Starter strip

On a properly installed asphalt roof, a starter strip with factory-applied adhesive runs the full length of every eave and rake. This sealed edge resists wind uplift on the first course, which is the course most exposed to storm wind. On a lot of older NC roofs, the starter strip was done with cut-up three-tab shingles installed backwards — no adhesive at the edge — or skipped entirely. It is an invisible installation detail that only reveals itself when a wind event lifts the leading edge of the bottom shingle course.

On a storm-claim full replacement, starter strip is a standard scope line item. Carriers occasionally leave it off the Xactimate estimate, particularly on older software profiles or adjusters unfamiliar with system requirements. It costs less than a hundred dollars on most residential jobs but it is required by every major shingle manufacturer warranty. We add it back to the supplement when it is missing from the carrier's scope — no argument needed, just cite the manufacturer installation requirement.