In our Roofing 101 series, we’re focusing on each of the seven layers that go into a durable, dependable roofing system. Each product, or layer, has a specific purpose and it’s important to be aware of all of them when considering a roof contractor in the Dane County area.
That said, thus far in the series, we’ve covered:
In Part 3 of the series, we’re shifting our attention to starter strip shingles, which help guard your roofing against shingle blow-offs.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that if you are looking at an asphalt replacement roof you’ll want to go with a dependable brand that’s known for excellent durability and style. We recommend the GAF brand, and they’re America’s #1 asphalt roofing company.
In this article we’ll be looking at the different starter strip products made by GAF, and even if your roofing company doesn’t use these particular GAF products, it’s important to ensure they’re using something of comparable quality and durability, as you typically get what you pay for with an asphalt roof replacement — and the last thing you want your roofing contractor to do is cut corners.
With that said, let’s dive into further defining what starter strip shingles do, and then take a quick look at the different types of GAF starter strip products so you are familiar with them …
What is a Shingle Starter Strip?
In a nutshell, a shingle starter strip is an integral part of a well-made residential roofing system — and its chief job is to reduce shingle blow-off, especially at the eaves and/or rakes of your roofing.
A starter strip acts as a base beneath the shingle at the eaves so the roofing can effectively shed water.
The Installation Process
To begin, avoid roofing contractors that want to use the method of cutting three-tab shingles as a roofing system’s starter strip — this is risky, as adhesive can be placed without a tight seal, and a tight seal is imperative in reducing the risk of shingle blow-offs.
To help ensure proper installation, look for a local roofing company that has a good track record, and if you are going with a GAF roofing system, it’s best to go with a contractor that is a GAF Master Elite Installer like Legacy Exteriors.
With that, here’s some brief info on starter strip products …
WeatherBlocker Premium Starter Strip Shingles
These pre-cut starter strips are a premium product with factory-applied, properly positioned, Dura Grip™ Adhesive that locks down shingle edges at the eaves and rakes, greatly reducing the chance of shingle blow-offs. WeatherBlocker starter strip shingles provide approximately 42% more coverage (per bundle) than GAF’s 3-tab shingles.
Benefits include:
- Compatible with all GAF shingles, ensuring seamless integration
- Easy-to-use perforated design allows each piece to be separated into half pieces without cutting, creating straighter roof edges
- A cost-effective alternative to using cut-up 3-tab strip shingles as starter strips
- Excellent performance is achieved with Dura Grip™ Adhesive
Pro-Start Starter Strip Shingles
Pro-Start® Eave/Rake Starter Strips deliver high-quality, properly positioned Dura Grip adhesive applied at the factory that goes a long way in preventing shingle blow-off. In addition, roofing contractors like the easy-to-install, no-cut design of Pro-Start.
Benefits include:
- Homeowners can expect straighter roof edges, with no messy black cement drippings on their brand new white-edge metal
- Factory-applied Dura Grip™ Adhesive locks down roof edges at the eaves/rakes
- Eligible for a Lifetime limited warranty when installed on Lifetime Shingle roofs
- GAF delivers increased wind coverage on many of their shingles when GAF starter strips (with factory-applied adhesive) and all special installation requirements are followed (another reason to use a GAF Master Elite installer)
QuickStart Peel & Stick Starter Roll
Designed by GAF for fast, easy and dependable installation, QuickStart is a high-quality starter strip that has factory applied Dura Grip adhesive that’s properly aligned for tightly locked shingles that stay in place, helping prevent shingle blow-off.
Benefits include:
- GAF delivers increased wind coverage on many of their shingles when GAF starter strips (with factory-applied adhesive) and all special installation requirements are followed
- Homeowners can expect straighter roof edges, with no messy black cement drippings on their brand new white-edge metal
- Factory-applied Dura Grip™ Adhesive helps to tightly lock shingles into place
- Eligible for up to a lifetime limited warranty when installed on Lifetime Shingle roofs
StarterMatch Starter Strip Shingles
The final starter strip GAF produces is the StarterMatch® — and one of its many features is the fact that it provides complementary-colors for select GAF Lifetime Designer Shingles — elevating the aesthetic of your roof for a more polished look. Plus, they can be installed in tandem with WeatherBlocker™ Premium Starter Strip Shingles, as needed.
Benefits include:
- They’re specially crafted to complement select GAF Lifetime Designer Shingles
- Delivers a 25-year StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration
- StarterMatch is ready to install with no time-consuming cuts or hand-sealant application
Learn More
Want to learn more about GAF roofing solutions? Feel free to check out our Asphalt Roofing page, which details all of GAF’s asphalt roofing shingles and colors.
Contact Us Anytime …
Whether you would like a complimentary inspection of your roof, or are looking to chat about roofing options (repair or replacement), feel free to contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!
