Where Asphalt Starter Goes on a Roof: Placement and Best Practices

Asphalt starter strip shingles (starter) are a thin but critical component of a shingled roof system that helps protect edges from wind uplift and ensures a neat first course of shingles. This article explains where starter goes on a roof, how to install it, variations for roof features, common mistakes, and code and manufacturer considerations.

Location	Purpose	Installation Tip
Roof eaves	Seals and protects bottom edge from wind and water	Align flush with drip edge; nails above shingle sealant line
Rakes/side edges	Protects side edges and prevents shingle feathering	Trim starter to follow rake angle; overlap at corners
Valleys	Not typically used inside valleys	Use ice-and-water shield or metal flashing instead

What Asphalt Starter Is And Why It Matters

Starter strip shingles are narrow strips of asphalt shingle material designed to be installed along the perimeter of a roof before the first full course of shingles is applied. They are typically manufactured as separate products or cut from full shingles and include adhesive tabs or factory-applied adhesive for better sealing to the first course.

Starter strips reduce the risk of wind uplift at the eave and rake, prevent exposure of shingle tabs, and produce a straight first course for aesthetic and functional alignment.

Where To Place Starter On A Roof

Starter goes along the eaves and rakes (the bottom and side edges) of the roof, installed directly on top of underlayment and over drip edge flashing when one is used. These are the primary locations where wind and water exposure are greatest, so starter is focused there.

Starter is not normally installed in roof valleys, on hips or ridges, or on large skylopes away from edges. For valleys and hips, specific flashing materials and ridge/hip shingles are used instead.

Starter At The Eave: Step-By-Step Considerations

The eave starter course provides the first line of defense against wind-driven rain and helps form the water-shedding plane. Install starter after the underlayment and drip edge are in place, lining the starter so its upper adhesive strip aligns with where the first course of shingles will overlap.

Nail placement is crucial: nails should secure the starter without penetrating the adhesive bond zone of the first shingle course. Typically, nails are placed about 1/2″ to 3/4″ above the lower edge of the starter, following manufacturer guidance.

Starter At The Rake: Angles And Overlaps

Rake starter protects side edges from wind and guides the shingle exposure line. On rakes, starter strips should be installed to follow the rake angle and should extend over the drip edge if present. The starter often overlaps corner sections where eave and rake meet, and these overlaps should be staggered to avoid a continuous seam.

When cutting starter to fit rakes, ensure the adhesive or sealant faces upward so the first full shingle can bond securely when installed.

Starter And Drip Edge Compatibility

Starter is commonly installed over a drip edge but under the first shingle course. This sequence ensures water flows off the roof into the gutter rather than behind the drip edge. Underlayment typically goes under the drip edge at the eave and over it at the rake depending on local practice; verify local code and manufacturer recommendations.

Where drip edge and starter meet, maintain a continuous strip that directs water clear of roof sheathing and fascia. Avoid trapping starter under a drip edge in a way that blocks the adhesive from functioning.

When Starter Is Not Used And Alternatives

Some installers cut the tabs off full shingles to create a makeshift starter, but this approach can differ from factory-made starter in adhesive placement and thickness. Manufacturer-certified starter strips are designed specifically for edge protection and often include a sealed adhesive line tailored to match full shingles.

In some climates or roofing systems, additional products like ice-and-water shield at the eave or specialized edge sealants can complement or replace starter strips. Follow shingle manufacturer instructions to maintain warranties.

Starter For Different Roofing Materials And Shingle Types

Asphalt architectural and 3-tab shingles require starter, but composition varies between brands. Architecturals often benefit from starter that matches thickness to avoid irregular first courses. Laminated designs may call for starter with compatible adhesive properties.

For specialty shingles, such as designer or heavy-duty profiles, refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide to confirm starter placement, exposure, and whether a specific branded starter is required to maintain warranty coverage.

Common Installation Mistakes To Avoid

Misplacing starter strips, nailing through the adhesive bond, or failing to overlap properly are common errors that reduce wind resistance and void warranties. Other mistakes include installing starter under the underlayment incorrectly, leaving gaps at corners, or using starter in valleys where it traps water.

• Incorrect Nail Placement: Nails too close to the lower edge allow uplift; nails too high can interfere with shingle sealing.
• Improper Overlap: Continuous seams along an edge create failure points; stagger overlaps.
• Wrong Substrate Sequence: Starter should be placed on top of underlayment unless manufacturer specifies otherwise.

Code, Manufacturer Guidance, And Warranties

Building codes and shingle manufacturers typically require or strongly recommend starter strips for wind resistance and warranty compliance. National, state, and local codes may reference ASTM or manufacturer instructions regarding edge systems and wind uplift testing standards. Always check the shingle packaging and technical data sheets for starter requirements.

Manufacturers often specify starter type, nail pattern, and whether factory-applied adhesive must be used. Failure to follow these steps can result in denied warranty claims after storm damage.

Starter Around Roof Features: Corners, Dormers, And Penetrations

Starter must be adapted at corners and features so edges remain sealed and continuous. At outside corners, extend starter to wrap slightly around the drip edge on both sides, overlapping by at least a few inches. At inside corners, terminate starter neatly and rely on flashing and ice-and-water barrier to prevent leaks.

For dormers and roof penetrations, install starter up to the penetration and then integrate with step flashing or counterflashing as specified by manufacturer and code to ensure watertight transitions.

Tools, Materials, And Best Practices For Installation

Typical materials include starter strips, compatible nails, underlayment, drip edge, and sealant as needed. Tools include a utility knife, roofing hammer or nail gun with appropriate pressure settings, chalk line, and measuring tape. Use corrosion-resistant roofing nails sized per manufacturer instructions.

Best practices include snapping a chalk line for straight starter placement, maintaining consistent exposure for the first course of shingles, and inspecting nail patterns as work progresses. Apply additional sealant at exposed nail heads if local climate demands extra protection.

Inspection And Maintenance Tips

Inspect starter placement during installation and periodically afterward, especially after severe weather events. Look for loose or missing starter, blown seams, or adhesive failure. Replace damaged starter promptly to avoid compromising the first shingle course.

When performing roof maintenance, ensure any replacement starter pieces match the original material and are installed following manufacturer and code guidance to maintain system integrity.

Cost Implications And Labor Considerations

Starter strips are relatively low-cost materials but provide high value in protecting the roof edge and preserving warranty coverage. Labor to install starter is quick when integrated into a shingle installation, but improper installation can lead to costly repairs if edges fail during storms.

Contractors should budget for manufacturer-recommended starter to ensure compliance and avoid disputes over workmanship or warranty claims. Homeowners should verify the use of correct starter during contract review and final inspection.

Summary Of Key Points

Starter should be installed at eaves and rakes, over underlayment and coordinated with drip edge, following manufacturer instructions for nail placement and overlap. Avoid using starter in valleys, adapt starter at corners and penetrations with proper flashing, and ensure compliance with code and warranty requirements.

Proper starter installation is a small step that significantly improves wind resistance, water management, and the visual alignment of the first shingle course, making it an essential practice for durable asphalt shingle roofs.