CHICAGO (CBS) -- We're hearing a lot about the streets and sidewalks following this week's blizzard. But what about your home and all that snow on your roof?

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker has some answers.

Beverly Petty says she didn't really notice her snow covered roof top until Friday morning. She's among the many home owners with pitched or flat roofs where the snow has piled high and gutters are filled with ice.

"I'm concerned about all the snow is pushing the gutters down," Petty says.

She is right to be concerned. Petty's home has what's called an ice dam, a collection of ice in the gutters. It happens when the snow collects on the roof and heat from the home melts it; water gathers in the gutters, then freezes.

When it thaws again, the water seeps into your house. Petty hasn't seen damage yet, but worries it will occur later.

What to do?

Ted Piton of Matthews Roofing says homeowners can fill a sock with calcium chloride and lay that object perpendicular to the edge of the gutter. That will help route water off the roof.

Another area of concern is the dryer vent on the side of your home. Piton recommends keeping the vent dry and clear of moisture to avoid freezing and the trapping of potentially dangerous gas.