In regions that have previously not had to deal with heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures, ice dams are quickly becoming popular and a problem.  Recent heavy snowfall is causing problems for people who previously did not have to deal with and were not prepared for.

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/

Ice dams form when heat escapes the home through the attic, melting a build-up of snow on the roof.  The heat, combined with the insulating factor of the snow and the sun, melts the snow underneath.  The water then runs down the roof and gathers at the gutters and eaves, where it freezes.  The continual melting and thawing of snow and ice, moves up the roof and under the shingles is an ice dam and can end up causing extensive damage.

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/

For those who have endured ice dams and the damage they can cause, prevention is the key.  It is often difficult to predict when ice dams are going to form.  However, key indicators include clogged gutters, unventilated attics with the addition of heavy or constant snow.  Maintaining all these aspects, except for the snow of course, will relieve you of having to deal with unfriendly ice dams.  Although one will be more effective than the others.

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

Many people, although very concerned with other aspects of their home, tend to forget about their attic spaces.  Some are not even aware of how important the attic actually is.  For those living in the north, it plays a major role in the maintenance of your roof and preventing damage.

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

The winter is a very idyllic time of year.  While the world is revelling in the peace and beauty of the snow, it could be wreaking havoc on your roof.  Ice dams are a blockage of snow that prevents melting water from running off the roof.  A poorly insulated attic is the common culprit, as the warm air rises and melts the snow on the roof.  This can cause damage to not only the roof, but also your ceilings inside.

When standing water is prevented from running off your roof, it has nowhere to go but down.  The water will make its way underneath the shingles and eventually run down your walls and ceilings.  Unfortunately, untreated water damage can cause mold from forming and potentially cause a great health risk to you and your family.

The easiest way to prevent ice dams from forming in the first place is to have your attic properly ventilated.  This will prevent the snow from melting in the first place.  If the dam has already formed, consider removing the snow using various tools or contacting a snow removal professional to eliminate the potential problem.

Source:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1676

/prevent_and_repair_ceiling_damage_caused.html?cat=6

For those who live in the northern climates the build-up of snow is a constant concern, especially build-up on the roof.  Accumulation of snow can be harmful to your family and your home.  Heavy and wet snow can leak into your home and damage everything in its path.  The worst-case scenario of course is the roof collapsing.  Snow related insurance claims cost millions of dollars, in addition to raising the cost of insurance for homeowners.  It is best to look into having the snow removed to avoid these disasters.

There are tools that are specifically designed for removing snow build-up from the roof.  These range from snow rakes, snow blades and snow razors.  All these tools are designed to slice the snow and pull it down in a controlled manner.  Be advised that this is a dangerous task and should only be performed by those with knowledge of snow removal.  Calling a professional is ideal and the safest method.

There are measures that can be taken to prevent snow build-up in the future, including venting the attic and clearing the gutters.  The worst case would be a new roof to ensure efficiency is maximized.  Unfortunately, for older homes, it is more difficult to repair the roof, making snow removal much more frequent.

Source:  http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/531041/why_and_how_to_remove_snow_from_your.html?cat=6