Understanding the Role and Importance of Roofing Starter Shingles
When it comes to roofing, the importance of a complete roofing system cannot be overstated. Each component of the system plays a critical role in ensuring the roof’s durability, efficiency, and protection against the elements. Among these components, roofing starter shingles hold a significant position. This comprehensive guide delves into the purpose, benefits, and installation of starter shingles, providing you with all the information you need to understand their role in a roofing system.
What Are Starter Shingles?
Starter shingles, also known as starter strips, are asphalt-based shingles specifically designed to waterproof the eave and rake edges of a home during a re-roofing project. Unlike regular field shingles, which overlap to create a seamless water flow, the shingles along the eave line come to an edge and cannot be overlapped. This is where starter shingles come into play, providing the necessary overlap function to prevent water penetration.
The Purpose of Starter Shingles
- Waterproofing: The primary function of starter shingles is to provide a watertight seal at the roof’s edges. By covering the gaps at the eave and rake edges, they prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles, which could lead to leaks and water damage.
- Wind Resistance: Starter shingles are equipped with adhesive tar strips that help secure the shingles and prevent them from being lifted by strong winds. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the roofing system in harsh weather conditions.
- Proper Shingle Alignment: Starter shingles provide a straight line at the eave and rake edges, ensuring that each new row of shingles is properly oriented. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the roof but also ensures that the shingles are installed correctly.
- Preventing Drooping: By thickening the shingle layers that stick over the rake edge, starter shingles help prevent drooping, which can occur over time due to gravity and weather exposure.
Types of Starter Shingles
There are several types of starter shingles available in the market today, each with its unique properties and benefits:
- Asphalt Starter Shingles: The most common type, known for their affordability and durability.
- Rubber Starter Shingles: Offer excellent flexibility and weather resistance.
- Composite Starter Shingles: Made from a blend of materials, providing enhanced strength and longevity.
- Metal Starter Shingles: Ideal for metal roofing systems, offering superior protection against the elements.
Installation Tips for Starter Shingles
Proper installation of starter shingles is crucial for achieving their full benefits. Here are some essential tips to ensure a successful installation:
- Adhesive Placement: Ensure that the factory adhesive on the starter shingles faces up so it can adhere to the field shingles. This will provide the necessary bond to keep the shingles in place.
- Drip Edge: The edge of the starter strip should hang over the eave and rake edges by about 3/4 inch. This creates a drip edge that helps direct water away from the roof and prevents it from seeping underneath the shingles. This is required on all Golden Pledge system warranties.
- Nailing: Use four nails per shingle to secure them properly. This will provide the necessary wind rating and ensure that the shingles remain in place even in strong winds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Starter Shingles
Proper installation is crucial to the effectiveness of starter shingles. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect Adhesive Placement: Ensuring the adhesive strip is facing up is critical for proper bonding with field shingles.
- Inadequate Overhang: Failing to leave a 3/4 inch overhang can lead to water penetration and edge damage.
- Insufficient Nailing: Using fewer than four nails per shingle can compromise wind resistance and overall stability.
Technical Information About GAF Pro-Start Shingles
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Chase Construction North West prefers using GAF’s factory starter strips, like the Pro-Start shingles. These factory-produced starter strips save time on installation and provide a cleaner appearance compared to cutting up three-tab shingles. Here are some technical specifications for GAF Pro-Start starter strips:
- Product Size: Full sheet measures 13 inches by 38 inches, and a half sheet measures 6.5 inches by 38 inches.
- Bundle Count: Each bundle contains 19 full sheets (38 individual pieces).
- Coverage Per Bundle: Approximately 120.33 linear feet when split in half.
- Certifications and Approvals: ICC-ES 1475, Dade County Approved, ASTM D3462, D3018, UL 790 Class A fire rating, and Florida Building Code approved.
The Importance of a Complete Roofing System
A complete roofing system involves more than just shingles. It includes various components that work together to provide the best waterproofing results. Some contractors may offer lower prices by omitting critical components, but this can lead to problems down the line. It’s essential to ensure that your roofing contractor includes all necessary elements, such as underlayment, leak barriers, and starter shingles, in your contract.
Underlayment and Leak Barriers
While starter shingles play a vital role in preventing water penetration, they work in conjunction with other components like underlayment and leak barriers. A good underlayment, such as GAF Tiger Paw synthetic hybrid underlayment, provides a secondary layer of protection. However, its effectiveness is maximized when the amount of water reaching it is minimal, thanks to the starter shingles. For even more robust protection, products like the WeatherWatch leak barrier can be used to further guard against water infiltration.
Maintenance Tips for Roofing Systems
Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your roofing system. Here are some tips to keep your roof in top condition:
- Inspect Regularly: Conduct bi-annual inspections to identify and address potential issues early.
- Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters are free of debris to prevent water backup and roof edge damage.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Prevent damage from falling branches and reduce the risk of moss and algae growth.
Environmental Benefits of Using Starter Shingles
Starter shingles can contribute to environmental sustainability in several ways:
- Energy Efficiency: Certain types of starter shingles can improve the insulation properties of your roof, reducing energy consumption.
- Recyclability: Many starter shingles are made from recyclable materials, minimizing waste.
- Reduced Heat Island Effect: Light-colored starter shingles can reflect more sunlight, reducing the heat island effect in urban areas.
Comparing Starter Shingles with Alternative Roofing Solutions
When choosing roofing materials, it’s important to compare starter shingles with alternative solutions:
- Traditional Shingles: While traditional shingles offer good protection, starter shingles provide additional benefits such as better edge protection and wind resistance.
- Roofing Membranes: Roofing membranes can offer superior waterproofing but may lack the aesthetic appeal and ease of installation of starter shingles.
- Tile and Slate: These materials offer excellent durability but are significantly more expensive and labor-intensive to install.
Cost Considerations and Budgeting for Starter Shingles
Budgeting for a roofing project can be challenging. Here are some cost considerations for starter shingles:
- Material Costs: Starter shingles vary in price depending on the type and brand.
- Labor Costs: Professional installation ensures quality but comes at a cost.
- Long-Term Savings: Investing in high-quality starter shingles can save money in the long run by reducing repair and maintenance costs.
Customer Case Studies and Success Stories
At Chase Construction North West, we have numerous success stories from satisfied customers. Here are a few examples:
- The Smith Family: After experiencing repeated leaks, the Smith family chose our complete roofing system with starter shingles. They have enjoyed a leak-free roof for over five years.
- Greenwood Apartments: This apartment complex needed a durable roofing solution to withstand harsh weather. Our starter shingles provided the perfect solution, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and happy tenants.
Future Trends in Roofing Technology
The roofing industry is constantly evolving with new technologies and innovations. Some future trends include:
- Smart Roofs: Integration of smart technology to monitor and maintain roof health.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly roofing materials.
- Enhanced Durability: Innovations aimed at increasing the lifespan and resilience of roofing systems.
Starter shingles are a vital component of any roofing system, providing essential functions such as waterproofing, wind resistance, proper alignment, and preventing drooping. Understanding their purpose and ensuring proper installation can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your roof. Trust Chase Construction North West to provide you with a complete roofing system that includes these vital components, ensuring your home remains protected and beautiful for years to come.
Check out the short video below by Juff’s Roofing Toronto, which illustrates starter strip or starter shingle principal in an easy to understand way.
Chase Construction North West
Licensed Contractors Offering Construction & Roofing Services to Western Washington
At Chase Construction North West, we are proud to provide our customers with the best roofing systems and warranties available. We utilize a complete roofing system on every home, ensuring that your new investment will protect your assets for years to come. Our roofing and construction services are among the best in Edgewood and the surrounding Western Washington area. Our certified and licensed roofers ensure that you get the best options for your home every time.
Our vision is to provide every customer with an exceptional roof system. Chase Construction North West, Inc. is dedicated to the principles that have made us one of Tacoma and the Puget Sound area’s premium roofing contractors. As a licensed, bonded, and insured roofing contractor (Washington L&I License # CHASECN981NN), we have been providing local families with exceptional roofing for over two decades. Founded by Joel Beattie in 2002 and passed down to his son and company namesake Chase Beattie in 2020, our family business brings over 30 years of roofing experience to every job.
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(253) 544-3651
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In conclusion, starter shingles are an essential component of any roofing system. They provide critical functions such as waterproofing, wind resistance, proper alignment, and preventing drooping. By understanding their purpose and ensuring their proper installation, you can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your roof. Trust Chase Construction North West to provide you with a complete roofing system that includes these vital components, ensuring your home remains protected and beautiful for years to come.
Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services and how we can help you achieve the best possible results for your home. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and service, backed by decades of experience and a dedication to excellence.
7 thoughts on “Starter Shingles”
GAF Starters=GAF Warranty! Anything less would be uncivilized!
We were told that starter strips were not required or recommended for the Pacific Northwest by an installer who is a “Master Elite” contractor. Is this accurate?
I’m not exactly sure what you mean by starter strips, but GAF does require a starter course of shingles. The name of their starter course is Pro-Start. Underneath the starter course is metal flashing that is typically referred to as eaves starter metal. The common stock size is 1” x 3” with a 3/8ths hem. I hope this clarifies.
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Thank you for the kind words!
What are your options if you find out that your contractor did not use a starter strip when replacing your roof post Hurricane Michael in Panama City, Fl
If there are no starter shingles along the perimeter edge, it would be extremely difficult to try to slide starter shingles in under the first course due to the fact the shingles are nailed along the tar line, which is approximately 5.5 to 6 inches above the edge of the shingle. In turn with the shingle being hung into the gutter an inch and a half to two inches, you could be looking at approximately 3 inches from the edge of the back of the gutter to the nail line.
A most intrusive manner besides tearing off the entire roof would be to remove 2 courses of shingle along the entire perimeter edge, installing eave starter perimeter edge metal, installing starter shingle, then reinstalling the 2 courses that were removed. A least intrusive manner would be to take a peel and stick ice and water shield or a waterproof synthetic hybrid underlayment and slip it underneath the existing bottom course, creating a barrier between the existing plywood and underlayment and the first course of shingle, so if and when the first course leaks between the butted joints, there will be protection all the way down and into the gutter.
Obviously the least intrusive way is not a manufacturer warranty-able option because it is not installed to manufacturer’s specifications, but it would be an option that is makeshift and would work for the time being. If the home was to be inspected by a home inspector for bank purposes, I would assume it would not pass unless you properly installed starter shingles.