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/

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

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

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

One of the biggest problems homes in colder climates face is the accumulation of snow and ice on the roof.  Although it may appear idyllic, excessive amounts on the roof can cause serious problems.  Ice dams are an issue because not only do they cause damage to the roof, but they can also be dangerous for anyone under them.

Ice dams form at the eaves or overhangs of the roof.  As snow falls and accumulates on the roof, it melts and refreezes.  The snow melts either from warm sunny days and cold nights or from improper ventilation in the attic, where warm air is melting the snow from underneath.  Where the picturesque icicles hang is just the tip of the iceberg.  Behind those is an ice barrier that is preventing melting snow from running off the roof.  Excessive water will continue to freeze or be forced underneath the shingles, eventually causing rot.

The best way to prevent ice dams is to make sure your attic is properly ventilated, so as not to contribute to the problem.  Also maintaining the snow load is important.  Calling in professionals to clear it off is the best way to take care of the problem safely.

Source:  http://www.doityourself.com/stry/snow-on-the-roof–vs-ice-on-the-roof