify local codes and manufacturer instructions.

Do Starter Shingle Strips Increase Roof Longevity?

Properly installed starter strips directly contribute to roof durability and service life. By preventing shingle displacement, minimizing water intrusion, and strengthening wind resistance, they reduce the likelihood of early roof failure or costly repairs.

Starter strips are especially vital in areas subject to severe storms or hurricanes, where roof edge protection is critical for surviving extreme weather events.

DIY Or Pro: Who Should Install Starter Strips?

While experienced DIYers can install starter strips following strict manufacturers’ guidelines, precision is absolutely crucial. Improper placement or inconsistent alignment can compromise the entire roofing system. Most homeowners hire a licensed roofing contractor, both for labor warranty protection and to ensure code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asphalt Starter Strips On Roofs

• Are starter strips the same as ice-and-water shield?
  No—ice-and-water shield is a waterproof membrane applied to vulnerable roof zones under the shingle system, while starter strips are the first course of specialty shingles at the edges.
• Should starter shingles overhang the eave/drip edge?
  Yes—an overhang of 1/4” to 3/8” is recommended to direct runoff into the gutter and shield the fascia from water damage.
• Can I use starter strips if my roof has a metal edge?
  Absolutely. Starter strips work with both metal and vinyl drip edges, provided the sealing bead is positioned correctly for shingle adhesion.
• Do architectural shingles need starter strips?
  Yes—all modern asphalt roof systems, including those with dimensional (“architectural”) shingles, require starter strips per manufacturer specification.
• How long do starter strips last?
  Starter strips are formulated to match the lifespan of branded asphalt shingles—typically 20-50 years depending on the product and climate.

Starter Strip Best Practices For U.S. Homes

For optimal weather protection, **always follow these best practices** when installing asphalt starter strips:

• Select manufacturer-approved starter strips.
• Align and fasten starter strips precisely according to guidelines.
• Ensure adequate overlap at seams and intersections.
• Match starter strips to your asphalt shingle brand for unified performance and warranty eligibility.
• Verify compliance with all local building codes and manufacturer instructions.

Summary: Key Takeaways On Asphalt Starter On Roof

• Critical Edge Component: Starter strips are essential for wind and water protection at eaves and rakes.
• Warranty Requirement: Factory-made starter strips are mandatory for most shingle warranties.
• DIY Possible, But Precision Vital: Careful installation is key to system integrity and aesthetics.
• Universal For Modern Roofs: All asphalt shingle roofs—architectural or three-tab—require starter strips per code and manufacturer.

Installing asphalt starter strips is a detail that pays off for decades, protecting the roof and home from costly damage while meeting industry standards and warranty conditions.