RoofViews

Residential Roofing

Why Choose a Shingle Starter Strip?

By Annie Crawford

May 04, 2020

Blue shingles on a roof

Thinking about switching to a pre-cut shingle starter strip from a cut up 3-tab asphalt shingle? Don't delay. Starter Strips save you time cutting 3-tab shingles, have properly positioned adhesive to help reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs, and allow you to create clean, finished roof edges. Want more details? Here are answers to all your questions about making the switch to pre-cut Starter Strips.


How Do Starter Strips Help Save Time

A pre-cut shingle starter strip saves time because it means no cutting 3-tab shingles to make a starter strip. Crews just tear Starter Strips at the factory-made cuts and install. The result is fast, precise, and economical.

For the QuickStart® Peel & Stick Starter Roll, it's a simple peel and stick procedure, no tearing required. Whichever GAF Starter Strips suit a given job best, leave time-consuming cutting behind.

More Coverage

Pre-cut starter shingles can cover more area per bundle than cut-up 3-tab shingles. For example, Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles offer a minimum 50% more coverage per bundle, and GAF WeatherBlocker™ Premium Starter Strip Shingles provide at least 42% more coverage per bundle than typical 3-tab shingles used as the starter course. Plus, perforations make them easy to use and install. There's nothing to do but tear and install.

How Do Starter Strips Help Prevent Shingle Blow-off?

GAF Starter Strips are designed to reduce the risk of shingle blow-off. The secret weapon is DuraGrip™ Adhesive. The adhesive is precisely applied during the manufacturing process, to help keep shingles in place.

Will Starter Strips Improve Roof Appearance?

Pre-cut Starter Strips can contribute to clean, finished looking roof edges. Cut up 3-tabs may not have straight edges and the black cement used to install them can look messy along rakes, eaves, and drip edges. The pre-applied DuraGrip™ adhesive on GAF starter shingles helps you provide a straight roof edge that customers and contractors love.

Why Sell Starter Strips to Customers?

The benefits of Starter Strips for customers include the potential for enhanced warranty coverage and improved curb appeal. Because customers may not understand the value of Starter Strips, it's important to educate them about the benefits they'll receive. Beyond reduced callbacks, customers enjoy a range of perks, including:

  • Potential for enhanced warranty coverage*: GAF Starter Strips are required in order to obtain Maximum Wind Speed warranty coverage for your GAF Shingles.

  • Improved curb appeal: GAF StarterMatch® Starter Strips give customers a seamless factory color match with select GAF Designer Shingles that require a color-coordinated starter. Plus, the pre-applied adhesive on GAF Pro-Start®, WeatherBlocker™ and QuickStart® Starter Strips help you provide a clean line instead of the messy black cement of cut 3-tabs along roof lines.

Is It Easy To Install Starter Strip Shingles?

Wondering how to install starter strips? The good news is that the process is easier and faster than the old cut 3-tab method.

Ready to give your business a boost? Make the switch to GAF starter strip shingles.


*Maximum Wind Speed warranty coverage available only with Special Installation, which requires either 4 or 6 nails per shingle (depending on shingle type) and installation of starter strips on eaves and rakes

About the Author

Annie Crawford is a freelance writer in Oakland, CA, covering travel, style, and home improvement. Find more of her work at annielcrawford.com.

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GAF Timberline HDZ Reflector Series Shingles on a roof.
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A roofer installs GAF's Cobra SnowCountry Advanced Premium Exhaust Vent on a Roof Ridge
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