Snow Load Survival: Which Roofing Type Handles Maine Winters Best?
When you live in Maine, winter doesn’t ask if your roof is ready—it tests it. Every nor’easter, every heavy snowfall, every freeze-thaw cycle adds weight and stress to your home’s structure. One of the most overlooked yet critical factors in choosing a roofing material here in Maine is how well it handles snow load—the weight of snow and ice that can build up over the course of the season.
If you’re building a new home or considering a roof replacement, understanding which roofing type stands up best to Maine’s winter demands could save you thousands in repairs and keep your family safer when the snow piles high.
Let’s break down how metal, asphalt, and rubber roofs each handle the pressure—literally.
1. Understanding Snow Load in Maine
In simple terms, snow load is the downward force from accumulated snow and ice on your roof. Depending on where you live in Maine, snow load requirements can range from 50 pounds per square foot (psf) in southern areas to over 100 psfin the northern and mountain regions.
That means the roof of a 1,500-square-foot home could be holding anywhere from 75,000 to 150,000 pounds of snow—equal to a herd of moose standing on top of your house!
The right roofing material and pitch can make the difference between smooth snow shedding and structural strain.
2. Metal Roofing: The Snow-Shedding Powerhouse
When it comes to snow performance, metal roofing is the undisputed champion.
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Shedding Ability: Metal roofs naturally encourage snow to slide off before it can accumulate dangerously. The smooth, slippery surface—especially on steeper pitches—prevents the formation of ice dams and reduces excess weight.
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Durability: Most high-quality metal roofing systems can handle snow loads exceeding 120 psf, far above Maine’s building code minimums.
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Low Maintenance: Because snow doesn’t linger, metal roofs experience less moisture exposure, preventing rot and decay over time.
Pro Tip: Many Maine homeowners install snow guards to control sliding snow, protecting walkways and gutters from sudden avalanches.
Verdict:
✅ Best for snow load performance and long-term durability.
❄️ Ideal for: Homes in high-snow regions like Rangeley, Bethel, and Caribou.
3. Asphalt Shingles: Reliable, But Weight Matters
Asphalt roofing remains Maine’s most popular choice, and for good reason—affordability and familiarity. But when it comes to snow, there are a few important considerations.
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Snow Retention: Asphalt shingles tend to hold snow rather than shed it, especially when temperatures fluctuate around freezing. This can increase load weight and make roofs more prone to leaks or ice dams.
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Underlayment Importance: A high-quality waterproof underlayment is essential to prevent ice melt from seeping beneath shingles.
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Structural Support: A properly framed roof can easily handle typical Maine snow loads, but older homes should have their truss and rafter systems inspected before winter.
Verdict:
✅ Good value and adequate snow load tolerance when properly installed.
⚠️ Needs more maintenance and monitoring through harsh winters.
❄️ Ideal for: Central and southern Maine homes with moderate snow.
4. Rubber Roofing: The Flat Roof Workhorse
Rubber roofing (EPDM) is common on flat or low-slope commercial and residential buildings across Maine. While it can withstand extreme weather, it faces unique snow load challenges.
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Weight Retention: Because flat roofs don’t shed snow, they rely entirely on the roof’s structural design to handle the load.
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Waterproofing Strength: EPDM’s seamless surface provides excellent protection from melting snow and ice, reducing leak risks even under standing water.
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Reinforced Systems: A properly engineered flat roof with EPDM can handle significant snow accumulation—often 80–100 psf—but must be maintained carefully to prevent sagging or ponding.
Verdict:
✅ Excellent waterproofing and flexibility under heavy snow weight.
⚠️ Requires routine inspection and strong support structure.
❄️ Ideal for: Flat commercial buildings or additions with reinforced framing.
5. Comparing the Snow Survivors
|
Roofing Type |
Snow Shedding |
Load Tolerance |
Maintenance |
Ice Dam Resistance |
Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Metal |
Excellent |
120+ psf |
Low |
Excellent |
Steep roofs in high-snow areas |
|
Asphalt Shingles |
Fair |
70–100 psf |
Moderate |
Fair (with underlayment) |
Traditional pitched roofs |
|
Rubber (EPDM) |
Poor (no shedding) |
80–100 psf |
Moderate |
Excellent |
6. The A Plus Roofing Advantage
At A Plus Roofing, we’ve helped Maine homeowners and businesses weather 38 winters—and counting. We know what it takes for a roof to survive the weight, moisture, and freeze-thaw abuse of our climate.
Whether you’re considering a metal roof that sends snow sliding, an asphalt roof that blends value and reliability, or a rubber system for your flat-roofed building, our experts will assess your structure and local snow load zone to recommend the right solution.
7. Ready for Winter?
Don’t wait for the first storm to find out if your roof can take the weight.
Schedule your free roof inspection today and ensure your home is ready for whatever Maine’s winter throws your way.
📞 Call A Plus Roofing today at:
or
📩 Visit www.aplusroofingmaine.com