LP SmartSide Siding Installation in Crystal Lake, IL
Certified LP SmartSide Preferred Installer — 5/50 Year Warranty • Class 4 Hail Rating • Installs Year-Round
LP SmartSide Preferred Installer
295+ Five-Star Reviews
21 Years in McHenry County
A+ BBB Rating
Engineered Wood Siding That Handles McHenry County Winters
LP SmartSide is engineered wood siding — treated wood strands bonded with resin and protected by SmartGuard technology. It resists fungal decay, termites, and moisture damage without the brittleness of fiber cement or the maintenance demands of natural wood. For homeowners in Crystal Lake, McHenry, and the surrounding towns, it delivers the deepest wood-grain texture on the market with a Class 4 hail rating and year-round installation capability.
We’ve installed LP SmartSide on homes across McHenry County since 2005. Older neighborhoods like Coventry in Crystal Lake and Country Club Estates in McHenry still have original wood siding from the 1960s and ’70s — rotted through from decades of Fox River valley humidity and 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year. LP SmartSide gives those homeowners the wood look they want without the five-year repaint cycle real cedar demands.
IHC is an LP SmartSide Preferred Installer. That certification means our crew is factory-trained on LP’s installation specifications, and your project gets the full 5/50 Year Warranty — 5 years on the factory finish and 50 years on the substrate. We’re also certified by James Hardie and install vinyl, so we can walk you through all three options objectively. No brand loyalty. Just the material that fits your home, your budget, and your exposure.
LP SmartSide Product Lines
LP SmartSide comes in four main profiles. Each one uses the same SmartGuard-treated engineered wood substrate — the difference is shape, texture, and where it works best on your home.
SmartSide Lap Siding
The most popular profile. Horizontal planks with a deep cedar grain texture that no vinyl can replicate. Available in smooth or textured finishes, 8″ to 12″ exposure. This is what most McHenry County homeowners choose when replacing old wood or aluminum siding.
Installs faster than Hardie plank because it’s lighter — roughly 1.1 lbs/sq ft versus Hardie’s 2.5 lbs/sq ft. Fewer saw changes, fewer crew fatigue issues on two-story homes.
SmartSide Panel Siding
4′ x 8′ sheets that cover large wall areas fast. Common on contemporary homes, gable ends, and garage facades. The panel format creates a clean, modern look with fewer visible seams. Also popular for soffits and covered porch ceilings.
Textured or smooth options. We use Z-flashing at horizontal joints and back-caulk all vertical seams — standard LP spec for Illinois climate zones.
SmartSide Shingle Siding
Staggered or straight-edge shingle panels that mimic real cedar shakes. Most homeowners use these as accents — gable peaks, dormers, or the front-facing wall of a bump-out. A few Crystal Lake Estates homes have gone full shingle on the second story with lap siding below.
Each panel covers about 8 square feet. No individual shingle nailing — installs in a fraction of the time real shakes take.
SmartSide Trim & Fascia
Corner boards, window casings, frieze boards, and fascia. LP SmartSide trim uses the same substrate as the siding, so it expands and contracts at the same rate. That means tighter joints over time compared to mixing trim materials from different manufacturers.
Reversible boards (smooth one side, textured the other). Primed and ready for paint.
LP SmartSide vs. James Hardie vs. Vinyl vs. Cedar, Stained
Side-by-side comparison of the four main siding options for McHenry County homes. Prices reflect current IHC installed pricing.
| Feature | LP SmartSide | James Hardie | Vinyl (Premium) | Cedar, Stained |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Engineered wood (SmartGuard treated) | Fiber cement | PVC / polypropylene | Cedar, pine, or redwood |
| Installed Cost (per sq ft) | ✓ $12 – $16 | $12 – $16 | $6 – $9 | $16 – $22 |
| Weight (per sq ft) | ★ ~1.1 lbs | ~2.5 lbs | ~0.5 lbs | ~1.5 lbs |
| Cold-Weather Installation | ✓ Installs year-round — won’t crack | Can crack below 40°F | Brittle below 40°F | ✓ Installs year-round |
| Impact Resistance (Hail) | ★ Class 4 hail rating | Class 3 – 4 | Cracks and dents | Dents but doesn’t shatter |
| Maintenance | Repaint every 15–20 years | Repaint every 15–20 years | ✓ None (color molded in) | Re-stain every 3–5 yrs |
| Warranty | ✓ 5/50 Year (finish + substrate) | 30-yr non-prorated + 15-yr ColorPlus | Lifetime limited | 1–5 years (varies) |
| ROI / Resale Value | 75–80% recoup | ★ 85%+ recoup | 65–70% recoup | 75–85% recoup |
| Fire Rating | Class A fire rated | ★ Non-combustible | Melts (not fire rated) | Combustible (treat or clad) |
| Aesthetics | ★ Deep cedar grain — best wood look | Smooth or wood grain options | Synthetic look | ★ Real wood |
| IHC Certification | ✓ Preferred Installer | ✓ Preferred Remodeler | — | — |
| Best For | Wood look, cold-weather install, HOA compliance, hail-prone areas | Long-term value, fire zones, premium homes | Budget-friendly, rental properties | Historic preservation, unlimited paint flexibility |
The bottom line: LP SmartSide delivers the deepest wood-grain texture of any engineered siding with a Class 4 hail rating that outperforms both fiber cement and vinyl. It installs year-round in McHenry County — no cracking in cold weather — and the 5/50 Year Warranty backs the substrate for half a century. For homeowners who want the wood look without the wood maintenance, it’s built for this climate.
Why Hire IHC for LP SmartSide Installation
LP SmartSide Preferred Installer
LP Building Solutions doesn’t certify every contractor who asks. They audit installation quality, verify crew training, and check jobsite compliance. Our Preferred Installer status gives you access to the full 5/50 Year Warranty — 5 years on the finish, 50 years on the substrate. Skip the certification and that warranty coverage gets thinner.
Cold-Weather Installation Expertise
McHenry County logs 100+ freeze-thaw cycles between November and April. LP SmartSide is one of the few siding materials that installs cleanly in cold weather — it won’t crack or shatter like fiber cement can below 40°F. We schedule LP SmartSide projects through winter when other contractors shut down, which means shorter wait times for you.
Multi-Product Knowledge
We’re certified by both LP SmartSide and James Hardie, and we install vinyl too. That means we’re not pushing one brand because it’s all we carry. We’ll walk your home with you, look at the exposure, the existing substrate, your budget, and your HOA requirements — then tell you which material actually makes sense. Sometimes that’s LP SmartSide. Sometimes it isn’t.
Full Warranty Access
LP SmartSide’s 5/50 Year Warranty is one of the strongest in the industry — but it hinges on correct installation. Improper nailing patterns, insufficient clearance from grade, or missing flashing voids coverage. Our crew follows LP’s Technical Installation Guide to the letter, which means your warranty is airtight from day one.
Complete Exterior Scope
Siding replacement isn’t just boards on walls. We handle soffit, fascia, trim, window capping, and corner boards — all in LP SmartSide if you want a uniform look, or mixed with other materials where it makes sense. One crew, one warranty, one point of contact. Your project doesn’t stall waiting for a subcontractor.
Women-Led, Family-Owned Since 2005
21 years in Crystal Lake. 295+ five-star Google reviews. Members of the Crystal Lake, Woodstock, and McHenry Chambers of Commerce. We sponsor local youth sports teams. When you call IHC, the people who answer the phone are the same people who manage your project and follow up after the last nail is set.
Get a Free LP SmartSide Estimate
We bring LP SmartSide samples to your home so you can see colors and textures in your own lighting. Most estimates are completed within a week.
Women-led • A+ BBB • LP SmartSide Preferred Installer • Free estimates, no obligation
LP SmartSide Siding FAQs
How much does LP SmartSide siding cost installed in Crystal Lake, IL?
LP SmartSide siding typically costs $12 to $16 per square foot installed in the Crystal Lake and McHenry County area. For an average 2,000 square foot home, that works out to roughly $24,000 to $40,000 depending on profile, trim work, and existing conditions. IHC provides free on-site estimates with itemized pricing for materials, labor, and trim.
Is LP SmartSide better than James Hardie fiber cement?
They serve different needs at a similar price point. LP SmartSide is lighter (1.1 lbs/sq ft vs. 2.5 lbs), installs in cold weather without cracking, has a Class 4 hail rating, and delivers a deep cedar-grain texture. James Hardie is non-combustible, has a longer proven track record, and recoup rates run 5–10% higher at resale. IHC installs both and can walk you through which fits your home best.
How does LP SmartSide compare to real wood siding?
LP SmartSide replicates the deep cedar grain look of real wood but eliminates the maintenance burden. Real wood needs staining or painting every 3 to 5 years and is vulnerable to rot, termites, and moisture — especially in the Fox River valley where humidity accelerates decay. LP SmartSide’s SmartGuard treatment resists all three, and the 5/50 Year Warranty dwarfs what any natural wood supplier offers.
What maintenance does LP SmartSide require?
LP SmartSide requires repainting approximately every 15 to 20 years. Between repaints, maintenance is limited to annual cleaning with a garden hose or soft-bristle brush. No caulking, no staining, no sealant reapplication. The engineered wood substrate with SmartGuard technology handles moisture, fungal decay, and termites without chemical retreatment.
What is the LP SmartSide warranty?
LP SmartSide carries a 5/50 Year Limited Warranty: 5 years covering the factory-applied finish and 50 years covering the substrate against defects, fungal decay, and termite damage. Full warranty coverage requires installation by a certified installer following LP’s specifications. IHC is an LP SmartSide Preferred Installer, which ensures your warranty is fully honored.
How long does LP SmartSide installation take?
Most LP SmartSide siding projects take 1 to 2 weeks for an average-sized home. Because LP SmartSide is lighter than fiber cement, the crew moves faster — less fatigue, fewer saw changes, and no special cutting equipment required. LP SmartSide also installs year-round in Illinois, unlike fiber cement which can crack when temperatures drop below 40°F.
Ready for LP SmartSide Siding?
Call or text us for a free estimate. We bring LP SmartSide samples to your property, give you an itemized quote, and never pressure you to decide on the spot. Financing available.
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
LP SmartSide Preferred Installer
James Hardie Preferred Remodeler
A+ BBB Rating
Best of Fox — Winner since 2011
