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/

Gutters are manufactured from materials like cast iron, aluminum, steel, copper, zinc and plastic.  It is important to have the proper filtering system on your gutters to ensure that debris, like leaves and twigs, are not trapped and do not cause problems.  This filtration system usually simply consists of a louver or a screen, which traps the unwanted debris.

Most modern gutters require little maintenance.  You must make sure however that they are periodically cleaned out and the debris is removed.  Not only can water leak down the side of you home and cause damage, but also in the winter months, clogged gutters are cause of ice dams.  Ice dams result in the snow melting, and the water trapped on the roof.  Ice dams can cause serious damage and be a costly repair.

Source:  http://www.kitchentips.org/kitchen-appliances/basic-guide-to-rainwater-gutters/