Metal roofing can help but is not an ice dam panacea.
Will metal roof stop ice dams.
This is called ice belt metal panels.
If you do not want to install an entire new metal roof you can put metal only where it is really needed to prevent ice dams along the eaves.
The logic is no snow no ice dams.
When ice dams do fall off the roof a new ice dam develops at the snow fracture often at or above the building wall line.
By installing a metal roof that has a special coating designed to shed snow and ice causing it to fall off the roof before it has a chance to form into an ice dam you can completely eliminate ice dam formations on your roof in the first place.
This scenario is often the result of a warm attic.
This logic is correct.
Stop ice dams with a cold roof ice dams and icicles form when the snow melts runs down your roof and refreezes near the edge.
Ice belt metal panels many roofs are made of shingles which work well to remove water until it starts to travel upward.
This only occurs when part of your roof warms to above 32 degrees f warm enough to melt the snow while the roof edge remains below freezing.
Many folks give out false information about this fact.
But metal roofs are expensive.
Unfortunately this well intended approach creates a new set of problems that causes leaks and property damage.
Metal edging aka skirting along roof eaves is often used to prevent damage from ice formations.
Ice dams are most often the result of inadequate ventilation and insulation in the attic.
Ice belt metal panels are typically short 3 4 and wide 2 5 3 and are made of thin gauge aluminum.
To take a more pro active approach in preventing ice dams you can install ice belt metal panels which are installed along the eaves to block water.
Metal roofing another option to consider is a metal roof.
They toute metal s ability to let the snow slide right off.
Residential metal roofing salesmen often promote that metal roofing products are a great way to prevent ice dams.