Do architectural shingles need a starter strip?

Yes, they do. As discussed above, a critical requirement for starter shingles is that they DO have sealant, down at the shingle's lower edge (or outer edge at the rake). Leading Edge Plus starter shingles have a strip of IKO's aggressive Fastlock sealant on each shingle piece to help overall roof system performance.

People also ask, is a starter strip necessary?

The starter strip is crucial because it adheres to the shingles on the edges of your roof and protects them from the elements. The more protection you can have along the edges of your roof the better, and starter strip shingles provide that crucial extra layer of protection.

Similarly, how do I start my first row of shingles? Lay a starting row at the bottom of the roof along the edge. Place nails in the three tab shingles about 3/4 inch (1.8 centimeters) above the cutouts, near where the tab meets the upper part of the shingle. However, make sure that you do not nail into the tar strip.

Thereof, 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 far do shingles hangover drip edge?

The edge of the shingles should hang over a roof between an inch and an inch and a half — or between a half inch and three-quarters of an inch if drip edge flashing is installed. Too much overhang and the shingles could blow off in high winds; too little can allow water to seep into rake or fascia boards.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Can architectural shingles be used for ridge cap?

Some roofers will cut shingles into pieces and use these pieces for the hip and ridge cap, regardless of which shingle is being used on the roof. The thicker Cambridge shingles are not designed for ridge caps. They do not lay flat and some may crack or break when you bent them over the ridges.

Where do you cut architectural shingles?

Installing Your Architectural Shingles

Begin your first row at the lower left corner of your roof. Before you install your first shingle, use your utility knife to cut 6 inches off of the side, then lay it on your roof, allowing the architectural shingles to hang between 1/2 to 2 inches over the edge.

What is the purpose of a shingle starter strip?

Starter shingles (also known as starter strips) are a key component to your new roofing system. 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).

What do you put under shingles?

Felt paper, also called tar paper or builder's paper, helps shed water that gets under the shingles, protects the asphalt shingles from the resins in the wood decking, increases a roof's fire rating and helps keep your house dry if it rains during the job.

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

No, leave the strip alone: In answer to a common reader question, not normally: according to roofing manufacturers, it is not required to remove the cellophane strip on the back of roof shingles before they are nailed.

What length should I cut my starter shingles?

Most manufacturers recommend a modified pyramid pattern with the starters cut from two shingles: a 21-in. length and a 15-in. length from one 3-ft. shingle, and 28-in.

Can you replace drip edge without removing shingles?

Now, generally it's replaced at the same time your shingles are replaced, but really it's fairly easy to replace it anytime. The shingles along the lower edge of the roof are gently lifted up, so as not to damage them, and then a flat pry bar is used to remove the nails holding the eave strip to the decking.

How many feet are in a bundle of starter shingles?

105

What is a drip edge on a roof?

Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof and has a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia.

How many squares of shingles do I need for my roof?

Roof surfaces are measured in “squares” – a “square” is equal to 100 square feet of the roof. To determine the number of squares on the gable roof above, divide its total of 24,000 square feet by 100 (24,000 ÷ 100 = 240). This means you would need 240 squares of shingles to cover that roof.

How do you roof a house with architectural shingles?

When laying the shingles for the top row, cut 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) from the first shingle in the left corner of the roof using the utility knife. Place a whole shingle next to it. Continue laying down shingles until the row is complete. Nail down the shingles as you go along.

What is a cap shingle?

The shingles at the peak of your roof are commonly called cap shingles. If your shingles are standard three-tab shingles, the caps are made by cutting one shingle into three separate parts. The overall size of most cap shingles is 12 inches by 12 inches.

What does step flashing look like?

Step flashing: Step flashing is a rectangular piece of flashing bent 90 degrees in the center. It is used for roof to wall flashing. Multiple pieces of the flashing will be installed in layers with shingles to ensure the water flows away from the wall.

How much is a bundle of shingles at Home Depot?

Architectural shingles fall in the range of $25 to $35 per bundle. The ones that cost more than $35 are for different shapes or extra coatings for added protection. Home Depot doesn't have a laminated shingle that is more than $37 whereas Lowe's does, but Lowe's carries far more products, or has a greater selection.

Can you overlap shingles?

When applying the new shingles, each shingle course will be covered by a step flashing. There are two simple rules to follow: Each flashing should overlap the one below by at least 75 mm (3″), but not be visible below the shingle top lap.

Should I install a ridge vent on my roof?

The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost-effective roof vents available. Without baffles (blinders that prevent outside air from crossing over the vent), a ridge vent may create almost no ventilation at all. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic.

Do I need to use starter shingles?

Ideally, starter shingles used should be specially made to be used as starter. These starter shingles will have a tar strip on the bottom to help hold the edges of the roof down and prevent blow-offs. Also, the best starter shingles to use should run at least 2″ up the roof under the bottom of the second shingle.