James Hardie Preferred Remodeler
LP SmartSide Preferred Installer
300+ Five-Star Reviews
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Two Premium Materials. One Honest Comparison.
If you’re replacing siding on your home in McHenry County, you’ve probably narrowed it down to two materials: James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide engineered wood. Both are excellent. Both blow vinyl out of the water. And both will protect your home for decades in Illinois weather.
The problem is that most contractors only carry one brand — so the “comparison” you get is really just a sales pitch. IHC is the only siding contractor in McHenry County that’s factory-certified by both James Hardie and LP SmartSide. We’ve installed hundreds of projects with each. We’ll walk you through the real differences so you can choose the material that actually fits your home, your budget, and your timeline.
James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide at a Glance
| Feature | James Hardie | LP SmartSide |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Fiber cement (sand, cement, cellulose) | Engineered wood (treated OSB + resin) |
| Installed Cost | $12–$16/sq ft | $12–$16/sq ft |
| Full House (2,000 sq ft) | $22,000–$48,000 | $22,000–$48,000 |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 30–50 years |
| Fire Rating | Non-combustible | Class C (III) — 1-hr assembly with Type-X gypsum |
| Wind Rating | 130+ mph | 200+ mph |
| Hail Rating | Class 3–4 | Class 4 (superior) |
| Weight | ~2.5 lbs/sq ft | ~1.1 lbs/sq ft |
| Cold Weather Install | Not below 40°F | Year-round |
| Warranty | 30-year + 15-year ColorPlus | 5/50-year limited |
| Maintenance | Repaint every 15–20 years | Repaint every 15–20 years |
| Resale ROI | 86.4% cost recouped | ~75–80% cost recouped |
| Best Wood Look | Smooth or woodgrain options | Deep cedar grain (most realistic) |
| Rot & Termites | Immune | SmartGuard treated (resistant) |
| IHC Certification | Preferred Remodeler (only in McHenry Co.) | Preferred Installer |
Where James Hardie Wins
Longest Lifespan
Fiber cement lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance. If you plan to stay in your home long-term or want a “set it and forget it” exterior, Hardie is the material that outlasts everything else on the market. The math works out: $18,000 over 50 years is $360/year.
Fire Safety
James Hardie is non-combustible — not just fire-rated, but physically cannot catch fire. If your home is near wooded areas or you simply want maximum fire protection, fiber cement is the safest siding material available.
ColorPlus Finish
Hardie’s factory-baked ColorPlus finish comes with a 15-year fade warranty and 700+ color options. No field painting needed at install, and the finish outlasts anything a painter can apply on-site. The color is consistent from panel to panel.
Highest Resale Value
At 86.4% cost recouped, James Hardie fiber cement siding delivers the highest return on investment of any siding material according to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. For homeowners planning to sell within 10 years, this matters.
Freeze-Thaw Engineering
Hardie’s HZ5 formula is engineered specifically for climates with 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter — exactly what McHenry County gets. It won’t crack at -20°F or warp at 140°F. The formula is different from what’s sold in warmer states.
Rot & Pest Immunity
Fiber cement contains zero organic material. Termites can’t eat it. Moisture can’t rot it. Woodpeckers can’t drill it. It’s physically immune to the biological damage that eventually affects all wood-based products.
Where LP SmartSide Wins
Lower Cost
LP SmartSide and James Hardie now fall in the same price range in McHenry County ($12–$16/sq ft installed). The old cost advantage has narrowed, but LP still saves through faster installation — fewer labor hours means lower total project cost in some cases, even at similar material pricing.
Superior Hail & Impact Resistance
LP SmartSide carries a Class 4 hail rating — the highest available. Engineered wood absorbs impact rather than cracking like fiber cement can. In a county that averages 60+ thunderstorms per year, impact resistance matters.
Year-Round Installation
Fiber cement cracks if cut below 40°F, which means installation stops for much of a McHenry County winter. LP SmartSide installs year-round. If your project needs to happen between November and March, LP is the practical choice.
Best Wood Aesthetic
LP SmartSide’s deep cedar grain texture is the most realistic wood look of any manufactured siding. If you want your home to look like real cedar but without the maintenance cycle, LP delivers that aesthetic better than fiber cement does.
200+ MPH Wind Rating
LP SmartSide is rated for 200+ mph winds — significantly higher than Hardie’s 130+ mph rating. While neither will fail in typical McHenry County storms, LP provides a wider margin of safety during severe weather events.
Faster Installation
At roughly half the weight of fiber cement, LP SmartSide goes up faster. A typical project takes 1–2 weeks compared to 2–3 weeks for Hardie. Less time with your home exposed means less risk of weather damage during install.
Cost Comparison for McHenry County Homes
| Home Type | James Hardie | LP SmartSide | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranch (1 story) | $18,000–$30,000 | $18,000–$30,000 | Similar |
| Split-Level | $18,000–$32,000 | $22,000–$36,000 | Similar |
| Two-Story Colonial | $28,000–$48,000 | $28,000–$48,000 | Similar |
Ranges reflect material choice within each brand, home size, and complexity. Both include removal of old siding, installation, and trim work. Financing available for all projects.
Which Siding Is Right for You?
Choose James Hardie If…
- You plan to stay in your home 20+ years
- Fire safety is a top priority
- You want a factory finish with 15-year fade warranty
- Maximizing resale value matters to you
- Your home is in a wooded or fire-prone area
- You prefer a “never rot, never worry” material
Choose LP SmartSide If…
- Budget is a significant factor
- You want the most realistic wood look
- Your project needs to happen in winter
- Hail and wind resistance are priorities
- You want a faster installation timeline
- You’re comfortable repainting in 15–20 years
Why Compare with IHC?
Most siding contractors carry one brand. Their “recommendation” is whichever product they sell. IHC is factory-certified by both James Hardie and LP SmartSide — the only contractor in McHenry County with dual certification. We’ve installed hundreds of projects with each material, and we’ll tell you honestly which one fits your specific situation.
During your free estimate, we assess your home’s exposure, your budget, your timeline, and your aesthetic preference. Then we recommend the material that actually makes sense — not the one with the better margin. That’s why we’ve maintained 300+ five-star reviews over 21 years.
We also install vinyl siding and fiber cement from other manufacturers, so if neither Hardie nor LP turns out to be the right fit, we’ll tell you that too.
Get a Side-by-Side Estimate
We’ll quote both materials for your home so you can compare real numbers — not hypotheticals. Same crew, same quality, two price points.
Free estimates • No obligation • Both materials in stock • Financing available
James Hardie Before & After
Before: aging siding ready for replacement
After: James Hardie fiber cement by IHC
LP SmartSide Before & After
LP SmartSide transformation — before (top) and after (bottom)
LP SmartSide shake + lap combination
James Hardie fiber cement siding costs $12–$16 per square foot installed and lasts 50+ years. LP SmartSide engineered wood siding costs $12–$16 per square foot installed and lasts 30–50 years. Both are premium siding materials that significantly outperform vinyl. The best choice depends on budget, climate exposure, and how long you plan to stay in your home. Innovative Home Concepts in Crystal Lake, IL is certified by both James Hardie and LP SmartSide.
James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide FAQs
Which siding lasts longer — James Hardie or LP SmartSide?
James Hardie has the edge in raw longevity. Fiber cement lasts 50+ years compared to LP SmartSide’s 30–50 year range. Both significantly outlast vinyl siding (20–30 years). If maximum lifespan is your top priority, Hardie is the stronger choice.
Is LP SmartSide cheaper than James Hardie?
Both materials now fall in the same $12–$16 per square foot installed range in McHenry County. The price gap that existed a few years ago has narrowed significantly. Your final cost depends more on home size, trim complexity, and design options than the material itself. Both are premium products that significantly outperform vinyl.
Can you install siding in winter in McHenry County?
LP SmartSide can be installed year-round. James Hardie fiber cement cannot be cut below 40°F because the material cracks in cold temperatures. If your project needs to happen between November and March, LP SmartSide is the practical choice for Illinois winters.
Which siding handles hail better?
LP SmartSide. It carries a Class 4 hail impact rating — the highest available. Engineered wood absorbs impact energy rather than cracking. Fiber cement can chip or crack on severe hail impact. In a county with 60+ thunderstorms per year, this is a meaningful difference.
Which siding has better resale value?
James Hardie. Fiber cement siding recoups 86.4% of its cost at resale according to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. LP SmartSide recoups approximately 75–80%. Both return significantly more than vinyl siding at 67.2%.
Does IHC recommend one over the other?
It depends on your situation. We’re certified by both manufacturers, so we don’t have a financial incentive to push one over the other. During your free estimate, we look at your home’s exposure, your budget, your timeline, and your goals. Then we recommend the material that fits. Sometimes that’s Hardie. Sometimes it’s LP. Sometimes it’s vinyl.
Does IHC offer financing for siding projects?
Yes. IHC offers financing options with low monthly payments and no large down payment required. Most homeowners get pre-approved the same day. Multiple term lengths are available to fit your budget.
Related Siding Resources
Siding Cost Guide
Full pricing breakdown for all siding materials including vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood. Real project ranges for McHenry County homes.
Fiber Cement Siding
Deep dive into fiber cement siding options beyond James Hardie, including what makes the HZ5 formula different for Illinois climates.
All Siding Services
Overview of every siding material IHC installs — fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl, and insulated vinyl. Find the right fit for your home.
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
