Heat cables are another popular option, they melt the snow along the roof eaves and roof valleys and create channels for the water to escape essentially stopping the formation of ice dams.

"Heated cables help prevent ice dams that lift shingles and cause leaks," the website said. "This solution allows you to equalize your roof’s temperature by heating it from the outside instead ...

If icicles form at your eaves and you've done all the insulating you can, installing deicing cable helps prevent ice dams from forming. Even a tiny ice dam can send water underneath shingles ...