When looking at a home, what's generally the first thing you lay eyes on? For many, it's the roof- especially if they're adorned with shingles. A roof takes up a massive amount of space on your home, so it's natural for the eyes to shift to them naturally. No matter what kind they are, they're a fantastic focal point. Since the outer portion of the roof is generally the only visible part of it, many overlook the elaborate system that lies beneath it. This system lays the foundation of the structure that is your roof, and it's essential for its health.
A sturdy roof often begins with starter shingles, also known as "starter strips." Without this vital seal of protection, your roof could be at an increased risk of exposure to devastation by the elements. Extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your roof and the entire home, causing leaks, fallout, and stress.
Have you ever seen shingles flip up and down with a heavy gust of wind - or even worse, watched them fly off during a storm? It happens more often than you think. Even secure shingles can tear away if wind speeds are high. Shingle fallout is an issue because they no longer protect your roof from devastation once they become missing. Pest infestation and rot could run rampant, eventually causing a structural decline in your home.
This is why starter shingles are essential for all roofing systems; they are the glue that sticks the roof together. RoofCrafters has repaired weather-damaged roofing systems lacking starter shingles for over three decades and we know all too well the destruction it can cause.
Since you landed on this article, you probably have a few questions about starter shingles. It's a good thing you're here because we'll go over all you need to know about them, including three reasons why they're essential for your roof. By the end, you'll know precisely why starter shingles are crucial to your roof's protection. Are you ready to begin?
What Are Starter Shingles?
Starter shingles can be confused with three-tab, architectural, or designer shingles. Because of this, many manufacturers refer to them as "starter strips." The starter strips are installed along the roof edges after the underlayment is installed. Roof shingles are then placed above the starter strips, which is why they're visible when looking at the roof.Unlike roofing shingles, starter strips don't have specific color patterns or options. Because they're not visible once the shingles are placed, aesthetics don't matter much.
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Regarding design, starter shingles are rectangular, stretching out to be long and narrow. They don't look like anything extraordinary, often seen as generic. They are, however, made of fiberglass - similarly to asphalt shingles. Every starter strip shingle comes with a line of adhesive on it. The purpose of the bond is to stick with the shingles installed above them and seal them in.
Why Do Starter Shingles Matter?
There are a few main reasons why starter shingles are crucial to every roofing system. They aren't a component that can be left out due to unimportance; they're vital in keeping the roof intact.
Starter shingles are highlighted by a few main stand-out actions. They serve the purpose of helping protect your roof from nature. Each element listed below can pose a severe threat to the stability of your roofing system. With the aid of starter shingles, you can successfully avoid these threats.
- Wind Protection
When winds pick up, and your house has no starter strips bonded to your shingles, they can loosen and even fall off. If this were to happen, you are looking at replacement and an opportunity for even more damage from other elements to proceed. This leads us to our next pro of using starter shingles.
- Water Protection
It's imperative to protect your roof decking from water because if you don't, mold can potentially grow. If water enters the home from there, rot can occur in the framing. If decay spreads, the ledger can weaken and pull away from your home, possibly leading to collapse or other serious issues.
- Ice Protection
Without adequately installed starter shingles, the excess water could seep into your home like rain. Moisture entering your home creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold can even wash off of your roof, tracking it into your home. Mold promotes rot, erosion of elements in the home, and health hazards. While this may sound extreme, one component of your roof, or a lack thereof, can create a chain reaction of adverse side effects to your home.
How Much Do Starter Shingles Cost?
Starter shingles can be purchased in "bundles." The average price per 110 ft. bundle starts at about $50 and extends to $75. How much you pay will depend on your chosen manufacturer and how many square feet you need.
Additionally, the average lifespan of your starter shingles usually depends on the outer shingles that they're bonded with. 3-tab shingles have an average lifespan of 12-18 years, while designer shingles can last up to 30 years.
Will Starter Shingles Benefit My Roof?
Yes! They serve a valuable purpose to many roofing systems. Although, we understand that sorting through potential additions to your roof can be stressful. With so many colors, shapes, and sizes, there's a wide variety of possibilities to explore. Know that you can rest assured that there are licensed specialists who will make life easier for you!
If you're ready to delve into your options, RoofCrafters is eager to assist you. You can get in touch with one of our welcoming representatives by visiting our contact page. No matter your questions, we are here to lend a hand. Meanwhile, feel free to explore our library of resources available to you in our learning center. We recommend checking out "Anatomy of A Roof." As mentioned earlier, it touches on the intricate system that makes up every roof. We look forward to helping you achieve the roof of your dreams!
