March 15, 2026 · By Jeff Therrien
5 Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement Before Winter Hits
Look — I've spent 40 years on roofs in Sarnia, and I've had this conversation with hundreds of homeowners. The roof's tired. They know it. They just want me to confirm what they're already seeing. So let me save you a phone call: here are the five biggest signs your roof needs replacement before winter hits.
1. Your roof is 20+ years old and showing it
Most asphalt shingle roofs in Sarnia last 20–30 years. If yours is pushing 20 and you're seeing curling, granule loss, or fading, the clock's running out. You can sometimes squeeze a few more years out, but each Sarnia winter is harder on a tired roof.
2. Granules in the gutters and downspouts
Go look at your downspout splash blocks after a heavy rain. If you see piles of black or grey sand, that's your shingles wearing down. Once granule loss is widespread, the asphalt underneath is exposed to UV and starts failing fast.
3. Curled, cracked, or missing shingles
Walk around the house. Look up. If you see shingles curling at the corners, cracking, or — worst case — missing entirely, water's already finding its way to your deck. One windstorm and you're calling someone like me on a Saturday morning.
4. Daylight in the attic
Go up to your attic on a sunny day. Turn off the lights. If you see daylight through the roof boards, water is getting in too. This is almost always a sign the roof system has failed somewhere — could be flashing, could be widespread, but it needs eyes on it now.
5. Multiple leaks in the same season
One leak? Repair it. Two leaks in the same season, in different parts of the roof? The roof is telling you it's done. At that point, you're throwing good money after bad with patch jobs.
What to do next
If you're seeing two or more of these, get a free inspection. I'll tell you straight — repair or replace. No pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest assessment from someone who's been on Sarnia roofs since 1998.
Call me at (519) 328-2142 or request a free quote online. Same-day response when possible.