7 Things Maine Homeowners NEED to Check Before the First Big Snow Hits (2025–2026 Winter Prep Checklist)

It’s that time of year again in the Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Orono, and greater Penobscot/Kennebec area — temps are dropping fast, the first flurries are already flying, and the Farmers’ Almanac is calling for another classic Maine winter with plenty of snow and ice dams.

Every year we get the same panicked calls in January and February: “My ceiling is leaking!” “My pipes just burst!” “I’ve got ice dams the size of Volkswagens!”

The good news? 90% of these expensive winter disasters are preventable — if you act NOW, before the first nor’easter buries us.

Here are the 7 things we see fail most often during our 5,000+ Maine home inspections — and exactly what to look for this week while the weather is still workable.

1. Roof & Gutters (The #1 winter killer in Maine)

   • Clear all leaves, pine needles, and debris from gutters and downspouts. A clogged gutter + melting snow = massive ice dams.

   • Look for missing or lifted shingles — wind and ice will rip them off fast.

   • Check attic insulation and ventilation. Poor ventilation = heat escapes = snow melts unevenly = ice dams.

2. Heating System (Furnace or boiler tune-up = non-negotiable)

   • Change filters, bleed radiators (if you have hot water heat), and schedule that annual service if you haven’t already.

   • Carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries or the whole unit if it’s over 7 years old.

3. Pipes & Water Lines

   • Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.

   • Insulate any exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages, or exterior walls.

   • Know where your main water shut-off is — burst pipes happen fast when temps drop below 10°F.

4. Chimney & Wood Stove

   • Have the chimney swept. Creosote buildup + first big fire of the season = chimney fires.

   • Check that the damper closes fully and the chimney cap is secure (keeps critters and snow out).

5. Windows & Doors

   • Replace cracked weather-stripping and caulking.

   • Install or refresh storm windows if you still use them.

   • A $10 roll of rope caulk can stop drafts that cost you hundreds in heating bills.

6. Sump Pump & Basement

   • Test your sump pump (pour a bucket of water in — it should kick on immediately).

   • Clear the discharge line — frozen lines are the #1 reason sump pumps fail in Maine winters.

7. Radon Levels (Yes, really — winter is when radon is worst)

   • Windows stay closed all winter → radon gas from the soil gets trapped inside.

   • Maine has some of the highest radon zones in the country. If you haven’t tested in the last 2 years, do it now. (We offer fast, accurate radon testing — results in 48 hours.)

Schedule Your Pre-Winter Home Health Check Catch these issues now while roofs are still dry and accessible, and you’ll save thousands compared to emergency repairs in February.