Asphalt shingle starters, also known as starter strips or starter shingles, are essential roofing components designed to provide a secure foundation for asphalt shingle installation. Installed along the eaves and sometimes along the rake edges, starter shingles help prevent wind uplift and water infiltration at the vulnerable roof edges.

These specialized shingles are manufactured from the same durable materials as regular asphalt shingles and feature an adhesive strip that creates a strong seal between the starter and the first course of shingles, reducing the risk of shingle blow-off during high winds. Starter shingles also ensure a clean, straight edge for the first row of shingles, enhancing both the performance and appearance of the roof.