What is the difference between starter shingles and regular shingles?

Are you planning to replace your roof? If you are, then you must have come across the word starter shingles. We know there are different opinions on these shingles, which can easily confuse homeowners. So today, we are here with a new guide on starter shingles.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of starter row shingles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

So if you find yourself wondering: What are starter shingles? Are they essential for your roof? How are they different from roofing shingles? This article answers all questions about starter shingles.

What Are Starter Shingles?

Starter shingles serve the purpose of protecting the roof from water and wind damage. Roofing professionals install starter shingles after underlayment right before installing regular shingles, and they are designed to create a watertight seal at the edge of your roof. You may also call them starter strips, as they come in the form of long strips of asphalt material.

Starter shingles also have a separating line to tear the strip perfectly and cover smaller areas. The strips are made of asphalt material and have a self-adhesive layer of tar at the bottom. This self-sealing layer helps starter shingles seal with regular shingles, which will be installed above the strip.

Where Do Starter Shingles Go On A Roof?

Starter shingle strips are installed at the rakes, eaves, and ridges. However, some may debate that rakes don&#;t need starter shingles as those areas may not be prone to wind damage. There are many more functions of starter shingles that every homeowner should know. Below we will answer the big question: Are starter shingles necessary?

Are Starter Shingles Necessary For Homes?

The simple answer is: Yes, starter shingles are necessary for every home. We believe every homeowner wants to get the best out of their roof and prefers to maintain its aesthetics for decades. Using starter shingles will ensure that you don&#;t have to repair your roof frequently. They are critical to prevent leaks, maintain the roof, and enhance its longevity.

Here&#;s how starter shingles protect the roof:

Prevent Shingle Curling

All the components of a roof function together to ensure you get a safe and effective roofing system for a long time, but roofs can quickly develop leaks and cracks if they are not sealed properly. So roofs need starter strips to seal the regular shingles and keep them from curling at the edges. Starter strips protect the roof under severe weather conditions when wind and rainwater can damage asphalt shingles.

Avoid Moisture Damage

When homes aren&#;t properly maintained or repaired, they become more susceptible to structural damage because of moisture. High moisture or humidity levels lead to mold, algae, rot, and property damage. A compromised roof also poses health hazards due to toxic or poor indoor air quality, mainly because of fungus and algae. This may require considerable cleanup and repair, and can cost you a lot of money.

Often, insurance companies may be unable to approve your claim due to low maintenance or stating that you are missing starter shingles that are important for your roof. So when you use starter strips, they help prevent moisture and wind from flowing in via tiny gaps at the edges. You can also use the strips to direct rainwater to the gutters by raising shingle edges slightly.

Maintain Aesthetic Appeal

One of the added benefits of using starter shingles is they help install roofing shingles properly. In fact, some roofing contractors find them necessary to maintain the aesthetics of the roof. That&#;s because starter strips give a clean, straight line as a guide to installing regular shingles. The strips help to install shingles in a straight line, consistently throughout the roof. Shingles look beautiful when they are installed in the right fashion. Otherwise, the design may not come out clean and give an impaired look to the roof.

A few people suggest an alternative to starter strips. They believe it&#;s okay to tear regular shingles, flip them and nail them down to substitute starter strips. However, standard shingles cannot replace starter shingles, as the two have different properties. To better understand how starter shingles protect the roof, you must also know how they differ from other roofing shingles.

How Do Starter Shingles Differ From Regular Shingles?

Starter shingles are different from regular shingles in plenty of ways. First, starter strips have a self-adhesive layer on the back that sticks with the roofing shingles to hold them in place. Second, starter shingles have a specific color for more visibility to create a clean, aesthetic finish. Finally, starter shingles are slightly smaller than architectural and other types of shingles. This allows them to fit snugly against the edges of the roof, creating a seal that helps to prevent water and wind damage.

If you want a perfect roofing system, it&#;s best to choose roofing materials from the same brand. This also applies to starter shingles and roofing shingles. Choosing the same brand offers impressive warranties and a more sturdy roofing system.

So suppose, if you pick Bourbon&#; the shingle color of the year&#; look at the brand. Bourbon is a spectacular shingle color in the Owens Corning Duration range, and they are exceptionally sturdy and durable. You should choose the same brand for starter shingles, underlayment, and other roofing components.

Best Pick: Owens Corning Starter Strip Plus Shingle

Owens Corning is the top manufacturer of roofing materials, and we recommend their Starter Strip Plus Shingle. These starter shingles have the perfect composition to sit tight and offer maximum protection from wind damage. They also reduce installation time as there&#;s no need to cut them. This product is affordable, high-quality, and it offers the best performance.

If you like roofing materials from Owens Corning, make sure you choose their preferred contractor. These contractors have mandatory training, licenses, and insurance coverage.

Do You Want To Install Starter Shingles? We Can Help!

Sol Vista Roofing is the most established and trusted roofing company in Denver, CO. We make it our priority to build exceptionally sturdy and durable roofs for homes and buildings. Our roofing experts have years of experience with all types of roofing systems.

If you are interested in learning more about starter shingles and installing them on your new roof, the team Sol Vista Roofing is here to help. We take pride in being Owens Corning Preferred Contractors. Call us at (720) 712- for a free consultation, and our team will be happy to guide you.

Are you in the market for a new roof? If so, you may have heard the term &#;starter shingles&#; thrown around but have no idea what they are or why they&#;re necessary.

Well, let us tell you, it&#;s not just roofing jargon, starter shingles play a crucial role in keeping your roof in tip-top shape! 

But before you go and add them to your shopping list, let&#;s delve into what they are and if they&#;re really necessary.

Think of these shingles as the &#;first line of defense&#; for your roof. They act as a barrier to protect your roof from the elements and help ensure that the shingles you put on top will last as long as possible. However, many homeowners argue that starter strip shingles may not be necessary.

In this blog post, we&#;re going to separate fact from fiction and give you the lowdown on starter shingles. By the end, you&#;ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not to include them in your roofing plan. 

So, let&#;s get started by explaining what starter shingles are. 

What Are Starter Shingles

Starter shingles, also known as starter strips shingles, are the first layer of shingles that are installed on the roof before the first course of the asphalt shingles (the ones you can see). Their purpose is to act as a barrier, protecting the roof from the elements and ensuring that the shingles you put on top will last as long as possible. 

It&#;s worth noting that the asphalt shingles will cover the starter shingles, so the aesthetics of these starter shingles don&#;t matter as much, which is why they&#;re usually covered with natural, darker, roofing granules. Starter shingles are generally made of the same material as asphalt shingles, and they are essential for proper roof installation.

Are you interested in learning more about Laminated Asphalt Shingle? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

How Starter Shingles Work

Now that you know the basics of these shingles and why they&#;re important, let&#;s dive into how they work. Think of starter shingles as the &#;secret agents&#; of your project, working behind the scenes to keep your home safe and dry.

First, starter shingles are placed on your roof before the first course of finishing shingles. Their main job is to provide an overlap so that water flows seamlessly over the edge of your home and doesn&#;t seep below the underlayment and decking. Without starter strip shingles, your roof will lack the proper protection it needs and will be more susceptible to leaks, and uplifts caused by strong winds.

The eaves and rake edges of your roof are the parts that are most vulnerable to the elements. A starter strip is installed over the underlayment and the ice and water shield along the edges of your roof since these areas are particularly susceptible to water leaks and harsh winds. These shingles have a strip of tar adhesive to prevent your shingles from blowing off in harsh weather conditions. 

So, now you know how starter shingles work, you may be wondering what their benefits are. 

What Are The Benefits Of Starter Strip Shingles

For starters, let&#;s talk about the added layer of protection they provide against water leaks and wind uplift. Not only can this added protection save you from costly repairs down the line, but it also helps to ensure that your shingles last as long as possible, giving you a good return on investment. For homeowners who live in areas with high wind, starter strip shingles provide extra peace of mind, knowing your home is protected from Mother Nature&#;s wrath.

When it comes to the eaves of a roof, applying starter shingles helps cover the joints between the finished shingles, providing an added layer of waterproofing. This ensures that water doesn&#;t seep through the joints and cause leaks, like a shield. On the other hand, installing a starter strip shingle on your gable carries a different function from using it on the eaves. Specifically, having a starter strip on your gable improves your roof&#;s wind resistance.

Finally, one of the benefits of applying a starter shingle on your eaves is it provides your roofer with a straight line to follow as a guide. This guide is particularly useful when you end each course of the shingles, as it helps ensure that the installation is done correctly and that the finished product is neat and tidy.

What Are Some Starter Shingle Installation Mistakes

Are you ready to learn how to avoid the most common starter strip installation mistakes? Let&#;s dive in!

#1 Nail Placement

Nail placement is key when it comes to shingles. Make sure to drive the nail down into your starter strip shingle so that it is flush with the shingle ad decking. This means the shingles will not have room to blow off, but they&#;re also not being cut into from the nail head.

A little tip: it&#;s easier to nail finished shingles, but starter shingles require more precision and experience.

#2 Shingle Alignment

Next, shingle alignment is crucial. Follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions for a proper shingle alignment, typically following a staircase or stepped pattern. If not aligned properly, water will easily seep between shingle layers, affecting aesthetics and your roof&#;s wind resistance and seal strength.

#3 Absent Starter Shingles

Finally, don&#;t skip on the starter strip shingles! They lay as the foundation material for your roof and home, and even if you have a drip edge, you should still install starter shingles to prevent water and wind damage. Remember, installing shingle layers along the eaves of your home is just as important as nail placement and alignment.

To keep it simple, pay attention to nail placement and shingle alignment, and don&#;t skip on the starter shingles. This way you&#;ll have a beautiful and long-lasting roof. Remember, if you ever feel unsure, consult your roofing manufacturer or a local contractor. They are there to guide you through a successful installation.

So, Are Starter Shingles Necessary Or Not?

Well, let&#;s put it this way, would you want to skimp on the foundation of your house? Of course not! The same goes for your roof. Starter shingles act as the foundation for your roofing materials and provide added protection against water leaks and wind uplift.

But that&#;s not all, most roofing warranties require the use of starter strip shingles. Skipping on this step may lead to the need for costly repairs and replacements. Imagine having to fork out hundreds or even thousands of dollars just because you didn&#;t lay the proper foundation.

So, don&#;t be tempted to cut corners and skip on starter shingles. Insist on having them installed and make sure the starter shingles are set properly before proceeding. Trust us, it&#;ll save you from any roofing nightmares in the future.

Can I Use 3-Tab Shingles As Starter Shingles?

Let&#;s take a trip down memory lane. Way back in the day, 3-tab shingles were the hot ticket item in the roofing world. They were all the rage and because of this, some clever folks decided to use them as starter strips too. It made sense at the time, right?

Here&#;s the thing, times have changed and so has the roofing game. While using 3-tab shingles as starter strips may seem like a shortcut, it&#;s actually a shortcut to a shoddy job, and who wants that?

Nowadays, starter strips are designed specifically to protect your home from wind uplift and are made from the same durable material as 3-tab and laminated shingles. So, while it may be tempting to save a little time and effort by using 3-tab shingles, it&#;s not worth sacrificing the quality and long-term cost of your project.

So, in short, using 3-tab shingles as starter strips may have been a thing of the past, but it&#;s not the way to go if you want to ensure the best protection for your home. 

Make sure to use the right products for the job, so you can have a roof that&#;s ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws it&#;s way.

How Do Starter Strip Shingles Differ From Regular Roofing Shingles?

You might wonder what the difference is between a starter strip and regular asphalt shingles. Well, let&#;s break it down! 

First of all, starter shingles have a special adhesive layer on the back that helps hold them in place. This is like having a superhero sidekick, always by your side! 

Starter shingles are slightly smaller than regular shingles, making them perfect for sticking to roof edges and avoiding water or wind damage.

When choosing roofing materials, it&#;s best to stick with the same brand for all your components, like starter shingles, underlayment, and regular shingles. This will give you a powerful and durable roofing system, and offer you a better way to protect your home and family. 

Final Thoughts

If you&#;re in the market for a new roof installation in Tulsa, look no further than A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing! Our roofing company offers top-notch services and materials to ensure your new roof is beautiful and strong. 

We understand that proper roof installation is important to ensure that your roof lasts for years. To achieve that, it is important to avoid common mistakes such as improper nail placement, shingle alignment, and neglecting to install starter shingles. 

If your current roof has any of these issues, it may need to be replaced sooner than expected. That&#;s why it&#;s so important to hire a professional roofing company like ours because we know how to handle every type of job from start to finish! With our team of expert roofers, you can trust that your roof will be installed correctly and will stand the test of time. Call us today at (918) 402-, and let us help you secure your home with a reliable roofing system.

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