WAUKEGAN, Ill. — Waukegan Roofing Company has served Lake, McHenry, northern Cook and DuPage counties since 1914. Now, after 100 years in business, the company is looking forward to keeping buildings dry and continuing to partner with building owners and homeowners alike for the next 100 years.

What started as a man and a wagon operating out of his family’s home in Waukegan, Ill., in 1914 has grown to be one of the premier commercial, industrial and residential roofing contractors in the Chicagoland area.

The business originally focused on commercial roofing, advertising “felt, gravel, composite, tin, slate and tile” for all roofs. In 1951, the business changed hands and expanded to include residential roofing applications. At that time the service area was also enlarged to include parts of McHenry County. Then, in 1998 leadership of the roofing company was handed over to current owner Bruce Diederich, and a new era of growth began. Diederich added a service and maintenance division, as well as expanded the service area to include DuPage county and parts of Kane and Will counties.

Further, a strong focus on safety and education was born at Waukegan Roofing under the direction of Diederich and his team. Through partnerships with several trade associations as well as leading industry manufacturers, Waukegan Roofing has helped raise awareness of several key issues related to roofing in Chicago, as well as worked to regulate the trade through state licensing requirements to protect homeowners and business owners alike.

“Waukegan Roofing’s active participation through almost 100 years has been appreciated greatly,” said Bill McHugh, executive director of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA). “Bruce Diederich and the Waukegan staff have helped CRCA advance the roofing and waterproofing industry in Chicago, the suburbs and beyond. Congratulations on 100 years of success.”

All of this has led Waukegan Roofing to become a name synonymous with quality, integrity and professionalism. Gary Korzelik, sales manager of North Coast Building Supply Chicago, said, “It truly has been an honor and a privilege to have been associated with Bruce Diederich for the last 35-plus years. His integrity and moral fiber has been the foundation of our friendship as well as our business relationship. I wish Bruce and the entire Waukegan Roofing family clear sailing for many years to come. Congratulations on achieving this momentous milestone.”

“We are so proud to be able to have reached this notable accomplishment,” said Diederich. “Not many companies can say they’ve been in business for 100 years, and even fewer roofing contractors fit that category. For us to have reached this milestone is a testament to our outstanding craftsmanship, top-of-the-line products and attention to customer service. We are looking forward to the next 100 years serving our communities.”

 For more information, visit www.waukeganroofing.com.