James Hardie or LP Smartside Siding: What Should You Choose for Your Chicagoland Home?

Both James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide engineered wood siding are considered premium choices that significantly outperform traditional vinyl siding in durability and curb appeal. However, when it comes to protecting your Chicago home from harsh winters, humid summers, and severe weather, the choice between these two premium siding materials isn’t always straightforward and requires careful consideration.

As siding contractors with over 75 years of experience in the Chicagoland area, our team at HX Home Solutions has installed thousands of square feet of both materials and understands exactly what performs best in our challenging climate. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you make an informed decision based on real-world performance, cost analysis, and specific Chicago-area conditions.

Choose James Hardie if: You prioritize fire safety, maximum durability, and minimal maintenance requirements for long-term peace of mind in Chicago's demanding climate.

Choose LP SmartSide if: You want the natural wood look with superior hail resistance and prefer lower upfront installation costs while accepting more frequent maintenance.

Understanding the Two Premium Siding Technologies

We’ve included a detailed material breakdown to help Chicago homeowners who want to understand the fundamental differences between these premium siding products. We'll examine the composition, manufacturing processes, and key technologies that make each material unique in protecting your home's exterior.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

James Hardie fiber cement is a composite material engineered specifically for superior durability and weather resistance. The fiber cement material consists of carefully balanced components that create exceptional strength:

• Portland cement (90 percent of composition): Provides structural integrity and weather resistance.
• Cellulose fibers: Add flexibility and prevent cracking.
• Silica sand: Enhances durability and dimensional stability.
• Water: Activates the curing process.

Key technologies:

• ColorPlus® technology: Factory-applied baked-on finish lasting 15+ years.
• HZ5® climate zone formulation: Specifically engineered for Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles.
• Engineered for Climate®: Optimized performance for Midwest conditions.

To learn more details about the material, please see the Fiber Cement Siding Performance Properties section in the official James Hardie technical documentation.

Note: James Hardie provides a 30-year non-prorated material warranty on all fiber cement products. However, this warranty requires professional installation by certified contractors, as even minor installation errors can void the warranty coverage altogether.

LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Siding

LP SmartSide is manufactured using advanced engineered wood technology that transforms natural wood strands into a highly durable siding product. The core material consists of:

• Wood strands from sustainably managed forests.
• Advanced resins for structural bonding.
• Zinc borate treatment for pest and moisture resistance.
• Industrial waxes for enhanced water repellence.

SmartGuard® process:

• Zinc borate infusion: Provides termite resistance and prevents wood rot.
• Wax coating technology: Creates moisture barrier throughout the material.
• 16-foot board lengths: Reduces seams and speeds installation.

LP SmartSide offers a comprehensive 50-year limited warranty and comes in longer panels, creating cleaner lines with fewer joints.

Popular Design Options for Chicago Homes

Both manufacturers offer diverse product lines designed to complement Chicago's varied architectural styles, from historic Victorian homes to modern suburban builds. Homeowners should understand the most popular options to better visualize how these premium materials will enhance their home's curb appeal.

James Hardie Design Options

• HardiePlank lap siding: America's most popular choice, offering timeless horizontal lines with Select Cedarmill texture that mimics natural wood grain.
• Hardie panel vertical siding: Modern board-and-batten look is perfect for contemporary and farmhouse styles with clean vertical lines.
• Hardie shingle siding: Classic New England charm with straight or staggered edges, ideal for Cape Cod and colonial home accents.
• Hardie artisan collection: Premium 5/8" thick boards creating dramatic shadow lines for upscale custom homes.

LP SmartSide Design Options

• LP SmartSide lap siding: Traditional horizontal profile available in multiple widths with authentic wood texture and 16-foot lengths.
• LP SmartSide panel siding: Versatile vertical application with multiple groove patterns including 4", 8", and 12" on-center spacing.
• LP SmartSide trim & soffit: Coordinating trim pieces and vented soffit panels for complete exterior system integration.
• LP SmartSide shake & shingle: Rustic charm with deep wood grain texture, perfect for accent walls and architectural features.

Both materials represent significant technological advances over traditional wood siding, providing homeowners with durable alternatives that resist natural wood’s common problems. The choice between them depends on your priorities for Chicago's challenging climate conditions.

Head-to-Head Performance Comparison

To make the right investment, you’ll need to understand how these premium siding materials perform in Chicago's extreme weather conditions. Let's examine the key performance factors that matter most to Chicagoland homeowners.

Weather Resistance in the Chicago Climate

Chicago's brutal freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity, and temperature swings from -20°F to 100°F create extreme stress on any siding material. James Hardie's HZ5 formulation is specifically engineered to handle these conditions without dimensional movement, while LP SmartSide's SmartGuard moisture protection relies on proper installation and edge sealing to prevent water infiltration.

Fire Safety Note: James Hardie's non-combustible properties provide critical protection in dense Chicago neighborhoods where fire can spread between closely-spaced homes.

Fire Safety Considerations

The fire resistance difference between these materials is significant for Chicago homeowners. James Hardie fiber cement is completely non-combustible and won't contribute fuel to house fires, while LP SmartSide, being wood-based, will burn despite treatment.

NIST research on firebrand attacks shows that non-combustible siding materials like James Hardie offer superior protection when wind-driven embers accumulate around homes.

Impact Resistance (Hail Protection)

Chicago's location in "Hail Alley" makes impact resistance a critical factor. LP SmartSide's engineered wood construction provides superior flexibility; it absorbs hail impacts without cracking, while James Hardie's rigid fiber cement can chip or crack under severe hail impacts.

Each material excels in different areas, making your choice dependent on which Chicago weather risks concern you most. James Hardie dominates in fire safety and long-term durability, while LP SmartSide offers impressive impact resistance and installation efficiency.

Cost Analysis for Chicago Homeowners

Understanding the true cost difference between James Hardie and LP SmartSide requires examining not just material prices, but also Chicago's high labor costs, installation complexity, and long-term maintenance expenses. The siding replacement cost in the Chicago area reflects both premium material pricing and skilled labor requirements.

Initial Investment Comparison

James Hardie fiber cement siding typically costs $9-17 per square foot installed in the Chicago area, while LP SmartSide runs $7-13 per square foot. The higher cost for James Hardie is due to specialized cutting tools, dust mitigation requirements, and the need for certified installers who understand proper fiber cement installation techniques.

Long-term Value Proposition

James Hardie's ColorPlus® technology provides 15-year warranty coverage against peeling and chipping, while LP SmartSide typically requires repainting every 5-10 years. This maintenance schedule difference significantly impacts long-term ownership costs, with James Hardie requiring minimal touch-up paint compared to LP SmartSide's regular maintenance requirements.

Value Note: James Hardie's superior durability and minimal maintenance requirements often offset the higher initial investment within 10-15 years of installation.

ROI and Home Value Impact

According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, fiber cement siding replacement delivers an 88.4 percent ROI, making it one of the best exterior remodeling investments. Chicago home buyers are increasingly drawn to low-maintenance exteriors, giving James Hardie a competitive advantage in resale value compared to materials requiring frequent maintenance.

The cost analysis shows that while LP SmartSide is less expensive up front, James Hardie's long-term value proposition becomes increasingly attractive for homeowners planning to stay in their homes for 15+ years. Professional installation quality affects both materials' performance and warranty coverage.

Installation Considerations and Timeline

The installation process for premium siding materials in Chicago requires careful planning around weather windows and skilled contractor availability. Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide use precise installation techniques to ensure optimal performance and warranty compliance.

Installation Complexity Comparison

James Hardie's fiber cement composition requires specialized cutting tools and dust mitigation equipment, so it’s more labor-intensive than LP SmartSide's engineered wood. LP SmartSide's lighter weight and 16-foot board lengths allow for faster installation, but both materials require certified installers to maintain warranty coverage and ensure they perform properly in Chicago's demanding climate.

Timeline and Seasonal Factors

Chicago's short construction season from April through October creates high demand for skilled siding contractors. James Hardie installations typically take 20-30 percent longer due to material handling and cutting requirements, while LP SmartSide's faster installation can be crucial when racing against seasonal weather changes.

James Hardie Siding Installation Timeline

It takes anywhere from 7-10 days for the complete James Hardie siding installation, including:

• 1-2 days: Material delivery and staging
• 1-3 days: Old siding removal and preparation
• 4-5 days: Fiber cement installation with proper cutting and dust mitigation
• 1 day: Final clean up and inspection

As dedicated professionals, we will always clean up after ourselves and would never charge extra for it. HX Home Solutions' customers are always amazed that the project space is left clean after the work is done, no matter how messy or insignificant it was before.

LP SmartSide Siding Installation Timeline

LP SmartSide installations move faster, typically requiring 5-7 days, including:

• 1 day: Material delivery
• 1-2 days: Removal and prep work
• 3-4 days: Installation with faster cutting and handling
• 1 day: Finish work and cleanup

The Importance of Contractor Selection

Selecting the right contractor is as crucial as choosing the right material. The last thing you want is improper installation that voids warranties and leads to costly repairs. Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide require specific installation techniques and certified contractors to ensure optimal performance.

Key factors to consider when choosing your contractor:

• Manufacturer certifications: Verify the current James Hardie Elite Preferred or LP SmartSide certification status through manufacturer websites.
• Local experience: Choose contractors with extensive Chicago-area experience who understand local climate challenges and building codes.
• Proper insurance coverage: Ensure full liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage to protect your property during installation.
• Detailed written estimates: Request comprehensive quotes that include material specifications, labor costs, timeline, and warranty terms.
• Installation process knowledge: Contractors should demonstrate their understanding of proper flashing, moisture barriers, and edge sealing techniques.
• Reference portfolio: Review recent local projects and contact previous customers to verify quality and satisfaction levels.
• Equipment and safety protocols: Confirm they have the proper cutting tools, dust mitigation equipment, and safety procedures for fiber cement work.

Proper installation is non-negotiable for both materials, as installation errors can void warranties and lead to expensive and frustrating repairs. The investment in qualified, certified contractors pays dividends in long-term performance and peace of mind.

Making Your Decision: Our Chicago-Specific Recommendations

The choice between James Hardie and LP SmartSide depends on your priorities, budget, and long-term homeownership plans. Both materials offer significant advantages over traditional vinyl siding, but their different strengths make them ideal for different Chicago homeowner situations. Let’s break it down.

Choose James Hardie If...

We consistently recommend James Hardie for homeowners who prioritize long-term peace of mind and fire safety. This is especially true if you live in dense neighborhoods, where homes are close together — the non-combustible properties of fiber cement can save your home if a neighbor's property catches fire.

Choose LP SmartSide If...

LP SmartSide would be a choice for clients who love the authentic wood look but want modern performance. If you're working with a tighter budget but still want premium quality, LP SmartSide delivers excellent value. However, understand that you'll need to budget for repainting every 7-10 years to maintain that fresh appearance.

Both materials are excellent investments for Chicago homeowners when matched to the right priorities and properly installed by certified professionals.

Transform Your Chicago Home with Premium Siding

Both James Hardie fiber cement and LP SmartSide engineered wood offer superior performance compared to traditional siding materials, but James Hardie's non-combustible properties and minimal maintenance requirements make it the smart choice for long-term Chicago homeowners. While LP SmartSide provides excellent value and hail resistance, the peace of mind from James Hardie's fire safety and durability often justifies the investment.

As a home remodeling company with over 1,000+ successful siding projects and decades of experience, HX Home Solutions can help you choose the best option depending on your personal preferences, budget, and space-specific needs. Contact us today so we can discuss your ideal home protection solution. No matter whether it's siding, roofing, or small interior updates, HX Home Solutions has you covered.