Starter Shingles: The First Row That Holds the Roof Down

Starter shingles are the first course laid along the edges of the roof, under the first row of regular shingles. You cannot see them on a finished roof. They do two jobs that matter a lot when a storm comes through.

What starter shingles do

• Seal the edge. Starter strips have an adhesive strip near the edge. It bonds the first row of shingles down so wind cannot get under it.
• Cover the gaps. Regular shingles have cutouts and seams. The starter course fills in under them so there is no straight path for water at the edge.

Eaves and rakes

The eaves are the bottom edges of the roof, along the gutters. The rakes are the sloped edges at the gable ends. Wind can catch both. Starter along the eaves is standard. Starter along the rakes adds the same sealed edge on the sides.

Starter on each Patriot roof package

• Armor (metal): eave and trim starter system.
• Guardian and Defender: eave and rake starter strips.
• Shield: eave starter strips.

On our Atlas shingle systems, the Atlas Signature Select system warranty requires the qualifying Atlas shingle, Atlas hip and ridge and Atlas underlayment, plus an Atlas starter, ice and water or ventilation accessory, all registered within 60 days. Using the matching starter is part of building the system the way the manufacturer backs it. Compare packages on our asphalt shingle roofing page.

Signs of an edge problem

• Shingles lifting or flapping along the bottom edge after wind.
• Missing shingles from the first row.
• Staining on the fascia or soffit below the edge.

Edges also depend on drip edge, the metal trim that carries water off the edge and into the gutter.

Frequently asked questions

Can a roofer just turn a regular shingle upside down for the starter?

Some do. Purpose-made starter puts the adhesive right at the edge, where it is needed.

Can missing starter be fixed later?

Edge shingles can be replaced as a repair. See our roof repair cost page.

Want a second set of eyes on your roof?

Book a free 30-minute storm or replacement inspection. You get our 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, so you can see your own roof and decide for yourself.