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What’s the Purpose of Starter Shingles? A Complete Guide for Northeast Ohio Homeowners
When it comes to roofing, most homeowners focus on the visible parts—like the main field shingles, vents, and flashing. But underneath the surface, your roof’s longevity and performance rely on many unseen components. One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of a roofing system is starter shingles.
At S\&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, a trusted name in roofing throughout Youngstown, Jefferson, Cleveland, Ashtabula County, Lake County, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities, we often get asked: What’s the purpose of starter shingles? Why are they necessary? Are they different from regular shingles?
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starter shingles—what they are, how they function, and why skipping them or installing them improperly can lead to costly issues down the road.
Table of Contents
- What Are Starter Shingles?
- What’s the Purpose of Starter Shingles?
- How Starter Shingles Are Installed
- Common Mistakes With Starter Shingles
- Starter Shingles vs. Field Shingles
- Do All Roofs Require Starter Shingles?
- Starter Shingles and Wind Resistance
- Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
- Why Homeowners in Northeast Ohio Trust S\&K Construction and Remodeling
- Final Thoughts
What Are Starter Shingles?
Starter shingles, sometimes called starter strips, are specially designed shingles that are installed along the eaves and rakes (edges) of your roof. Unlike regular shingles, starter shingles don’t have a decorative top layer. Instead, they feature a straight edge and a factory-applied adhesive strip that helps seal the roof perimeter.
Starter shingles serve as the first course (or layer) of shingles at the edge of your roof. They act as a foundational base that the rest of your roofing system is built upon.
While some older roofing practices used cut-up three-tab shingles as makeshift starters, most manufacturers today offer dedicated starter strip products that are precision-made for optimal performance.
What’s the Purpose of Starter Shingles?
Starter shingles might not be visible, but their job is critical. Here’s what they do:
1. Protect Against Wind Uplift
Wind uplift is a serious threat, especially in areas like Northeast Ohio where winter storms and high winds are common. Starter shingles provide a strong adhesive sealant strip that bonds the first row of shingles to the roof edge. This minimizes the chance of wind lifting the shingles and tearing them off.
2. Prevent Water Infiltration
The edges of your roof are especially vulnerable to water intrusion. Starter shingles offer an extra layer of waterproofing along the eaves and rakes. When installed properly, they help direct water into the gutters and away from your home’s structure.
3. Create a Straight, Clean Edge
Starter shingles have a precisely straight edge, which allows the first row of field shingles to be aligned perfectly. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your roof but ensures uniformity and stability.
4. Seal the Roof System
The adhesive on starter shingles helps seal the shingle tabs above them. This layer-to-layer adhesion strengthens the overall roof system and reduces the risk of leaks and shingle blow-offs.
How Starter Shingles Are Installed
Proper installation is key to starter shingle performance. Here’s how a professional like S\&K Construction and Remodeling LLC handles the process:
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Preparation: The roof deck is cleaned, underlayment is applied, and drip edge flashing is installed.
- Starter Strip Placement at Eaves: Starter shingles are installed along the bottom edge of the roof, adhesive side facing up and toward the eave edge.
- Proper Overhang: The starter strip should overhang the drip edge by about ¼ to ½ inch to guide water into the gutter.
- Installation Along Rakes: For maximum wind protection, starter shingles are also installed up the rake edges.
- Alignment with First Row: The first row of field shingles is then installed, overlapping the starter strip perfectly.
Common Mistakes With Starter Shingles
Unfortunately, many roofing problems stem from improper starter shingle installation—or from skipping them altogether. Here are common errors:
❌ Using Field Shingles Instead of Starters
Cutting up regular shingles as a DIY solution won’t provide the straight edge or adhesive strip needed for proper protection.
❌ Installing Starter Shingles Backwards
If the adhesive edge isn’t facing the right direction (toward the roof edge), it won’t create the seal needed for wind resistance.
❌ Skipping the Rake Edges
Some installers only put starter shingles along the eaves and skip the rakes. This leaves the sides of your roof vulnerable to wind and water damage.
❌ Misalignment
If the starter shingle isn’t aligned correctly, it affects the appearance and performance of every row that follows.
Starter Shingles vs. Field Shingles
It’s easy to confuse the two, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Starter Shingles | Field Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Roof edges (eaves and rakes) | Main roof area |
| Appearance | No tabs, flat design | Textured, dimensional look |
| Adhesive Strip | Yes | Typically not on bottom edge |
| Function | Wind resistance, water control, alignment | Primary weather barrier |
Do All Roofs Require Starter Shingles?
Yes. Whether it’s a new roof installation or a tear-off and replacement, starter shingles are a must.
Skipping starter shingles can void your roofing material warranty. Manufacturers like Owens Corning, with whom we are a Preferred Contractor, require them as part of the complete roofing system.
Starter Shingles and Wind Resistance
One of the biggest benefits of starter shingles is how they increase your roof’s wind resistance. In areas like Jefferson, Ashtabula County, and the Lake Erie shoreline, high winds can easily lift inadequately sealed shingles.
Starter shingles form a bond with the first course of shingles, effectively anchoring them in place. Some starter strips can resist wind speeds up to 130 mph when installed correctly with compatible shingles.
Choosing the Right Contractor Matters
Starter shingles are a small but critical detail. Unfortunately, not every contractor treats them with the care they deserve.
Here’s what to look for in a roofing company:
- ✅ Certified with leading manufacturers (like Owens Corning)
- ✅ Transparent about their process
- ✅ Detailed, written estimates
- ✅ Extensive local references and positive reviews
- ✅ Warranty coverage on labor and materials
Why Homeowners in Northeast Ohio Trust S\&K Construction and Remodeling
At S\&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’re more than just a roofing company—we’re your local, dependable, fully insured team for roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and more.
Here’s What Sets Us Apart:
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
We install roofing systems the right way—from the starter shingles to the ridge cap—so you get the full benefit of the warranty. - Serving All of Northeast Ohio
We work in Youngstown, Jefferson, Madison, Willoughby, Mentor, Chardon, Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, Wickliffe, Concord, Twinsburg, and beyond. - Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews
Homeowners trust us because we’re honest, affordable, and committed to long-term quality. Just check our Google Reviews to see the feedback! - Financing Available
We offer flexible roofing financing options to help you get the work done now—without breaking your budget. - Free Estimates
We’ll inspect your current roof and explain exactly what’s needed—including whether your existing starter shingles are doing their job.
Final Thoughts
Starter shingles may not be the flashiest part of a roof, but they’re one of the most critical components in protecting your home from the elements. If they’re missing, installed improperly, or damaged, you could be setting yourself up for leaks, blow-offs, and warranty issues.
At S\&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we take every detail seriously—especially the ones you don’t see. That’s why our customers throughout Lake County, Ashtabula County, Cuyahoga County, and beyond trust us with their homes and businesses.
Need a Roof Inspection or New Installation?
Call us today or request a free estimate. We’ll help you understand the condition of your current roof and recommend a solution tailored to your home and budget.
📍 Service Areas:
Youngstown • Jefferson • Madison • Cleveland • Willoughby • Euclid • Mentor • Concord • Beachwood • Lyndhurst • Chardon • Twinsburg • Lakewood • Wickliffe • Mayfield Heights • Gates Mills • Kirtland Hills • Pepper Pike and more!
