Ice dams form when heat escaping from the conditioned space warms the middle of the roof deck, melting snow that runs to the cold eave and refreezes. The cause is always inadequate attic insulation, inadequate attic ventilation, or air leakage paths from living space into the attic. The fix starts with attic air sealing and insulation to R-49 to R-60 (Utah Climate Zone 5) — not with heated cables or roof raking. On the roofing side, full-coverage ice and water shield provides backup protection at the most vulnerable areas. RainFire Builders always reviews attic ventilation and insulation as part of any roofing scope — because installing new shingles without addressing the ice dam mechanism is treating the symptom, not the problem.