Essential Guide to Using Asphalt Starter Strips on Roofs

Asphalt starter strips are a critical component in roofing systems, ensuring proper installation and longevity of asphalt shingles. This article explores the importance, types, installation methods, and benefits of asphalt starter strips on roofs. Whether for new construction or roof replacement, understanding how to use starter strips effectively can help improve roof durability and weather resistance.

Key Aspect	Details
Purpose of Asphalt Starter Strips	Provide a secure base for first course of shingles, protect roof edges from wind uplift
Common Materials	Fiberglass-reinforced asphalt, self-adhesive strips
Installation Methods	Placed along eaves and rakes before shingles, aligned carefully for proper overlap
Benefits	Prevents water infiltration, protects against wind damage, ensures even shingle alignment

What Are Asphalt Starter Strips and Why Are They Important?

Asphalt starter strips are narrow strips of roofing material installed at the edges of a roof, usually along the eaves and gable ends. Their main purpose is to protect the vulnerable edges of the roof from wind damage and water intrusion by creating a secure foundation for the first row of shingles.

Their importance lies in:

• Wind Uplift Resistance: Starter strips help seal the edges, preventing wind from catching the shingle edges and lifting them.
• Water Protection: They provide a proper overlapping surface that helps keep water from seeping under the shingles at the edges.
• Installation Accuracy: Starter strips create a consistent edge to catch the tab of the first shingle course, ensuring even spacing and alignment.

Materials and Types of Asphalt Starter Strips

Asphalt starter strips can differ based on material quality and design. The most common types include:

• Pre-cut Starter Strips: These are factory-cut strips made from the same material as shingles, often fiberglass-reinforced asphalt. They are uniform and easy to install.
• Cut-from-Shingle Starter Strips: Roofers sometimes cut tabs from shingles to create custom starter strips, though this requires precision and is less common.
• Self-Adhesive Starter Strips: These feature a peel-and-stick backing, providing quicker installation and improved sealing against wind uplift.

High-quality starter strips often have a fiberglass mat for strength and an asphalt coating for moisture resistance. Some feature additional adhesive strips to improve bonding to the underlayment.

How to Properly Install Asphalt Starter Strips on a Roof

Correct installation of starter strips is essential for a successful roofing job. The basic steps include:

1. Prepare the Roof Edge: Ensure the roof deck is clean and dry. Install underlayment or felt paper on the entire roof surface.
2. Start at the Eaves: Position the starter strip along the eave edge, making sure the strip’s adhesive or asphalt side faces upward to bond with the shingles.
3. Overlap Adjacent Strips: Align starter strips with a small overlap (typically 2 inches) to prevent water entry between joints.
4. Align to Shingle Tabs: The starter strip must extend beyond the drip edge or align precisely so the first course of shingles properly covers it.
5. Nail the Starter Strip: Use roofing nails spaced according to manufacturer guidelines, ensuring the nails are driven properly without bending or missing the strip.
6. Repeat on Rakes: Apply starter strips along the rake edges (gable sides) of the roof in a similar manner.

After these steps, the first course of shingles is installed over the starter strips, ensuring the starter strip’s overhang aligns with the bottom edge of the shingles.

Benefits of Using Asphalt Starter Strips for Roof Longevity

Integrating asphalt starter strips during roof installation offers multiple benefits:

• Enhanced Wind Protection: Starter strips reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs during strong winds by creating a continuous secure edge.
• Improved Water Shedding: They guide rainwater away from the roof deck, minimizing leaks and water damage.
• Prevents Edge Curl and Damage: By providing additional material at edges, starter strips help prevent curling or premature wear of shingles.
• Easier Installation: Starter strips simplify roof application by providing a clean edge and uniform surface for the first shingle layer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Asphalt Starter Strips

To maximize the effectiveness of asphalt starter strips, avoid these pitfalls:

• Misalignment: Improper placement can cause uneven shingle spacing and reduce wind uplift resistance.
• Insufficient Nailing: Failure to nail strips correctly leads to loose edges susceptible to wind damage.
• Using Low-Quality Materials: Cheaper strips may lack durability and adhesive strength, compromising roof performance.
• Ignoring Overlaps: Gaps or poor overlaps allow water infiltration and reduce the waterproof barrier.

Cost Considerations and Availability of Asphalt Starter Strips

Starter strips are an affordable addition to roofing projects, with prices often included in bundled roofing materials. The cost depends on type and quality:

Type	Approximate Cost Per Bundle	Coverage
Pre-Cut Starter Strips	$15 – $25	About 33 linear feet
Self-Adhesive Starter Strips	$30 – $50	About 33 linear feet
Cut-from-Shingle (DIY)	Varies	Depends on shingles used

These strips are widely available at home improvement stores, roofing suppliers, and online retailers. Their ease of installation often offsets their cost by reducing labor time.

Regulatory and Warranty Considerations for Asphalt Starter Strips

Many asphalt shingle manufacturers require starter strips for warranty validity. Building codes in some regions also mandate starter strips to meet wind-resistance standards.

• Check Manufacturer Instructions: Always follow the shingle brand’s instructions on starter strip use to ensure proper performance and warranty coverage.
• Building Code Compliance: Local building codes may specify starter strip installation, especially in hurricane-prone or high-wind areas.

Proper installation not only enhances roof protection but also ensures compliance with industry standards and avoids potential insurance issues.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Asphalt Starter Strips

While asphalt shingles and starter strips are petroleum-based products, advances in manufacturing have improved their environmental profile:

• Recycling Programs: Some roofing materials, including starter strips, can be recycled at specialized facilities.
• Durability: Longer-lasting starter strips reduce the frequency of roof replacement and associated waste.
• Energy Efficiency: Properly installed starter strips contribute indirectly to energy efficiency by maximizing roof integrity and insulation.

Opting for high-quality materials and professional installation can mitigate environmental impact over the roof’s lifetime.