The answer to 'why is my gutter guards ice dams' is that ice dams can form behind gutter guards, causing water to back up and potentially leak into your home. Gutter guards are designed to prevent debris from clogging your gutters, but they can also trap snow and ice, leading to ice dam formation.
Ice dams occur when heat from your home melts snow on your roof, and the water refreezes at the edge of your roof, creating a dam that prevents proper drainage. This can cause water to back up under your shingles and leak into your home, leading to potential water damage and mold issues.