Minneapolis’ Snow-Damaged Metrodome About to Get New Roof

Insurance is paying for the bulk of the cost of replacing the roof of the 29-year old Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn.

Workers on March 25 began replacing the roof, which ripped open after a December storm dumped 17 inches of snow on Minneapolis.

Replacing the roof is estimated to cost $18 million. Dome officials say all but a $25,000 deductible will be covered by insurance. The first three diamond-shaped panels are being stretched and clamped into place, a process that takes about a day per panel.

The inside of the Dome resembled a construction zone, with beeping machinery and lifts to handle the work. Meltwater from the most recent snowfall dripped through three sections that had been removed to prepare for the new panels.

The work will continue six days a week in an effort to finish by Aug. 1, ahead of the Vikings’ season.

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission opted to replace the roof after engineers said they worried simply repairing torn panels wouldn’t be enough to prevent another collapse.

The commission hired Birdair Inc. to replace the roof. The Amherst, N.Y.-based contractor designed and installed the roof, which has covered the Metrodome since its opening in 1982.