How to Cut and Install Starter Shingles

Before you can begin to set the asphalt shingles on you roof, you will need to install a row of starter shingles at the bottom of the roof. These shingles are instrumental in making sure that the asphalt shingles are correctly laid out on your roof. If these first starter shingles are not installed correctly, then there will be problems with the entire set of shingles. This starter course protects the roof by filling in any gaps that might happen in the event of wind and ice. Here is a short guide to help you cut and install the first starter shingles on your roof.

Step 1 - Prepare Roof for Shingles

Since this guide is about the starter row of shingles it is assumed that the preparation work has already been completed. You should already know where the middle of the roof is. As well, there should be a piece of drip edge flashing that goes along the length of the entire roof. After the drip edge is installed, then a No. 15 asphalt saturated felt underlayment should be laid over the entire surface of the roof. 

Step 2 - Snap Off Shingle Tabs

To begin laying out the first shingles on your roof you will need to cut off the 3 tabs on the shingle. Use a utility knife and cut them off at the bottom of the adhesive strip on the shingle. This should leave you with about half of the shingle left. 

Step 3 - Follow Directions

There are 2 ways that manufacturers suggest to begin laying out the shingles. One way is to start at the center and begin laying out the shingles to the left and the right of the center line working your way towards the rake edge. The other way is to begin at the far left edge of the roof and go across. This will depend on the specific directions from the manufacturer.

Step 4 - Lay Shingles on Roof

Lay the first shingle on the roof with the adhesive section at the bottom of the roof. It should overhang the drip edge about 1/4 inch. 

Step 5 - Secure First Shingle

Using 4 roofing nails (and up to 6 in high wind areas), secure the starter shingle to the surface of the roof. Make sure not to penetrate the shingles with the hammer. 

Step 6 - Continue with Starter Shingles

After the first shingle has been placed on the roof, set the second starter shingle next to it. Butt the edges together instead of overlapping them. Since this is the starter course, the second course will be placed directly on top of it. If there is any overlap then the second course will not seal correctly to the adhesive strip. Use the same number of roofing nails on each successive shingle until you finish the first row.

Step 7 - Start Second Course

The second course is placed directly over the top of the starter shingles. The adhesive strip bonds with the bottom of the shingle for a waterproof seal. From here you can then continue up the roof to finish laying out the shingles.