Where should you place starter shingles during installation?

• A. Across the ridge line for stability.
• B. Along the eave first, as starter shingles.
• C. In the middle of the roof to balance weight.
• D. On the backside of the deck.

Answer: (B)

Starter shingles belong at the eave, installed first to create a straight, stable edge for the first course and to form a weather-tight seal at the roof’s lower boundary where water first hits the roof. Placing them along the eave ensures proper alignment of the rest of the shingles and helps water shed away from the deck. Putting starter shingles across the ridge would miss the critical eave edge, placing them in the middle offers no edge to align to or seal, and mounting them on the backside of the deck ignores the drainage and protection needed at the eave. So, starting at the eave is the correct approach.