The starter strip the pros choose

Reduce the risk of blow-offs at the eaves and rakes and help unlock stronger wind warranty coverage for qualifying shingles with Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles.¹ Create a clean, straight edge and a strong bond to the shingle course with proprietary Dura Grip™ adhesive that helps lock down shingle edges at the eaves and rakes.

  • A fast, efficient alternative to hand-cutting 3-tab shingles as starter course
  • Eligible for a Lifetime Limited Warranty when installed with GAF Lifetime shingles and at least two additional qualifying GAF accessories
  • GAF offers increased wind coverage on many GAF shingles when you use GAF starter strip shingles and follow
special installation instructions¹


This product has earned the Good HouseKeeping Seal.

1Special installation is required. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty available at gaf.com/warranties for coverage, restrictions and qualifying shingles.

Lifetime refers to the length of warranty coverage provided and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or the eligible second owner(s)] owns the property where the qualifying GAF products are installed.  For other owners/structures, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime coverage on shingles requires the use of GAF Lifetime Shingles only.  Lifetime coverage on shingles and accessories requires the use of any GAF Lifetime Shingle and any 3 qualifying GAF Accessories.  See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.  Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.  For installation not eligible for the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, see the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty

The smart-choice starter strip shingle

Choose Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles as part of your GAF roofing system.
Roofer carrying a package of GAF Pro-Start

Enhance protection and aid installation

Instead of wasting time cutting up 3-tab shingles to make a starter course, let Pro-Start<sup>®</sup> starter strip shingles save you time and waste. Proprietary Dura Grip™ adhesive helps secure shingles edges at eaves and rakes to reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs.
Lifetime Limited Warranty icon

Unlock powerful warranty protection

When you install any GAF Lifetime Shingle and at least 3 qualifying GAF accessories, you qualify for a Lifetime limited warranty on your shingles and all qualifying GAF accessories<sup>†</sup>.
† Lifetime refers to the length of warranty coverage provided and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or the eligible second owner(s)] owns the property where the qualifying GAF products are installed. For other owners/structures, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime coverage on shingles requires the use of GAF Lifetime Shingles only. Lifetime coverage on shingles and accessories requires the use of any GAF Lifetime Shingle and at least 3 qualifying GAF Accessories. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installation not eligible for the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, see the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty.
GAF employees working in American manufacturing plant

American jobs in American factories

This GAF product is proudly made in the U.S.A. with domestic and imported materials. Learn more about how GAF helps to create American jobs and opportunities in the communities where we live and work.
GAF certified roofing contractors installing starter strip shingles.

What is a starter strip shingle?

GAF starter strips help protect against blow-offs at the eaves and rakes, can unlock stronger wind warranty coverage for qualifying shingles1 and eliminate the need to manually cut up 3-tab shingles to make starter strips.
1Special installation is required. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty available at gaf.com/warranties for complete coverage, restrictions.

Product Documentation

Pro‑Start® Starter Strip Shingles Installation — Step-by-step

Note: Starter strips should overhang eaves and rakes by 1/4" – 3/4" (6 mm – 19 mm). Where the drip edge extends out from the eaves and rakes, Pro-Start® Starter Strips may be placed flush with the drip edge.

Always read full application instructions at GAF.COM before using or installing GAF products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starter strip shingles help reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs at the eaves and rakes that can lead to damaging leaks. Some manufacturers offer stronger wind warranty coverage for qualifying shingles when starter strips and special installation methods are used.

Choosing Pro-Start® or any GAF starter strip shingle saves time and labor by eliminating the step of hand-cutting 3-tab shingles. These specially designed starter strip shingles also reduce the risk of shingle blow-off at eaves and rakes, thanks to proprietary Dura Grip™ adhesive that creates a strong bond between shingle layers.

Our proprietary Dura Grip™ adhesive creates a strong bond between shingle layers. This long, black strip of tacky adhesive activates after installation when sunlight heats the shingles.

A bundle of GAF Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles provides approximately 120.33 linear feet of coverage.

GAF Pro-Start starter strip shingles are compatible with most GAF Shingles lines including 3-tab and architectural shingles like the Timberline Series.

Pro-Start® Starter Strip Shingles have factory applied, properly positioned Dura Grip™ Adhesive which helps lock down shingle edges at the eaves and rakes to reduce the risk of shingle blow-offs.

Please take a look at our Installation Instructions on our documents tab for a detailed step by step instructions.

Both Pro-Start® and WeatherBlocker™ starter strip shingles provide an efficient alternative to field-cutting strip shingles for installation along eaves and rakes. Their Dura Grip™ adhesive layer helps lock down shingle edges to reduce the risk of blow-offs at eaves and rakes. While WeatherBlocker™ Premium Starter Strip Shingles are extra wide for compatibility with all GAF asphalt shingles, Pro-Start® may be a more economical option.

You can purchase GAF Pro-Start® starter strip shingles at several major home improvement retailers, independent building supply centers, and specialized roofing distributors. Please reach out to your local Territory Manager for more information.