This time of year, Ice Dams are a common occurance on some homes. 
Here is an excellent article on ice dams by Tom Feiza Mr Fix It, a local home inspector in the Milwaukee Metro area.
Ice dams are not a defect in the house, but more so a weather induced condition. With certain style roof lines, gables and valleys, during a warm winter melt, the snow on a roof starts to thaw. Once the sun goes down, and temps drop, the melted water starts to back up under the shingle edges.
Mr Fix Its article explains in depth the causes and solutions. Ice dams can be temporarily solved by putting a nylon stocking filled with snow melt (not rock salt) on the icy gutter. This sausage shaped tube will help melt a groove for the melting water to escape.
A permanent solution can sometimes be achieved with better insulation and ventilation. But sometimes, with tiny attic spaces and limited access, it is almost impossible to change....
Years ago, ice dams didn't occur, due to different building methods when it comes to roofs, sheathing and much steeper pitches. Check out this article to see how you can solve todays issues with ice dams!
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