Starter strips are one of those things folks love to skip, but man, you really notice when they’re missing after the first big wind. I’ve seen whole rows of shingles peel up because someone thought a homemade strip would “do the job.” Out of curiosity, has anyone here actually had good luck with those peel-and-stick underlayments in high wind areas? I’ve heard mixed things, but haven’t tried them myself yet.
Peel-and-stick underlayments get a lot of hype, but honestly, I’ve seen mixed results in the field—especially in spots that see big temp swings or a lot of sun. They’re great for ice damming and tricky valleys, but I wouldn’t rely on them alone against high winds. Starter strips do a specific job, and those DIY solutions rarely hold up when the gusts really hit. I’ve inspected a few roofs where folks skipped the proper starter, thinking peel-and-stick was enough, and it usually ends up costing more down the line. Just my two cents...
That’s really helpful to hear. I’ve been researching underlayments for our first roof replacement, and it’s honestly overwhelming how many products are out there. I keep seeing peel-and-stick recommended, but your point about temp swings and wind makes sense. We get a lot of sun and some nasty storms here, so I’m leaning toward using both a quality underlayment and proper starter strips, even if it costs a bit more upfront. Seems like cutting corners just isn’t worth it in the long run. Thanks for sharing your experience—it’s reassuring to know I’m not overthinking it.
Totally agree—skimping on underlayment is just asking for headaches later. I went with a high-temp synthetic underlayment plus peel-and-stick in the valleys and along the eaves. It wasn’t cheap, but after a couple of brutal hailstorms, I’m convinced it was worth every penny. Starter strips are underrated too—my neighbor skipped them and had shingle blow-offs after the first big wind. Sometimes the “extras” are really just essentials, especially if you’re in a storm-prone area.
- Noticed the same thing with starter strips—skipping them just isn’t worth the risk, especially in windy spots.
- Used a basic felt underlayment on my first job, and it didn’t hold up at all after a couple seasons. Switched to synthetic since then, way better performance.
- Curious if anyone’s tried double-layering underlayment for extra protection? Wondering if it’s overkill or actually helps in heavy rain areas...
