Starter shingles: what they do, how many bundles, and how they go on at the eaves and rakes
Starter strips are the first course under the shingles along the eaves and rakes: their factory adhesive seals the edge of the first row so wind can't lift it. A bundle of GAF Pro-Start covers about 120 linear feet. They overhang the edge 1/4 to 3/4 inch, or sit flush where the drip edge sticks out, nailed 1 1/2 to 3 inches above the eave every 10 to 12 inches (GAF).
Anthony Hicks30+ years in construction. Updated November 5, 2026.
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What starter shingles do
The first row of shingles at the eave has nothing under its tabs to stick to. A starter strip goes down first, along the eaves and up the rakes, so the first course has a sealed edge under it: GAF’s starter strips carry a factory-applied adhesive placed to help keep the edge shingles from blowing off. They also give the roof a straight edge along the eaves and rakes.
Roofers used to cut 3-tab shingles for the starter row. GAF notes that its pre-perforated strips tear apart by hand, cover at least 50% more per bundle than cut 3-tabs, and leave less scrap.
The warranty side
GAF covers its shingles up to the maximum wind speed in its limited warranty only when they’re put on with the required nails and with starter strips at the eaves and rakes. Other makers set their own conditions; the shingle’s warranty says what it needs.
How many bundles
Add up the eaves and rakes in linear feet and divide by the bundle’s coverage. A bundle of GAF Pro-Start covers about 120 linear feet (GAF); other products cover more or less, so the bundle’s label is the one to use.
| Roof | Eaves and rakes | Bundles at 120 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 42 by 32 ft gable roof at 6:12 | 84 ft of eave + 72 ft of rake = 156 ft | 2 |
| Same house as a hip roof | 148 ft of eave, no rakes | 2 |
The gable roof and hip roof guides work those edges out, and the roofing calculator puts the starter in its list.
How they go on
GAF’s steps for Pro-Start, with each product’s own instructions first:
- Separate the strips at the perforation.
- Trim the first strip 3 inches when the shingles are 39 3/8 inches long; use a full strip with 36 inch shingles.
- Nail along the eave: start 1 to 2 inches in from the rake, nails 1 1/2 to 3 inches above the eave, every 10 to 12 inches.
- Run up the rakes, overlapping the eave strip by at least 3 inches.
- Overhang the eaves and rakes 1/4 to 3/4 inch, or set the strips flush where the drip edge extends out.
The drip edge guide covers the metal under the edge.
Common questions
Do you need starter shingles?
They seal the first course and, for GAF shingles, are part of what the wind warranty requires at the eaves and rakes (GAF).
Do starter shingles go on the rakes too?
Yes. GAF’s steps run them up the rakes after the eaves, overlapping the eave strip by at least 3 inches.
Can you use 3-tab shingles as a starter?
Cut 3-tabs were the older way. Pre-perforated strips tear by hand, cover more per bundle and leave less scrap (GAF).
Is the starter on a roof estimate?
Yes, a line of its own priced by the linear foot of eave and rake.