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/

It is safe to say that although you lose heat and energy through gaps in windows and doors, the biggest culprit of energy loss in the home is through the basement or the attic.  Basically, cold air enters in your basement, rises up through the home, causing drafts and exits through the attic, otherwise known as the chimney effect.  When repairing energy loss in the attic or basement, it is sometimes more beneficial to call in the professionals to do the job, rather than attempting to do it yourself.  However, there are some things to look for and fix immediately.

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

For those who live in the northern climates and who have to deal with excessive snow fall and ice dams.  For the most part, most home are built to withstand the snow element.  However, for older homes or homes that experience heavy snowfall it is important to be aware of the steps you can take to prevent damage.

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

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