In Omaha ice dams are a very common occurrence.  Basicly ice dams are caused be uneven heating on the roof's surface.  If left unchecked ice dams can cause significant water damage. 

In a nutshell, an ice dam is formed when snow melts on the roof, the water runs down the roof until it hits a part of the roof where the temperture is below freezing.  The water backs up and seaps under the shingles and then enters the home.  Some indications of prior ice dams are water stains on the ceiling or peeling paint along the wall. 

The best protection to prevent ice dams is to remove snow from the roof or to have adequate insulation in the addict to maintain a constant roof temperature.  If removing snow it is best not to get up on the roof because a broken neck if far worse than a ice dam. 

Other removal techniques involve heating the roof surface in order to prevent the water from freezing.  When buying a home it is best to have a thorough home inspection to see if your roof might have had ice dam issues in the past or if your roof might be prone to ice dams. 

  One example of ice dam prevention

  Example of a potential ice dam

For more information on ice dam prevention it is best to contact a qualified roofing contractor.

Thanks,

David Matney, CRS,GRI

Alliance Real Estate