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/

One cause of heat and energy loss in the attic is through the attic pull down stairs, door or access panel.  A quick fix is to attach fire rated insulation to the backside and install a weather stripping around the sides of the door.  Ensuring that the door has a tight fit will prevent air from flowing up into the attic.  Recessed lights are another perpetrator of air leaks.  To right the problem, the lights either need to be replaced, or consider having a professional properly seal the top side of the box with the appropriate insulation.  Chimneys and vent stacks may have gaps around them; these can be filled with foam sealant or caulk.

By taking care of these problems, the chimney effect has been minimized.  However, there are still leaks in the basement, and it is wise to take care of them to prevent any more heat or energy loss.  The most common source of leakage in the basement is through cracks or gaps in the rim joist.  The rim joist is the perimeter framing of the flooring.  These gaps can sufficiently be filled with caulk or spray foam.  In addition, be sure to seal other gaps around dryer vents or ductwork, electrical passages or any other utilities that require access to the outside.  Now that the major causes of leaks have been taken care of, fixing gaps in windows and doors will make more of a difference.

http://www.energycircle.com/learn/air-sealing/plan-your-attack

Roofing material is expensive, and if you only plan on having this job done once, then you will want it done right.  A quality installation is required to avoid running into these problems again.  Be prepared to fork over a pretty penny to contractors to ensure that the job is done well and correctly.

Your roof is the one element of your home that is directly exposed to all the elements.  No other part of the home sees as wide a variety of seasonal elements as the roof.  It is a major home improvement, and chances are you would only have it done it you had to because of damage.  The trick is to prevent the damage by properly taking care of your roof and getting it ready for the onslaught of winter.

Source:  http://kingstonroofing.ca/why-roof-replacement-is-a-major-home-improvement-project

Identify the damp areas – The first step is to locate the problem and where the moisture is coming from in the first place.  Anywhere moisture is allowed to accumulate is a perfect breeding ground for mold.

Preventing mold from spreading – As you are working, be sure to seal off the room, this prevents the mold from spreading.  In addition it is a good idea to keep dust levels down to prevent the dust from spreading.

Removing the black mold – Thoroughly clean the affected area with a solution that is specific for killing and cleaning black mold.  The mold may also be living in area where you can’t see it, so it important to clean all visible surfaces.

Once the area is clean it is important to dispose of the contaminated materials you used to clean.   Place the pieces in heavy duty plastic bags and keep them outside until they can be disposed of properly.

Source:  http://roofjack.co.cc/dryer-vent-pipe/toxic-black-mold-removal-doing-it-yourself

Gutters can get damaged from excessive snow and ice.  One major clue is the long icicles that dangle dangerously from them.  This is also a major clue that and ice dam is forming.  Ice and snow in the gutters can cause severe damage and even injury if the gutter should fall from the weight.  The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to ensure that your gutters are cleared out before the snow falls.  However once it has already happened, having the snow removed from you roof will prevent any further damage or injury.

It is very dangerous to try and remove the snow yourself with no experience.  In addition it is highly likely that you will do more damage, and the ice will be under the shingles, and you run the risk of ripping them up in the process.  It is always best to call in the professionals for this job.

Source:  http://www.ehow.com/way_5860274_rooftop-snow-removal.html

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