The weather has been unseasonably cold throughout most of the country this month, thanks to the "Polar Vortex." And while most of us want to stay inside until warmer temperatures arrive, now is not the time to ignore your home's exterior remodeling projects.

This Old House Offers Advice on Ice Dams

In fact, according to This Old House, you need to keep an eye on your roof and how snow and ice are melting - or not.

"Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house... Getting rid of ice dams for good is simple, in principle: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof."

To find out the best ways to get rid of ice dams, temporarily and permanently, read the whole This Old House article.

While fixing ice dams may not be on the top of your list of home improvement priorities - who wouldn't rather have a new kitchen or addition? - experts agree that these types of improvements must be done. And the longer you put them off, the worse it can be for your home in the long run.

Which Improvements are Worth the Money, Angie's List?

Angie's List points out, "There are also projects that don’t add much value. Roofing is one of them. However, if your roof is leaking, get it repaired. It will only cause your home more damage and cost you more over time. A leaking roof must be fixed to sell your home and a roof is something every savvy homebuyer and inspector will notice right away."

For a complete list of which remodeling projects add the most value to your home (and exterior remodeling projects that must be done regardless), check out the complete Angie's List article here.

Some home improvement projects can be tackled by do-it-yourselfers on the weekends, but serious exterior remodeling and home improvements often require professional assistance. Contact Erdmann Exterior Designs Ltd for a Free in Home Consultation to find out how we can help you add value to your home today!