Roof Repair and Replacement Assistance in Maine

MaineHousing Home Accessibility & Repair Program

MaineHousing's Home Accessibility & Repair Program helps eligible lower-income homeowners pay for professional home repairs and accessibility improvements. Roof and chimney repairs are specifically included among the types of work that may qualify. The program is administered locally through Community Action Agencies.

Contact your local Community Action Agency about current applications and funding.

How Much Assistance May Be Available?

These are maximum grant amounts. The actual award depends on homeowner eligibility, the property, the approved work, available funding, and current program rules.

What Repairs May Be Covered?

MaineHousing identifies the following examples:

• Roof and chimney repairs
• Structural repairs
• Heating and electrical-system repairs
• Well repair or replacement
• Window and door repair or replacement
• Siding repair or replacement
• Energy-efficiency improvements
• Accessibility improvements for people with disabilities or physical barriers

Basic Eligibility Requirements

According to MaineHousing's current webpage and 2025 program brochure:

• The applicant must own and occupy the single-family home being repaired.
• The applicant must have owned and lived in the home for at least one year before applying.
• The household must meet the program's current income guidelines.
• Household income must generally be at or below 80% of the applicable area median income.
• Everyone listed on the property deed must sign the program paperwork, including deed holders who do not live in the home.
• The proposed work must be evaluated and approved through the program.
• Professional contractors approved by MaineHousing perform the work.

Income limits depend on household size and location. Homeowners should check MaineHousing's current income-limit document rather than relying on an older dollar amount found on another website.

How to Apply

1. 1

   Contact your local Community Action Agency

   MaineHousing directs homeowners to apply through the agency serving the county where the home is located.

2. 2

   Explain the condition of the roof

   Tell the agency whether you have an active severe leak, broader roof failure, structural damage, or another health and safety concern.

3. 3

   Complete the eligibility review

   Be prepared to provide household-income information, proof of ownership, residency information, and other requested documents.

4. 4

   Collect the required signatures

   Every person listed on the deed must sign the program paperwork, even if that person does not live in the home.

5. 5

   Follow the agency's inspection and contractor process

   The program may have specific rules governing inspections, estimates, contractor approval, scope of work, and construction.

6. 6

   Wait for authorization

   Do not begin permanent work based on the assumption that it will be reimbursed. Wait until the agency clearly explains what has been approved.

Fortify Maine Homes

As of July 16, 2026, the Maine Bureau of Insurance says Fortify Maine is not accepting applications and anticipates remaining closed until the 2027 construction season.

Homeowners can review the program and prepare for future updates, but they should not begin construction based on the expectation of receiving a future grant.

Fortify Maine is intended to help eligible Maine homeowners install roofs designed to better withstand severe weather. This is not simply a rebate for replacing old shingles. The property, evaluation, contractor, installation, documentation, and final inspection must satisfy the program rules.

Grant Amounts Previously Offered

Grant funds are not paid directly to the homeowner. The Bureau of Insurance says an approved award is paid to the roofing company after successful project completion and final inspection. Funding amounts and requirements must be reconfirmed when the program reopens.

Basic Homeowner and Property Requirements

The Bureau of Insurance currently lists these requirements:

• The applicant must be a Maine resident.
• The property must be the homeowner's primary residence.
• Camps and seasonal residences are not eligible.
• Rental properties are not eligible.
• Condominiums are not eligible.
• The homeowner must maintain homeowners insurance.
• A home located in a floodplain must also have flood insurance.
• The home, with the possible exception of the roof, must be structurally sound.
• Assistance is limited to one grant per homeowner.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee that the homeowner or project will be accepted.

What Makes a Fortified Roof Different?

Fortify Maine is focused on roof resilience — not simply putting new shingles over a home. A qualifying installation may include specific requirements for the roof deck, deck attachment, sealed roof deck, underlayment, roof edges, flashing, and other details that help a roof perform during high winds and severe weather. The exact construction requirements must come from the program rules in effect when the homeowner applies.

Preparing for the 2027 Program

Homeowners who believe their property may qualify can begin gathering:

• Homeowners-insurance information
• Flood-insurance information, when applicable
• Proof that the property is their primary residence
• SNAP or MaineCare enrollment records if seeking an enhanced grant
• Photographs of roof damage or active leaks
• Prior roof inspection and repair records
• Basic property and ownership records