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

Roofing material is expensive, and if you only plan on having this job done once, then you will want it done right.  A quality installation is required to avoid running into these problems again.  Be prepared to fork over a pretty penny to contractors to ensure that the job is done well and correctly.

Your roof is the one element of your home that is directly exposed to all the elements.  No other part of the home sees as wide a variety of seasonal elements as the roof.  It is a major home improvement, and chances are you would only have it done it you had to because of damage.  The trick is to prevent the damage by properly taking care of your roof and getting it ready for the onslaught of winter.

Source:  http://kingstonroofing.ca/why-roof-replacement-is-a-major-home-improvement-project

1. In locations where the temperature drops to below freezing, adding extra insulation to your attic is recommended to prevent warm air from melting the snow on your roof and causing ice dams.
2. Be sure to check the flashing, to make certain that water cannot enter the home.
3. Replace any damaged shingles or roof tiles.
4. Clean out gutters, removing any debris that may block them.
5. If you do not already have them, consider installing leaf guards on the gutters to prevent leaves and debris from becoming a block in the future.  Cleared gutters will allow the water to drain away from the home.

Performing these maintenance tasks will ensure that you do not have problems with build-up of ice or snow during the winter months.  By taking a few precautions, you could be saving yourself a lot of money down the road.

Source:  http://www.yoursummitrealestate.com/Blog/Top-Ten-Tips-for-Winterizing-your-Home

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/