Why LP SmartSide Siding on the North Shore?
Durability
LP SmartSide is manufactured with a zinc-borate wood-preservative treatment and an overlay resin that resists impact better than standard wood products. Select products carry a Class 4 impact rating, the highest available, which matters on a North Shore home that receives hail and windstorms from April through September. That rating is the same top tier as impact-resistant roofing shingles.
Climate Fit
Engineered wood handles Chicago-area freeze-thaw cycles differently than fiber cement. LP SmartSide is lighter, so it expands and contracts with less stress on fasteners during the 40-degree temperature swings that run from November through March. The zinc-borate treatment also provides built-in resistance to fungal decay, which is an issue on humid, wooded lots along the North Shore lakefront.
Low Maintenance
LP SmartSide comes pre-primed from the factory and accepts paint well, so a repaint every 10 to 15 years keeps it looking sharp. Unlike natural wood, it doesnāt need annual staining or sealing. Compared with fiber cement, the lighter weight makes installation simpler, reducing the need for two-person panel handling and helping keep most jobs more affordable.
Warranty
LP SmartSide carries a 50-year limited warranty on engineered-wood products when installed by a certified contractor. The warranty is transferable, which holds real value on the North Shore where buyers ask for documentation on major exterior work when a home changes hands. Thatās nearly double the 30-year warranty common with fiber-cement lines.
Aesthetics
LP SmartSide profiles replicate the grain and shadow lines of natural wood siding. You get that warm, residential look without the rot risk that comes with raw wood. Available in lap, panel, shake, and trim configurations, it suits the Craftsman bungalows, colonial revivals, and contemporary builds that make up most of the housing stock across Lake County.
Value and Return
LP SmartSide typically costs less to install than fiber cement because the panels are lighter and easier to handle, reducing labor time on most jobs. Homeowners looking for the appearance of wood without the maintenance demands of traditional materials often see it as a balanced option between vinyl and full fiber cement. The gap only favors fiber cement when longevity beyond 30 years is the primary goal.

LP SmartSide Product Lines We Install
At HX Home Solutions, we install LP SmartSide products matched to the profile and trim needs of each home. Hereās what that typically covers on a North Shore project.
LP SmartSide Lap Siding
The lap profile is the most common choice on North Shore homes. It installs horizontally in 8-inch, 6-inch, and other exposure widths, producing the classic wood-lap look with engineered durability. Available pre-primed for immediate painting to any color, it covers the full range of North Shore residential styles without a premium-tier price.
LP SmartSide Vertical Panel
SmartSide Vertical Panel suits gable ends, accent areas, and contemporary facades where a board-and-batten or vertical pattern is part of the design. It pairs well with lap siding on the same house to add visual depth without requiring a different product warranty.
LP SmartSide Trim and Fascia
LP SmartSide Trim and Fascia boards complete the system by wrapping corners, windows, doors, and rooflines with matching engineered-wood material. Using the same product family for siding and trim gives you a consistent warranty and matching performance across the full building envelope.
LP SmartSide Soffit
SmartSide Soffit panels provide a durable finish for the underside of overhangs, with vented and solid options available depending on how your attic ventilation system is designed. Itās the right replacement for the rotted wood soffit that many older North Shore homes develop over time.
LP SmartSide Siding Cost on the North Shore
LP SmartSide installation on the North Shore typically runs $5.50 to $16 per square foot installed, depending on home complexity and location within the region, based on Illinois-area market data from 2024 to 2026. The full table below shows where different scopes land.
What Affects Your Price
The range is wide because several factors pull the number up or down. Home size and number of stories matter most: a multi-story home costs more per square foot because staging and safety equipment add time. Features like gable ends, bay windows, and detailed trim add complexity to the installation, which can increase cutting time and material waste. Existing siding tear off adds cost if there are multiple layers or rotted sheathing underneath. The LP SmartSide profile you choose also shifts material cost. And densely landscaped North Shore properties sometimes require extra setup to protect plantings and walkways.
HX Home Solutions provides free on-site estimates with no obligation. We also offer financing options for qualified homeowners, and we work through the insurance claim process when storm or hail damage is involved. See our siding replacement cost guide for a deeper breakdown.
LP SmartSide vs. Fiber-Cement Siding
Fiber cement comes up constantly when homeowners are evaluating LP SmartSide. LP SmartSide typically costs less to install and carries a longer warranty, while fiber cement holds an edge on raw lifespan for those planning a 30-plus-year stay. Hereās how the two materials compare on the most essential factors for a North Shore home.
If you are weighing both materials, our comparison blog covers the LP SmartSide vs James Hardie decision in more detail with the North Shore context. We also install fiber-cement siding if that is the right fit for your home.
North Shore LP SmartSide Siding, Family-Owned Since 1950
Weāve installed exterior systems on the North Shore since 1950. We know how Lake County freeze-thaw cycles impact improperly installed siding, and we pick materials that hold up under those conditions. HX Home Solutions is LP-certified, and we install LP SmartSide because weāve tested it across decades of North Shore winters, not because of a rebate program.
Homeowners across Highland Park, Glenview, and Libertyville rate us 4.9 stars across 179 Google reviews. Our team is small by design. You talk to the same people from estimate to final cleanup.
Our LP SmartSide Siding Process
Hereās how a siding replacement goes from first visit to final sweep, in the order it actually happens.
Step 1: On-Site Consultation
We visit your home, measure the full exterior, and walk through LP SmartSide profile and color options with you in person. You get a detailed written estimate before anything else happens. No sales script, no pressure, and no obligation.
Step 2: Profile and Color Selection
We bring LP SmartSide samples to your home so you can see how each profile and color reads against your trim, roofline, and neighborhood. We help you pick the configuration that fits your budget and your streetās architectural character.
Step 3: Existing Siding Removal and Prep
Protective tarps and boards go down over plantings, walkways, and anything below the work zone before the tear-off starts. Old siding and debris are removed and hauled off the same day. If there is any rotted sheathing or water-damaged framing, we address it before new panels go on.
Step 4: LP SmartSide Installation
LP SmartSide panels are installed to manufacturer specifications with proper flashing at windows, doors, and transitions. Trim boards, corner pieces, and soffit are finished to the same standard. We complete most full siding replacements on the North Shore in two to four days, depending on home size and complexity.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough
Before we leave, we will walk through the completed job with you. If anything needs touching up, we address it on the spot. Cleanup includes a full property sweep. Your LP SmartSide warranty documentation is provided with the project file.
Step 6: Ongoing Support
Our team is available after the job is done. If a storm causes damage, we help you assess it and start the insurance process. HX Home Solutions has been serving North Shore homeowners since 1950, and we plan to be here for any questions that come up down the road.
LP SmartSide Siding Across the North Shore
We install LP SmartSide siding throughout Lake County and the North Shore suburbs. Find local project experience and area-specific context below.
Location Pages
- Siding Contractor in Glenview
- Siding Contractor in Highland Park
- Siding Contractor in Lake Forest
- Siding Contractor in Libertyville







