How to Install asphalt 3-tab shingle starter course
A 3-tab asphalt shingle roof is a widely used residential roofing material that is durable, economical and easy to install. The asphalt shingles are laid horizontally from the lower roof edge upward, with each row or "course" of shingles overlapping the previous course by 4 to 6 inches. The first, or "starter course," of each roof section is doubled to ensure proper surface seal and drainage using a basic method that's applicable to any roof pitch. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Pre-cut asphalt shingle starter strips (optional)
- 3-tab asphalt shingles
- Hammer
- 3/4-inch roofing nails
- Utility knife
Instructions
-
-
1
Install roofing felt on the roof's surface and drip cap flashing to the roof edges following the roofing manufacturer's warranty specifications and standard practices. If the roofing manufacturer does not offer roof preparation guidelines, contact your local building department for the recommended procedures for your area and building codes.
-
2
Install the base layer of starter strips at the roof edge, end to end. Begin the installation at either end of the roof overhang and hold the lower edge of the starter strip flush with the outer horizontal edge of the drip flashing. Nail each starter strip piece in place using standard roofing nails about 12 inches apart across the top edge. Note: Pre-cut starter shingles are an unfinished and solid type of shingle, making them less costly for larger projects, but standard shingles are also commonly used for the first layer of the starter strip by installing them rotated 180-degrees, with the tab slots upward. Either method works to block the slots in the first course of shingles.
-
-
3
Install the second layer of the starter course. Beginning at the same end as the base layer, position a full standard 3-tab asphalt shingle on top of the base layer of the starter course, with the three-tabbed edge downward. Align the lower edge and starting end of the shingle approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch beyond the face of the drip flashing. Fasten the shingle in place with standard roofing nails across the upper half of the shingle on the printed nail line, keeping the nails equally spaced about 12 inches apart.
-
4
Place the next standard shingle end-to-end with the previous shingle installed in Step 3, aligning the top and bottom horizontal edges. Following standard nailing, fasten the shingle in place with standard roofing nails on the printed nail line, keeping the nails equally spaced.
-
5
Complete the starter course by repeating Steps 3 and 4 across the lower edge of the roof and continue installation of the subsequent shingle courses as single layered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make end cuts and trim asphalt shingles with a standard utility knife or shingling knife.
