Advantages of Using Starter Shingles Instead of Flipped 3-Tab Shingles

What Are Starter Shingles?

Starter shingles are the first shingle product laid down on the roof, and are what the first row of “finisher” shingles are attached to. They are installed along the edge of the roof after the underlayment (also known as felt) is put down. A line of adhesive binds the starter strip to the shingles above and the roof below, creating a secure starting point for the rest of the shingles that is protected from water and wind damage.

Why Is It Better to Use Starter Shingles?

In the past, roofers would simply take a regular strip of 3-tab shingles and “flip” it, a practice is still used by some unqualified roofing companies. However, reputable builders today always use starter shingles. Simply using an inverted 3-tab shingle leaves the roof prone to being pulled up by wind, as the sealant is too high up and leaves the edge exposed. Not using proper starter shingles also creates the opportunity for windblown rain to get underneath the shingles, leading to a string of other issues.

Are You Trained to Properly Install Starter Shingles?

Absolutely! YES – Your Exterior Solution takes great pride in the fact that we are a GAF® Master Elite Contractor, an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor, and an IKO® RoofPro Contractor (among other certifications), and we are constantly earning new certifications. This means that we are trained, certified, and backed by the industry’s leading manufacturers, on top of having years of practical experience in the field. For work you can trust, choose YES!