During the winter months, homeowners have a few concerns they need to be aware of.  One of those very important concerns is ice dams and snow build-up.

Ice dams occur on the roof and can create a back-up of water on your roof that can lead to leaks.  An improperly vented attic melts the snow on the roof, which in turn melts and freezes near the gutters.  As the water melts and freezes, the back-up begins.  Removing the ice can be a challenge as the ice freezes around the shingles and can cause extensive damage.  Clearing your roof and working to prevent the problem during the warmer months is the ideal way to prevent ice dams.

There are many tactics home owners can use to ensure that ice dams do not negatively affect their homes.  Proper attic ventilation and maintenance of the roof are first and foremost.  Other products offers help in dealing the problem as well.  Heat tapes and special additions to the home clear the problem mid winter.  It is important to take care of the problems as they arise to prevent damage to the home or injury to people.

Source:  http://www.kimt.com/content/localnews/story/Preparing-for-Ice-Dams/6_GGxOhhk0yfluZq_hqSoA.cspx

The snow has already fallen in many parts of North America.  Some people are already experiencing the damage and trouble that snow build-up and ice dams can cause.  Here are some tips for winterizing your home to prevent ice dams and snow build-up next winter.

1. Clean leaves and debris from your gutters to prevent water from freezing and causing a blockage.  Cleared gutters allow any water underneath snow to effectively run off the roof, instead of getting backed up and causing freezing.
2. Inspect the roof for damaged or curled shingles, corroded flashing or leaky vents.  Repairing these problems in the fall will prevent them from causing more problems during the winter.  Ensure that any questionable areas are repaired or replaced.
3. Check the ventilation in the attic.  As most ice dams are caused by poor ventilation, and warm air rising to the roof and melting the snow, this is the number one prevention tactic to avoid the headache of ice dams.

Taking care of these problems during warmer months, when you can see them, will save you time and money.  Time because you will not be racing the clock before the next snowfall and money because replacing some shingles or having minor repairs done is much less expensive than having your entire roof replaced or repairing any damage to the interior of your home.

Source:  http://www.thebestwaystosavemoney.com/more-savings/winterizing-tips-for-homeowners-14-easy-winterizing-tips-that-will-save-you-time-frustration-money-and-your-life/

Ice dams are a common threat in the northern climates.  There are a few ways to deal with them.  However, one must understand how they are formed before they can be removed.

Ice dams form at the edge of the roof near the gutters.  In a situation where there is poor ventilation from the attic, warm air rises and melts the snow closest to the roof.  The water then travels to the bottom of the roof where it wants to run off, but cannot, either due to gutter blockage or excessive snow.   Eventually, the water turns to ice and the cycle continues.  The ice forces its way underneath the shingle.  If and when this ice melts, it will create a leak on the inside of the home

Try to keep as much snow off your roof as possible.  This obviously does not mean putting yourself in danger.  Research the various methods of removing snow from the roof, or call in the professionals.  If you do notice water damage in your home, it is best to have the roof or attic repaired in the spring, summer or fall months, to prevent the same problems from happening again.

Source:  http://ezinearticles.com/?Ice-Dams-That-Create-Home-Water-Damage&id=3371331

One of the best ways to prevent ice dams in the wintertime is by improving the ventilation in your attic.  No other method is as effective, and now is energy efficient.  In addition, not only will you be improving your attics defences in the wintertime, but it will also improve the cooling of your house in the summer and the quality of indoor air.

The system is basic, an attic fan that is powered by a solar panel.  Since the panels provide renewable energy, the fan is not drawing power from the home.  The fan expels warm air from the attic space.  An added bonus is that by removing the warm air, the home’s air conditioning system will work more effectively.  The most important advantages of solar attic ventilation are that it is inexpensive, its use of renewable energy, no operating cost, improves the homes air quality and it will extend the life of your roof by preventing ice dams.

Attic ventilation and solar panels are a great addition to your home and will be a benefit your roof.  They are easy to install and can be retrofitted to fit older homes.

Source:  http://www.sneakyreviews.com/alternative-energy/solar-attic-ventilation-improved-energy-efficiency-powered-by-renewable-solar-electricity/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=solar-attic-ventilation-improved-energy-efficiency-powered-by-renewable-solar-electricity

Our homes are our defense against the elements.  Every season has its share of weather that our home guards against.  However, none is more damaging then ice dams in the wintertime.  For those of us that live in regions where heavy snowfall during the winter is likely, it is good to know about what you can do to preserve the integrity of your roof and prevent it from being damaged.

Ice dams generally form at the edge of the roof, where melted water is prevented from running off.  They are caused by a poorly ventilated attic and warm air that rises through the home.  This air, in turn, melts the bottom layer of snow.  The run-off has nowhere to go and ends up damming up near the gutters.  Water’s instinct is to go down, so it will freeze around the shingles and eventually leak into the home.  The best ways to prevent them is to ensure that your roof is in tiptop condition before the first snowfall.  In addition, proper maintenance of your gutters is crucial.  Clean them out, removing any clogs or debris.  Check your attic, seal any leaks, and repair any insulation that requires it.  These are the best ways to prevent ice dams.

Source:  http://www.artipot.com/articles/506304/ice-dams-cause-care-and-prevention-of-roof-ice-dams.htm

This winter seems to have blasted the cold and snow and many more people find themselves trying to deal with the build-up.  It is ideal to know the ins and outs of ice dams and snow build-up, in order to know what to look for and to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Ice dams are a blockage of ice in the gutters and on the roof.  Snow melts because of an unventilated attic and the water is unable to run off the roof, where it freezes and the cycle continues.  Unfortunately, the build-up of snow and ice can cause problems that are more serious; like roof damage or even damage inside your home.  Damage on the roof can include structural damage, damage to the shingles and water damage.  The same is true for the interior.  Water damage and structural damage are likely to occur.  Professionals recommend preventing the problem before it starts by properly insulating your attic and making sure that when the time comes, your roof will be able to defend itself.

Ice dams and snow build-up are detrimental to your home if you are not aware of the damage they can cause.  If you do find yourself with snow problems, the best advice is to remove it or have it removed before it can cause any damage.

Source:  http://www.channel3000.com/houseandhome/22102143/detail.html