That’s what people are calling this winter: a Snowpocalypse. And rightly so, with unrelenting precipitation and cold temperatures Idaho has not seen a winter as the likes of this in years, decades even. How are your houses fairing? How are your businesses? Your tenants? Schools? A lot can be said about people and their ability to weather the hard times, and this is definitely one of the hardest winters most have seen.

A lot can also be said about buildings and their ability to hold up under severe weather, or at least out of the norm weather. Here are a few things to consider and hopefully you can put a satisfactory check next to each:

• Insulation – We’ve had record snow build-up this winter and if you have adequate insulation in your attic you should have a nice fat layer of snow on your roof (if temperatures are below freezing). If your roof is bare, completely or in sections, while other roofs around you are not that means your insulation is not properly distributed or is not the correct amount. You’re probably also paying a lot higher heating cost because heat rises and is escaping out of your improperly insulated attic.
• Ice Dams – Without beating a dead horse…ice dams can lead to a myriad of problems for your roof and for your interior if not properly address. Inadequate roof drainage causes ice dams and their associated problems. Icicles mean inadequate roof drainage and needs addressed.
• Engineering / Architecture ­– Despite the delicacy of those itty bitty flakes, snow is not light. Stack up a half a dozen inches or a few feet and you’ve got added weight on your roof. An engineer will be able to tell what your roof is weighted for and if you have a problem with the added snow weight.

Remember, Upson should be YOUR choice for any commercial roof repair or any roof leak repair in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley.