The first course of roofing material installed along eaves and rakes before the main shingle field begins — a small component with an outsized role in preventing wind uplift and water intrusion at the most vulnerable edges of your roof.
Table of Contents
- What a Starter Strip Is
- Why Starter Strips Matter
- Types of Starter Strips
- Installation Requirements
- Starter Strips and Storm Damage
- Starter Strips in Insurance Claims
- Common Questions
- How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Related Glossary Terms
What a Starter Strip Is
A starter strip is the first course of roofing material installed along the eaves and rakes before the field shingles are installed.
It sits over the underlayment and provides a sealed base layer for the first course of shingles to adhere to.
It is the foundation of the entire edge sealing system.
Why Starter Strips Matter
Prevents Wind Uplift
Without a starter strip, the first course of shingles has no adhesive bond beneath it — making edges highly vulnerable to wind damage.
Seals Against Water Intrusion
Starter strips seal the gaps between shingle tabs, preventing water from penetrating at the most exposed edge.
Supports Code Compliance
A roof without starter strips does not meet modern installation standards.
No starter strip = weak edge = higher failure risk.
Types of Starter Strips
Purpose-Made Starter Strips
- Continuous adhesive strip
- Consistent sealing performance
- Required for many manufacturer warranties
Cut Shingle Starter
- Made from three-tab shingles
- Intermittent adhesive
- Less consistent performance
Modern installations typically use purpose-made products.
Installation Requirements
- Installed along all eaves and rakes
- Installed before field shingles
- Overhang: ~1/4″ to 3/8″
- Adhesive strip positioned to bond with field shingles
Under the IRC — Colorado Adoption, starter strips are required for a code-compliant asphalt shingle installation.
No starter strip = failed inspection.
Starter Strips and Storm Damage
Starter strips are not typically visible damage items, but they influence how damage occurs:
- Proper starter → shingles resist uplift
- Missing starter → shingles lift or blow off
They often explain why edge shingles failed during storms.
Starter Strips in Insurance Claims
Starter strips should appear in every full replacement insurance estimate.
They are typically priced:
- Per linear foot
- Based on total eave and rake perimeter
Common issues:
- Missing entirely from estimate
- Under-measured perimeter
- Incorrect material specification
When missing, they are a straightforward Supplemental Claim item.
Typical total: hundreds to over $1,000 depending on roof size.
Common Questions
Are starter strips required?
Yes — by code and manufacturer specifications.
Why aren’t they in my estimate?
They are often overlooked or omitted in initial scopes.
Do they affect my roof warranty?
Yes — incorrect or missing starter strips can void warranties.
Can I see them on my roof?
Not easily — they are beneath the first course of shingles.
How Claim Advocacy Helps
- Estimate review — identifying missing line items
- Perimeter measurement — verifying quantities
- Specification matching — ensuring proper material
- Supplement preparation — adding missing costs
Related Glossary Terms
Starter strips are one of the smallest components on your roof — but one of the most important for edge protection and code compliance. When they are missing from an insurance estimate, they represent a legitimate and easily recoverable cost that should be included in your settlement.
📞 (719) 210-8699
📧 gerald@winik.io