Roofing on the Boise Bench: Mid-Century Ranch Homes
The Bench, a plateau above the Boise River that locals have called "the bench" since at least 1900, according to the City of Boise's Central Bench history, was mostly farms and orchards until after World War II. The City's Blueprint Boise Central Bench chapter notes that many Central Bench neighborhoods were built in the 1950s and 1960s. In Vista, the City's historic context describes a mid-century boom of Ranch-style homes, for example 40 homes in the Cherry Lane Subdivision in 1950. The Depot Bench grew up around the 1925 Union Pacific depot.
What that means for your roof
- Low-pitched ranch roofs. The City describes the typical Ranch house as one story with a low-pitched roof and deep eaves. Low slopes drain slowly, so underlayment and ice-and-water shield at the eaves matter more. Very low sections may need a low-slope membrane rather than shingles. Ask your contractor what the manufacturer allows at your pitch.
- Multiple layers. Homes this old have often been re-roofed more than once. Ask whether there are two layers to tear off, and whether the original plank (skip) sheathing needs new plywood or OSB. Both change the price. Try the cost calculator with "2 layers".
- Ventilation and ice dams. Many mid-century attics were built with little insulation or ventilation. Upgrading during a re-roof is the cheapest time. See Ice Dams in Boise.
- Mature trees. The Depot Bench plan cites one of Boise's densest tree canopies. Expect more debris in gutters and valleys, more shade-side moss risk, and limb damage in windstorms. See gutters.
- One story is cheaper to work on. Most single-story ranches are walkable and easy to stage, which helps labor costs.
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