Starter Strip
A row of shingles or specialized starter material installed along the eaves and rakes before the first course of shingles. Provides adhesive bonding and water protection.
A row of shingles or specialized starter material installed along the eaves and rakes before the first course of shingles. Provides adhesive bonding and water protection.
Why Starter Strip Matters for Insurance Claims
Starter strip is a manufacturer-required component that provides the critical first adhesive bond at the roof edge. Without proper starter strip, the first course of shingles is vulnerable to wind uplift, which is why missing or improperly installed starter strip often leads to blow-off damage at the eaves. When writing a roof replacement estimate, starter strip must be included as a separate line item. Omitting it understates the claim and leaves the roof non-compliant with manufacturer warranty requirements.
Starter Strip in Xactimate Estimates
Starter strip appears in Xactimate under the RFG trade category and is measured in linear feet. The measurement should include all eave edges and rake edges where starter strip is required. Manufactured starter strip products are priced differently from cut-down shingles used as starter, and the estimate should reflect the product that matches the manufacturer requirements for the field shingles being installed.
Installation Details
Starter strip is installed directly over the underlayment and drip edge, with the adhesive strip positioned along the eave edge to bond with the first course of field shingles. On rakes, the starter strip is positioned along the gable edge. Proper nail placement through the starter strip is important because nails set too high or too low compromise the seal. These installation details affect both the quality of the repair and the manufacturer warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Starter strip has its own selector code in Xactimate and is measured in linear feet. It should appear as a distinct line item separate from the field shingles and ridge cap.
Starter strip provides the adhesive seal line for the first course of shingles at the eave and rake edges. Without it, the bottom row of shingles has no adhesive bond and is far more likely to blow off in wind. Manufacturers require starter strip for warranty coverage.
Most shingle manufacturers now recommend or require starter strip along both eaves and rakes. This provides adhesive bonding at all roof edges. When estimating, measure both eave and rake linear feet for the starter strip line item.
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