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

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 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

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

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

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

Ice dams are more likely to torment older homes.  Heat travels from attic spaces up through poorly insulated areas in the roof.  When a large amount of snow accumulates on the roof, it acts as insulation and the snow underneath melts.  Eventually the water and ice backs up at the gutters and creates a dam effect.  The damage occurs when the water migrates up the roof and under the shingles.

These winters issues are easily prevented, but must be done so before the snow falls.  It is difficult to remove the snow and ice once it has already had a chance to melt and freeze.  In the short term for those dealing with the problem, removing the snow is the first step.  Carefully and gingerly removing snow from the roof will prevent it from melting and causing ice dams.

Source:  http://www.theosakisreview.com/event/article/id/4745/

The best defence is prevention.  The three most important ways to prepare you roof for the winter months is through insulation, ventilation and waterproofing.  These three factors all play important roles, but are more effective in conjunction with each other.  Insulation prevents heat from escaping through the attic.  Ventilation removes the heat from the attic space and prevents the roof from heating up.  Finally, waterproofing prevents leaks from occurring.

It is important to talk to professionals about having any of these elements repaired, replaced or installed.  A roofing professional will know exactly what to look for and focus on to prevent ice dams.  By concentrating on improving your insulation, ventilation and waterproofing, you are ensuring that your roof will withstand the elements this winter.

Source:  http://rogersroofing.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/what-are-ice-dams-protecting-your-home-from-ice-dams/

Properly insulating and venting an attic space is the best way to thwart ice dams from forming.  It is recommended that for every 150 feet of attic, there is a 1 square foot vent.  However, it is important to consult professionals in your area for its specific recommendation.  Some attics are equipped with small louvered gable vents.  These can be replaced with larger vents or a fan can be used to force air out or in.  These fans are ideal because they will regulate the temperature of the attic space.

If you have had ice dams in the past, then you are aware of the level of damage they can cause.  Taking any one of these steps will greatly extend the life of your roof.  However, the most efficient one is definitely ventilating your attic.

Source:  http://www.homeimprovementweb.com/information/how-to/ice-dam-removal.htm

Venting the attic is the number one way to prevent snow build-up and ice dams.  Ice dams are a dangerous mixture of snow and ice that wreak havoc on your roof and structure.  Ice dams occur when hot air from the attic melts snow on the roof.  The water, having nowhere to go because of the snow, freezes and causes blockages and further freezing.  Fortunately, ice dams are preventable.  With proper maintenance of your gutters and by paying more attention to the ventilation in your attic, you can significantly reduce the chances of dealing with ice dams this winter.

Ventilation is a very important factor in the life and quality of your roof.  In order to prevent further or unnecessary damage from snow and ice dams.  It is always a good idea to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated and in good condition.

Source:  http://e3-nc.blogspot.com/2009/10/attic-ventilation-what-most-people-dont.html