James Hardie Preferred Remodeler
LP SmartSide Preferred
300+ Five-Star Reviews
21 Years in McHenry County
McHenry County’s Only Dual-Certified Siding Contractor
Most siding contractors in the Crystal Lake area install one brand. We’re factory-certified by two of the three biggest names in the industry: James Hardie and LP SmartSide. That means you get the material that actually fits your home, your budget, and your exposure, not whatever the installer happens to carry.
We’ve been replacing siding on homes across McHenry County since 2005. Ranches in Country Club Estates with original 1960s aluminum. Lakefront colonials on the Crystal Lake waterfront fighting moisture from the lake. Two-stories in Coventry that were rebuilt after the 1965 tornado and are now entering their third siding lifecycle. Every home has a different story, and the siding solution needs to match.
IHC handles fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl, and stone accent panels. We also do soffit, fascia, and trim work — the details that separate a siding job that looks finished from one that just looks done.
Four Siding Systems, Zero Compromises
Each material performs differently in McHenry County’s climate, where winter temperatures drop to 15°F and summer sun bakes west-facing walls past 140°F. Here’s the honest breakdown.
James Hardie Fiber Cement
The gold standard. Non-combustible, rot-proof, and engineered specifically for the freeze-thaw cycles we get in Illinois. Hardie’s HZ10 formula is designed for climates with temperatures that swing 100 degrees across the year, which is exactly what McHenry County delivers.
Heavier and less forgiving to install than vinyl. That’s why the certification matters. An uncertified installer voids parts of your warranty. We’re the only Hardie Preferred Remodeler in McHenry County.
✓ IHC is Hardie Preferred
James Hardie siding details →
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood
Lighter than Hardie, with a natural wood grain texture that fiber cement can’t quite replicate. LP SmartSide uses a treated wood substrate with a resin overlay: it resists moisture, fungal decay, and termites without the brittleness of cement board.
It’s the material we recommend for homeowners who love the look of real wood but don’t want to repaint every five years. Holds paint better than any siding we install.
✓ IHC is LP SmartSide Preferred
LP SmartSide siding details →
Vinyl Siding
Still the most affordable option per square foot. Modern vinyl from Mastic and CraneBoard is thicker, more fade-resistant, and available in deeper colors than the builder-grade vinyl from 20 years ago. It won’t rot, won’t need painting, and installs fast.
Vinyl has its limits. It can crack in extreme cold and melt near grills or fire pits. But for budget-conscious homeowners, it’s a solid choice that protects your home for 20+ years.
CraneBoard Insulated Vinyl
The middle ground between hollow vinyl and fiber cement. CraneBoard panels are fused with shape-molded Neopor insulation, R-2.0, 300% more impact resistance, 45% less outside noise. It costs 30–50% more than standard vinyl but 30–40% less than Hardie.
We also carry Mastic Structure (R-3.0, Energy Star) for maximum energy efficiency. Both brands, one estimate.
✓ IHC Preferred Product
CraneBoard insulated siding details →
Siding Materials Compared
This table shows how the three main siding options perform in McHenry County’s climate. Prices reflect 2024-2025 Chicago-market averages per the Cost vs. Value Report.
| Feature | James Hardie Fiber Cement | LP SmartSide Eng. Wood | Vinyl (Premium Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Cost (per sq ft) | $5.50 – $11.00 | $4.50 – $9.00 | $2.50 – $6.00 |
| Installed Cost (avg home) | $18,000 – $40,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 | $10,000 – $22,000 |
| Lifespan | ★ 50+ years | 30 – 50 years | 20 – 30 years |
| Freeze-Thaw Resistance | ✓ HZ10 formulated for IL | ✓ Strong | Can crack in extreme cold |
| Fire Rating | ★ Non-combustible | Class A fire rated | Melts (not fire rated) |
| Maintenance | Repaint every 15–20 years | Repaint every 15–20 years | ✓ Zero maintenance |
| Wind Rating | 130+ mph | 200+ mph | 110 – 160 mph |
| Paint Adhesion | Good (ColorPlus factory finish available) | ★ Best in class | N/A (color molded in) |
| Warranty (w/ certified install) | 30-year non-prorated + 15-yr ColorPlus | 5/50 limited warranty | Lifetime limited |
| IHC Certification | ✓ Hardie Preferred Remodeler | ✓ LP SmartSide Preferred | — |
| Best For | Long-term value, fire zones, premium homes | Wood look, coastal/moisture, paint flexibility | Budget-friendly, rental properties |
Accent option: We also install Versetta Stone panels: a mortarless stone veneer that adds curb appeal to front entries, pillars, and wainscoting without a mason. Pairs well with any of the three siding materials above.
Why McHenry County Homeowners Call Us for Siding
The Only Dual-Certified Installer
James Hardie and LP SmartSide don’t hand out certifications freely. They audit your crew, inspect your jobsites, and review customer satisfaction scores before approving you. We earned both. No other contractor in McHenry County can say that.
We Know This Climate
McHenry County sees temperature swings of nearly 100 degrees across the year. Homes along the Fox River get extra moisture exposure. West-facing walls on Riverside Drive and Route 120 take the worst wind-driven rain. We’ve seen what works here, and what doesn’t, for 21 years.
Full Exterior Scope
Siding never exists alone. We handle soffit, fascia, trim, window capping, and Versetta Stone accents. One crew, one warranty, one point of contact. Your project doesn’t stall waiting for a second contractor to finish their piece.
Real Material Samples at Your Home
We bring Hardie, LP SmartSide, and vinyl samples to your property so you can see colors and textures in your own lighting. What looks great in a showroom doesn’t always look right on a 1970s ranch in Cary or a colonial in Crystal Lake Estates.
Storm Damage? We Handle Insurance Too
Hail and wind damage to siding is covered under most homeowner policies. Our licensed public adjusters handle the insurance claim from start to finish: filing, documentation, negotiation, and final payment. You don’t deal with the adjuster. We do.
Financing Available
A siding project is a significant investment — $15,000 to $40,000 for most homes. We offer financing options so budget isn’t the reason your home faces another McHenry County winter unprotected. Ask about monthly payment plans during your estimate.
Get a Free Siding Estimate
We bring material samples to your home. Most estimates are done within a week.
Women-led • A+ BBB • Best of Fox since 2011 • Free estimates, no obligation
Our Siding Installation Process
From first call to final walkthrough, here’s how a siding project with IHC works.
Free On-Site Assessment
We visit your home, inspect the current siding, check for moisture damage behind the boards, and take measurements. We bring material samples so you can compare Hardie, LP SmartSide, and vinyl in your own lighting.
Detailed Written Estimate
You get an itemized quote: material, labor, trim, soffit/fascia, waste removal, and timeline. No vague “per square” pricing. We break down exactly what you’re paying for and explain the warranty coverage for each option.
Professional Installation
Our crew strips the old siding, inspects the sheathing for rot or moisture damage, repairs as needed, then installs your new siding according to manufacturer specifications. Most homes take 1–3 weeks depending on size and material.
Final Walkthrough & Cleanup
We walk the entire exterior with you. Every seam, every corner, every trim piece. If something isn’t right, we fix it before we leave. Then we clean up: nails, scraps, debris. Your yard should look better than when we showed up.
Siding FAQs
How much does siding replacement cost in Crystal Lake, IL?
Siding replacement in the Crystal Lake area typically costs $10,000 to $40,000 depending on home size and material. Vinyl runs $2.50–$6.00 per square foot installed, LP SmartSide $4.50–$9.00, and James Hardie fiber cement $5.50–$11.00. IHC provides free written estimates with itemized pricing.
What is the best siding material for Illinois weather?
James Hardie fiber cement with the HZ10 climate formulation is engineered for regions with freeze-thaw cycles, making it ideal for McHenry County’s temperature swings. LP SmartSide also performs well in Illinois, with superior wind resistance (200+ mph rating). Vinyl is the most affordable but can crack in extreme cold.
Why should I hire a certified James Hardie contractor?
James Hardie audits certified contractors for installation quality, crew training, and customer satisfaction. If your installer isn’t Hardie Preferred, portions of your product warranty may be limited or voided. IHC is the only Hardie Preferred Remodeler in McHenry County, which means full warranty coverage and manufacturer-backed installation standards.
How long does a siding installation take?
Most residential siding projects take 1–3 weeks depending on home size, material choice, and weather. A standard 2,000 square foot home with James Hardie siding typically takes 10–14 working days. Vinyl siding installs faster because the material is lighter and easier to cut.
Does homeowner insurance cover siding damage from storms?
Yes, most homeowner policies cover siding damage from hail, wind, and fallen trees. IHC has licensed public adjusters on staff who handle the insurance claim process from filing to final payment. McHenry County averages 60 thunderstorms per year, and we process storm damage claims regularly.
Can you replace siding in winter in Illinois?
James Hardie fiber cement can be installed year-round with proper precautions. Vinyl becomes brittle below 40°F and is more prone to cracking during winter installation. LP SmartSide handles cold-weather installation well. We schedule based on material requirements and forecast conditions to protect both the product and the finished result.
Explore Our Siding Services
Ready to Replace Your Siding?
Call or text us for a free estimate. We bring material samples to your home, give you an itemized quote, and never pressure you to decide on the spot.
We respond within 1 business day • No spam • No obligation • Financing available
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc.
4410 IL-176, Ste 1
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 356-9020
Email: info@innovativehomeconcepts.com
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
James Hardie Preferred Remodeler
LP SmartSide Preferred Installer
A+ BBB Rating
Best of Fox, Winner since 2011
Siding Installation Across McHenry & Lake County
IHC installs siding in 18 communities across McHenry County and northern Illinois. Pick your city for local pricing, neighborhood project examples, and climate-specific recommendations.
