Historic Home Gets New Roof from Pro-Home Services

Getting a new roof for a local home built by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright proved difficult for two homeowners until local roofing company Pro-Home Services stepped up to the task.

Michael and Carol Jago, internationally known authors and owners of the famed Thomas W. Gale House in Oak Park, recently needed to replace their roof due to discoloration and storm damage to their cedar shingles from previous winters. Their home has a high-pitched, hipped roof with irregular composition, polygonal dormers, steeply angled rooflines and beautiful, rounded turrets to challenge even the most experienced roofer.

“Many of the roofers we called were intimidated by the job and never returned with an estimate. Another told us the job would only take a day, which sounded much too good to be true,” said Mr. Jago.

When they called Pro-Homes, owner Peter Kiwior gave them a conscientious estimate, taking into account the complexity of the project and the extra manpower and safety measures needed to do the work correctly. However, both the homeowners and Kiwior needed to first receive approval from the Village of Oak Park to improve one of the town’s historical landmarks.

The Village was concerned with the selection of the new roofing materials, and in particular, the move to asphalt shingles over cedar, and the architectural look and color to be used. The homeowners, who were not in the home all year round, wanted to use low-maintenance asphalt, rather than high maintenance cedar shingles. They felt this would more dependably protect the precious home from Chicago’s merciless wind, snow and ice.

Over the next few months, Kiwior worked towards agreement with the Village, attending meetings and providing presentations to committees to see the couple’s wish fulfilled. He argued that shingles would better protect the home, reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of the roof which was so difficult to replace.

The Village rejected several choices presented by Pro-Home Services until finally accepting a suitable asphalt shingle. Kiwior put some of his most experienced, hearty crew members on the job which took a painstaking week to complete. To support the height of the house and challenging roof angles, special scaffolding had to be built. The men used special harnesses to lower themselves at treacherous angles to reach the most difficult areas.

“Mr. Wright was not considering the roofer when he designed the house,” laughs Kiwior, “but I knew we had the talent and processes in place to do a good job.”

The Jagos too were pleased with the new roof. “The crew they sent in were heavy hitters—nothing was too difficult for them. There was a general feeling of confidence that they could do it--and they did a wonderful job!” said Michael.

Pro-Home Services serves homeowners all over DuPage, Kane and Will counties and is a repeat recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service Award. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have received their Complaint Free Award seven years in a row. They are a past winner of the Daily Herald Business Ledger Annual Award for Business Excellence.

ABOUT PRO-HOME SERVICES: Founded in 2003, Pro-Home Services is an award-winning, exterior home remodeling company specializing in roofing, siding, windows and doors. They offer fully guaranteed brands, certified installers, in-home samples of materials and an industry-leading, five-year warranty on craftsmanship. Pro-Home has been recognized by Angie’s List, Guild Quality and the Better Business Bureau for exceptional customer service and good reviews. For more information, visit prohomeservices.com, Facebook or call 630.790.0800.