Could My Roof Be Leaking Because of the Way the Shingles Were Installed?
August 4, 2026
At first glance, every new roof looks the same. Fresh shingles, clean lines, and a happy homeowner. But here's the plot twist: how those shingles are installed matters just as much as the shingles themselves.One shortcut some roofers use is called racking. Instead of installing shingles in a staggered, stair-step pattern, they run them straight up the roof in vertical lines. It may seem faster, but it can create problems that don't show up until years later.
Think of it like stacking dominoes in one straight line. If water finds an opening, it can keep traveling down the aligned joints, increasing the chance of leaks. On top of that, shingles naturally expand in the summer heat and shrink during cold Chicago winters. When they're installed using the racking method, those movements can prevent the shingles from sealing properly, leading to curling, stress cracks, and premature roof wear.There's another downside homeowners often notice—a strange striped pattern on the roof. Because architectural shingles have slight color variations, installing them in vertical rows can make those color differences stand out instead of blending naturally.
That's why Anchor Point Roofing, your go-to roofing company and the top-rated roofing company in Chicago, installs architectural shingles using the stair-step method. This staggered installation helps keep water from following a straight path, allows the shingles to seal more effectively, and creates a cleaner, more natural-looking roof.
Even major manufacturers don't recommend using the racking method for today's architectural shingles. When the companies that make the shingles say, "Don't do it," that's a pretty good sign it's worth avoiding.
So if you're replacing your roof, don't just ask what shingles are being installed. Ask how they're being installed. Because a roof isn't just about looking good on day one—it's about protecting your home for years to come.Need a roof inspection or roof replacement in Chicago? Let Anchor Point Roofing make sure your shingles are installed the right way—the first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvi0PNWu6TM
Think of it like stacking dominoes in one straight line. If water finds an opening, it can keep traveling down the aligned joints, increasing the chance of leaks. On top of that, shingles naturally expand in the summer heat and shrink during cold Chicago winters. When they're installed using the racking method, those movements can prevent the shingles from sealing properly, leading to curling, stress cracks, and premature roof wear.There's another downside homeowners often notice—a strange striped pattern on the roof. Because architectural shingles have slight color variations, installing them in vertical rows can make those color differences stand out instead of blending naturally.
That's why Anchor Point Roofing, your go-to roofing company and the top-rated roofing company in Chicago, installs architectural shingles using the stair-step method. This staggered installation helps keep water from following a straight path, allows the shingles to seal more effectively, and creates a cleaner, more natural-looking roof.
Even major manufacturers don't recommend using the racking method for today's architectural shingles. When the companies that make the shingles say, "Don't do it," that's a pretty good sign it's worth avoiding.
So if you're replacing your roof, don't just ask what shingles are being installed. Ask how they're being installed. Because a roof isn't just about looking good on day one—it's about protecting your home for years to come.Need a roof inspection or roof replacement in Chicago? Let Anchor Point Roofing make sure your shingles are installed the right way—the first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvi0PNWu6TM
Location: Chicago, IL
Project Image Gallery
Let Us Help You Get Back On Your Rooftop. Contact Our Chicago Roofers Today!