The starter course for asphalt shingles should have an overhang of:

The starter course for asphalt shingles should have an overhang of:

• A. 1/4"
• B. 3/4"
• C. 1"
• D. 1 1/2"

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is controlling how water sheds from the eave and how the first row of shingles seats. For asphalt shingles, the starter course should overhang the eave enough to form a clean drip edge and to position the first row so the field shingles line up and shed water properly, without creating other issues at the edge. About three quarters of an inch is the standard overhang. This amount provides a reliable drip and helps the bottom edge of the starter row sit correctly so the next courses align. If the overhang is much smaller, water can creep back toward the deck, and the edge protection is reduced. If it’s much larger, the edge becomes more exposed to wind uplift and misalignment with the drip edge, potentially causing seating and appearance problems.

The main idea here is controlling how water sheds from the eave and how the first row of shingles seats. For asphalt shingles, the starter course should overhang the eave enough to form a clean drip edge and to position the first row so the field shingles line up and shed water properly, without creating other issues at the edge. About three quarters of an inch is the standard overhang. This amount provides a reliable drip and helps the bottom edge of the starter row sit correctly so the next courses align.

If the overhang is much smaller, water can creep back toward the deck, and the edge protection is reduced. If it’s much larger, the edge becomes more exposed to wind uplift and misalignment with the drip edge, potentially causing seating and appearance problems.