Overview

The starter strip is the first course of material installed along the eave and rake edges of a roof. Its purpose is to provide a solid base layer that seals the exposed edges of the first field shingle course and prevents wind uplift at the most vulnerable point of the roofing system. Rolled starter strip is used on most Trust Roofing projects for its consistency. This training covers the correct installation of rolled starter strip.

Our Field Standards

Starter strip installation follows specific Trust Roofing field standards.

Field standards include:
* Starter strip is installed along all eave edges before any field shingles are applied
* Rake edges receive starter strip on high-wind projects or per manufacturer requirement
* The product is installed with the sealant strip positioned at the eave edge — facing downward
* The starter course overhangs the drip edge by 0.25 to 0.375 inches
* Joints in the starter strip are staggered from field shingle joints above
* Fastening follows the manufacturer’s specification for nail placement and spacing

Our Process

Preparing for Starter Installation

* Confirm drip edge is in place along the eave
* Confirm underlayment installation is complete
* Snap a chalk line along the eave at the correct overhang measurement

Installing Starter Strip

1. Unroll the starter strip along the eave edge
2. Confirm the sealant strip is positioned at the bottom edge — facing toward the gutter
3. Align the lower edge with the chalk line — overhang 0.25 to 0.375 inches past the drip edge
4. Fasten with roofing nails 3 to 4 inches from the lower edge
5. Stagger end joints — offset from the field shingle joints above

Rake Edge Starter

On high-wind projects:
* Install starter strip along the rake edges as well
* Position flush with the rake drip edge
* The sealant strip faces the field shingles

Common Errors

* Installing the starter strip upside down — sealant strip must face the eave edge
* Too much overhang — water will drip behind the gutter
* Joints aligned with field shingle joints above — creates a weak seam

Roofing Terms

Starter Strip

A pre-cut roofing product installed along the eave and rake edges of a roof to provide a solid base for the first course of field shingles and seal the exposed lower edge of the roofing system.

Sealant Strip

The factory-applied adhesive band on roofing products, on starter strip it must face downward toward the eave edge so it bonds with the overlying field shingle above, sealing the eave edge against wind uplift.

Florida High-Wind Starter Requirement

In Tampa Bay’s high-wind zone, starter strip must be installed along both eave and rake edges per manufacturer specifications to provide adequate edge sealing and wind uplift resistance.

Wind Uplift Resistance

The ability of a roofing system to resist the upward forces exerted by wind during a storm, starter strip at the eave and rake edges is one of the first lines of defense against wind entry under the shingles.

Manufacturer Specification

The installation requirements published by the shingle manufacturer, Trust Roofing follows these requirements alongside Florida building code, and when they differ, the stricter standard governs.

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