QA

Quick Answer: How To Cut Starter Shingles

What length should I cut my starter shingles?

Cut 12 inches (30.4 centimeters) off the length of the first shingle that you lay. Then lay down whole tiles to the end of the row, trimming the last shingle so that it fits correctly.

Can I use 3 tab shingles for starter?

A lot of roofers claim you don’t need to use officially designated starter strip shingles and instead opt for using repurposed 3-tab shingles as the starter strip. Starter shingles should always overhang the eave and rake edges of the roof by about 1/4″-3/4″ to ensure adequate rain water drainage.

Are you supposed to remove the plastic strip on the back of shingles?

The GAF shingle application instructions for our entire product line specifically state that that film does not need to be removed. Note: The film strips on the back of each shingle are to prevent sticking together of the shingles while in the bundle. Their removal is NOT required during application.

Do you overlap starter shingles?

With the starter shingles laid along the very edge of the roof, run a set of starter shingles along the sides of the roof as well, making sure that those rows come down and overlap the starter shingles you laid at the bottom.

How do starter shingles work?

A starter strip is an asphalt based shingle utilized to waterproof the eave and rake edges of your home during a re-roof. Adhesive tar strips help prevent shingle blow-off from harsh winds (along eaves as well). A straight line to properly orient each new row of shingles.

How much should a starter overhang for shingles?

Whether installed at the eave or the rake, the starter shingles should overhang the edge of the roof by ¼ inch to ¾ inch. Typically, the finish shingles are then installed to align with the edge of the starters.

Can you use regular shingles for starter?

Bad Starter Strip Some roofers simply take regular shingles, flip them upside down and nail them down as a starter course. A better way to install a starter strip is to cut the tabs off a shingle and make sure the tar line is at the bottom edge closest to the edge of the roof.

Do you peel tape on shingles?

The shingle release film — you DO NOT need to remove it! The plastic does NOT have to be removed – which saves a lot of trouble and plastic flying around the yard.

Do you use starter shingles on the rake?

A starter shingle is used to seal with the field shingle at the first course along the eave and rake. This helps prevent wind and water from getting beneath the shingle in this critical location. Starter shingles are installed so they overhang the edge of the eaves slightly to allow for water runoff.

Does the drip edge go under the tar paper?

The best way is to install the roof drip edge only along the eaves first, then place ice-and-water barrier (in the snowbelt) or felt paper (underlayment) over the drip edge.

Should shingles hang over drip edge?

Shingles should be installed over the drip edge a minimum of 3/8” (9 mm) at both the eave edge and the rake edge. If the drip edge extends… out from the rakes and eaves (typically called DL Style or D Type), the shingles may be installed flush with the drip edge.

Do you overlap shingles side to side?

When you reach a peak or hip, shingle all the way up the first side (until the reveal portion of the shingles is within 4 inches of the peak) and cut the 3-tab shingles just below the ridge. Shingle the other side and allow these pieces to overlap the ridge by no more than 4 inches.

What is the best tool for cutting shingles?

Tin snips are very sharp, powerful scissors designed to cut through metal, but they can be equally effective for small, complex cuts in shingles. If you need to trim the shingle to fit around pipes or small vents, then tin snips are your best choice.

What is asphalt starter starter universal?

PABCO® Universal Starter is applied on the leading edge under the first course of asphalt shingles and features a sealant stripe that helps provide wind resistance for your roof system.

Does starter strip overhang drip edge?

control line and nail them down, four nails per shingle. After installing drip-edge along the eaves, double the first course of shingles or, as shown, install a starter strip. The lower edge of the starter strip overhangs the drip-edge by 1⁄4 in. to 3⁄4 in. —or even 1 in.

What tape sticks to shingles?

ThermaCote® Roof Repair Tape is the ultimate leak and seam repair tape. It is the heaviest, most aggressive sealing tape available, and permanently deal with leaks in virtually all roofing materials, including for TPO, EPDM, and metal.

What is the difference between drip edge and rake edge?

It involves the point of application in relation to the underlayment and/or eaves flashing. At the rake edge, the perimeter drip edge metal is applied over the underlayment with the appropriate fasteners secured every eight (8) to ten (10) inches on center.

Do you put tar paper over ice shield?

Method 1: Install the ice-barrier membrane according to the manufacturer’s instructions with the drip edge installed on top of the membrane. Then install regular roofing underlayment (tar paper) over the top of the drip edge (and over the ice barrier) and continuing all the way up the roof.