An ice dam forms when heat escaping from the house melts snow on the upper part of the roof. That meltwater runs down to the colder eaves, refreezes, and builds a ridge of ice. More meltwater backs up behind it with nowhere to go except under the shingles.
Northeast Ohio is ideal ice dam country. Lake-effect snow reaches Medina and southern Lorain County, and temperatures in Akron and Canton swing above and below freezing all winter. Every thaw-and-freeze cycle adds to the dam.
The long-term fix happens in the attic: enough insulation to keep heat in the living space, and enough ventilation to keep the roof deck cold so snow melts evenly. Clean, well-pitched gutters help too, because gutters packed with debris freeze solid and make the problem worse.
If an ice dam has already pushed water inside, the shingles, underlayment, and decking at the eaves may be damaged. Once the ice is gone, have the area inspected. L&J Roofing repairs ice dam damage and the gutters it pulls loose, with a free written estimate.