Maine Roofing Requirements

If you’re a Maine resident, you know that hiring a roofing contractor and getting a new roof is a serious matter due to the extreme weather conditions of New England. Maine’s coastline position makes it prime for all sorts of severe weather. From heavy winds and windstorms to ice storms and heavily falling snow to fire risk, the damage that can potentially be done to a roof in Maine is overwhelming. For this reason, durability, long life, and a good installation job are crucial when it comes to purchasing and installing a roof in Maine.

The Maine Bureau of Building Codes and Standards

Each state follows a set of codes that determines how buildings may be constructed. Although this does not solve all building problems, as there are some poorly constructed buildings in your neighborhood, it does serve to make the state a safer place. In Maine, the Bureau of Building Codes and Standards is in control of the building codes that are designed to make the state safer. The Bureau of Building Codes and Standards is in control of a number of concerns that have to deal with roofs.

• The bureau is in charge of building fire prevention. They implement codes and standards to reduce fire risk.
• The bureau is tasked with environmental friendliness and environmental safety issues when it comes to buildings — commercial and residential.
• The bureau sets regulations regarding the construction of buildings and the approval of contractors.
• The bureau employs code enforcement officers who ensure that local building codes are being implemented.

Individuals who have Maine roofing questions can contact the Bureau of Building Codes and Standards for information regarding what they can do to deal with faulty construction of roofs, poor contractors or just with general questions.  Call (207) 614-7007 or visit them online at http://www.maine.gov/dps/bbcs/.

Maine Roofing Codes

Like most states, most of Maine’s building codes for roofing are based on the International Code Council’s building codes. The International Code Council, formed in the 1990s, was designed to create uniform building codes for states. Although most states draw their codes from this organization, which constantly updates its documents to include new and important information, states have the option of implementing only certain ICC codes or adding additional codes.

For example, the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, which is a code that affects roofing installation implemented codes from the following ICC codes:

• 2009 International Residential Code
• 2009 International Building Code
• 2009 International Existing Building Code
• 2009 International Energy and Conservation Code

In addition to these components, Maine added elements from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standards, including a standard that requires ventilation for air quality.

Some of the things that the International Code Council requires for roof installation are the following:

• Roofs must meet specific measurements. There is not one specific measurement, but a set. Roofs must be acceptable according to one of those measurement values.
• Roofs must be free from defect. The metal roofing used on metal roofs must be smooth and without blemishes that could cause problems later on.
• Roofs must be adequately ventilated.
• Roofs must include weather protection.
• Above-deck thermal insulation must be covered and pass inspection.

These building codes can sound confusing, and they probably are to people who are not in the roofing industry. However, the important thing to remember is that there are standards in place for ME roofing. Any Maine Roofing contractor who does not follow these standards may be held accountable if the roof is damaged or not properly installed. If this is the case, you should contact the Bureau of Building Codes & Standards.

Maine Roofing Contractor Requirements

To become a Maine roofing contractor, an individual does not need a license if he or she is considered a general building contractor. However, most contractors still carry some sort of license even if they are not required to have one by the state. They may be licensed by a school they attended or independent licensing agency. However, Maine contractors must, indeed, be licensed if they plan to work with asbestos. Some roofers work with asbestos as insulation. If a contractor plans to work with asbestos in your home but does not have a license, you should understand that this is illegal and dangerous, as asbestos is dangerous.

Maine Roofing Materials

After surveying Maine roofing requirements and contractors’ requirements, Maine residents who want new roofs must also determine what type of roofing material they want to use on the roof. One of the best choices for Maine residents is metal roofing. Metal roofing is so beneficial for Maine residents because it is durable and offers increased protection against the storms and harsh weather conditions that often plague Maine.

Similarly, Maine residents may want to consider metal roofs because they are energy efficient and environmentally friendly. As Maine continues to implement energy standards, having a metal roof may put some homeowners ahead of the game.

As a Maine resident, you need to choose a roof that is made out of durable materials and that is installed properly. Otherwise, you could be at risk of damage to your home and its contents due to weather conditions or simply wear and tear. A metal roof that is installed according to Maine building code specifications by a contractor who is experienced is the best option for the area.