MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - With big snows come big problems - ice dam problems.  

The dams form as heavy snow on roofs melt, then freeze at the roof-line, then melt again.  The water must go somewhere and that place is often inside a structure, causing water damage and leaks.  

Roofing companies have been very busy across the region this week responding to ice dams.   Roofers say the issue is impacting even homes with well-ventilated roofs that are new. 

The owner of A Local Guy Roofing said he's been "slammed" with customer requests.   His crew usually shovels off several feet of snow from a roof edge, then chip channels in the ice that has formed.   The channels give water a chance to drip away instead of backing up past ice shields installed on most roofs.  

Over 40 residents of a Muskegon senior citizen apartment complex, Trinity Manor, were forced to leave the apartment Sunday because of an ice dam.  Manager Elizabeth Morris says there was concern water could have gotten into the apartment's electrical and other utility systems.   Crews were making repairs there Monday, but it's not certain when residents will be allowed to return.  They are advised to call this number for more information: 1-989-400-4267.

By Peter Ross