Thaw Feels Nice, But Ice Dams Come With It
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For the first time in a long time we got some warmer temps Friday. It was enough to get folks back outdoors without all the heavy gear, but this weekend's warmer weather could create headaches too.
With the thaw, snow melting off roofs will be diverted by ice dams, often times coming through ceilings and walls.
Ice dams have been keeping many contractors very busy this season.
"Working 6 days a week," said Chad Brandt, from Lindus Construction.
Like mountain climbers scaling a steep peak, a crew of contractors is clearing a townhouse of one giant ice dam.
Because the damage is a costly mess, they're cutting channels into the dam every couple of feet using 300 degree steam.
"It just runs right under the shingles, doubles back, goes down the inside of the walls and ... comes out of the light fixtures," said Brandt.
Crews are trying to get ahead of the coming melt, so the water has someplace to go because if it doesn't even the new homes aren't immune.
"Even brand new houses, it's coming in, ruining the sheet rock. You know, they gotta completely gut everything, sometimes even the floor even," said Brandt.
