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

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

This winter seems to have blasted the cold and snow and many more people find themselves trying to deal with the build-up.  It is ideal to know the ins and outs of ice dams and snow build-up, in order to know what to look for and to prevent them from happening in the first place.

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

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