Are you getting a new roof, and is your contractor charging you for an item called ‘starter shingles’? This material is different from the actual shingles of your roof and is installed to boost your roof’s durability, wind uplift ratings, and more.
In this post, we’ll discuss what a shingle starter is, why you need it, and what you need to know before installing it. Keep reading to learn more about what’s included in your new roofing project.
What is a starter shingle?
If you’re scouting for roof replacements near Mankato, you’ve surely encountered ‘starter shingles’ or ‘starter strips’ on estimates or consultations with a local contractor.
Basically, starter shingles are slightly smaller and lighter versions of regular shingles. It’s installed on the roof before the top shingle layer for added protection. It’s usually made of uncolored roofing granules and compatible to any shingle color you’re planning to get.
But where do starter shingles go? It’s usually installed at the roof’s lower eave edge. But nowadays, roofing contractors also use it on rake edges as well as joints between shingles to give the roof more water-shedding coverage.
So, when was a starter for roofs first introduced? It’s not fully established when starter strips have been used in roofing projects, but it’s safe to say that they’ve been used in modern roofing more than ever.
Why do you need a shingle starter strip?
Investing in a roofing starter strip will bring a long list of benefits to your home in the long run. Also, professional contractors will recommend installing them for the following purposes:
1. Better waterproofing
The main reason to use starter strip shingles is to add another layer of protection underneath your regular shingles. It serves as protection between shingle gaps, which allows water to drain properly even when it gets in between the cracks. This way, the water won’t pool on the ice and water shield underneath.
2. Increased wind resistance
A roofing starter strip also enhances your roof’s wind resistance by a huge notch. Starter shingles have an adhesive strip that fuses with the adhesive strip of your regular shingles, forming a strong bond to withstand strong winds.
3. Protection against ice dams
Mankato has snowy winters, and the addition of a roof starter strip will protect against ice dam formation. This way, water won’t back up under shingles and cause a bigger problem and damage on your property.
4. Extended roof lifespan
Installing a starter strip on a roof will also extend its lifespan by giving it an extra layer of protection. This way, your roof will require less maintenance for the years to come.
Reminders when installing starter shingles
Before you get an asphalt starter on a roof, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:
1. Don’t use an upside-down regular shingle
Some homeowners or contractors may try to cut corners by using a regular shingle as a starter strip. While the two have a similar material, a flipped regular shingle doesn’t have the glue strip that will give your roof an extra hold. Overall, it will defeat one of the main purposes of installing a roof starter in the first place.
2. It should hang over the drip edge
When installing a shingle starter, make sure that it protrudes by about half an inch from the drip edge of the roof. This way, the water will roll out of the roof and not damage the fascia board.
3. Don’t overdrive the nails
Make sure that your compressor nail gun doesn’t have a very high setting that will overdrive the nails. You’d want the nail heads flush with the shingle starter so they won’t pop out easily when strong winds blow.
4. Always hire professional roofers
Licensed and experienced roofers know the importance of starter shingle installation. They also know how to measure the quantity of starter shingles you need and give you an honest quote onsite. In fact, the likes of Boelter Is Better also offer in-house financing so that you can get complete your roofing project without the huge upfront cost.
Hire a professional to install your starter strip shingles
Whether it’s shingle starters or other aspects of your roofing project, it’s always best to hire an experienced professional for the job. This way, you’ll get a quality roof that will last for many years and across all seasons.
If you’re in Mankato or Southern Minnesota, you can reach out to Boelter Is Better for tried and tested roofing. They’ve been the trusted roofing, siding, window, and door installer in Mankato for 30+ years now. They also offer flexible financing terms so that you can get quality roofing at affordable monthly rates.
Above all, they offer the best industry warranties, and you’ll get a personal project advisor to ensure the highest quality of your roof. If you reach out today, they’ll also give you a free quote!
