Siding Materials for Chicago Homes
Protecting your Chicago home from brutal winters, driving rain, and summer heat starts with the right siding. We carry a full range of siding products including vinyl, fiber cement (James Hardie), LP SmartSide engineered wood, and natural cedar siding in multiple profiles and colors. Our inventory is designed to meet the specific needs of Chicago's climate, where siding must withstand freeze-thaw cycles, high winds off the lake, and heavy snowfall. We also stock all required accessories including starter strips, J-channels, trim coils, and house wrap for a complete, weathertight installation.
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Fiber Cement Siding: James Hardie
James Hardie fiber cement siding is engineered specifically for the climates where it is sold, and the HZ5 formulation used in Chicago is designed to resist damage from freeze-thaw cycles and sustained moisture exposure. Made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, Hardie siding is completely non-combustible, impervious to termites, and will not rot or warp even after decades of exposure to Chicago's harsh winters and wet springs.
We stock HardiePlank lap siding in the most popular widths and textures, as well as HardieShingle siding panels that replicate the look of traditional cedar shingles without the maintenance. James Hardie's ColorPlus Technology provides a factory-applied finish that is baked on in a controlled environment, resulting in a more uniform, durable color coat than field-applied paint. The ColorPlus finish is backed by a 15-year warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping, giving Chicago homeowners confidence that their home's exterior will look great for years.
For Chicago's greystones, two-flats, and bungalows, fiber cement siding offers a particularly compelling value proposition. It replicates the look of the original wood siding these homes were built with while providing dramatically better durability and lower maintenance costs over the life of the product.
Engineered Wood Siding: LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide engineered wood siding combines the natural beauty and workability of real wood with advanced manufacturing that makes it resistant to moisture, fungal decay, termites, and impact. The SmartGuard manufacturing process treats the wood strands with a zinc borate compound before they are bonded with a resin binder and overlaid with a primed, paintable surface.
We carry LP SmartSide 38 Series lap siding in smooth and cedar texture finishes, as well as panel siding for contemporary designs. At roughly half the weight of fiber cement, SmartSide is significantly easier and faster to install, which can lower labor costs on large siding projects. It also resists cracking and breakage during handling and installation, a common concern with fiber cement products on cold Chicago job sites.
LP SmartSide carries an industry-leading 50-year limited substrate warranty and a 5-year finish warranty on its factory-primed surface. For homeowners who love the look of real wood siding but want protection against the moisture and decay issues that plague natural wood in our climate, SmartSide offers an outstanding balance of beauty, durability, and value.
Cedar Siding
Western Red Cedar has been a premier siding material for well over a century, and it remains a top choice for homeowners who value natural beauty and authentic character. Cedar's natural oils and extractives give it inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, while its fine, even grain takes stain and paint beautifully. The warm, reddish-brown tones of fresh cedar are iconic, and many Chicago homeowners choose cedar specifically for historic renovations and high-end new construction.
We stock cedar bevel siding in clear and #2 & Better grades, along with cedar shingles for sidewall applications and decorative accents. Cedar bevel siding is available in 1/2x6 and 1/2x8 profiles that create the classic tapered lap appearance. Cedar shingles come in #1 Blue Label (the highest grade, suitable for roofing and sidewalls) and #2 Red Label for sidewall-only applications.
In Chicago's climate, cedar siding performs best when it is properly back-primed before installation, installed over a rainscreen or ventilated furring strips to promote air circulation and drainage, and maintained with a quality stain or paint every 3 to 5 years. With this level of care, a cedar siding installation can easily last 30 or more years.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is the most widely installed siding material in the United States, and for good reason: it is affordable, available in a vast range of colors and profiles, and requires virtually zero maintenance beyond occasional washing. Modern vinyl siding has come a long way from the thin, shiny panels of decades past. Today's premium vinyl products feature deep wood-grain textures, realistic shadow lines, and fade-resistant color that is integral to the material rather than painted on.
We stock CertainTeed Monogram and other premium vinyl siding lines that deliver the thickness, rigidity, and wind resistance needed for Chicago installations. Insulated vinyl siding options include a layer of contoured foam backing that increases impact resistance, dampens sound, and adds a continuous layer of insulation to the wall assembly. This is particularly beneficial on older Chicago homes where wall cavity insulation may be thin or absent.
Proper installation is critical for vinyl siding performance in Chicago. Panels must be hung loosely on the nailing flange to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, and all accessories including J-channels, starter strips, and trim must be properly flashed to prevent wind-driven rain from reaching the sheathing behind.
Wind Resistance, Moisture Management & Insulation Value
Chicago's position on Lake Michigan means homes on the north and east sides can experience sustained winds exceeding 60 mph during severe storms. Siding wind resistance ratings matter here. James Hardie fiber cement siding is tested to withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph when properly installed, while premium vinyl siding products like CertainTeed Monogram are rated for 110+ mph winds. LP SmartSide carries wind load certifications suitable for Chicago's high-wind areas.
Behind any siding, a properly installed weather-resistant barrier (WRB) such as Tyvek HomeWrap is essential to prevent bulk water infiltration while allowing interior moisture vapor to escape. We stock Tyvek HomeWrap and other WRB products, and our staff can advise on proper integration with windows, doors, and penetrations. For maximum moisture management, consider a rainscreen installation with furring strips that creates a ventilated drainage plane between the siding and the WRB.
Adding continuous exterior insulation beneath your siding is one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in Chicago homes. Rigid foam boards in 1/2-inch to 2-inch thicknesses can be installed over the sheathing and under the siding to add R-3 to R-13 of continuous insulation. This approach breaks thermal bridging through the studs and can significantly reduce heating costs during Chicago's long winters.
Our Siding Products
James Hardie HardiePlank Lap Siding
America's #1 brand of fiber cement siding. Engineered for Chicago's climate with ColorPlus technology for lasting color.
James Hardie HardieShingle Siding
Fiber cement shingle-style siding that replicates the look of cedar shingles without the maintenance.
LP SmartSide 38 Series Lap Siding
Engineered wood siding treated with SmartGuard to resist fungal decay, termites, and harsh weather.
CertainTeed Monogram Vinyl Siding
Premium insulated vinyl siding with deep wood-grain texture and excellent impact resistance.
Cedar Bevel Siding 1/2x6 Clear
Premium clear-grade western red cedar bevel siding for high-end residential and historic renovation projects.
Cedar Shingles #1 Blue Label
Top-grade western red cedar shingles for sidewalls and decorative accent areas.
Tyvek HomeWrap
DuPont's industry-standard house wrap providing air and water resistance while allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Aluminum Trim Coil 24" x 50'
Pre-finished aluminum coil stock for custom-bent window and door trim, fascia wraps, and detail work.
Vinyl Soffit Panel 12" Vented
Ventilated soffit panel that promotes airflow in the attic while providing a finished underside to eaves.
J-Channel for Siding
Trim accessory used around windows, doors, and wall transitions to receive the cut edge of siding panels.
What We Offer
- ✓James Hardie fiber cement siding in lap, panel, and shake profiles
- ✓LP SmartSide engineered wood siding with a 50-year warranty
- ✓Premium vinyl siding in insulated and standard options
- ✓Western Red Cedar bevel siding and shingles
- ✓Full range of siding accessories and trim components
- ✓House wrap and weather-resistant barrier products
- ✓Color-matched trim coil and aluminum accessories
- ✓Soffit and fascia systems in aluminum and vinyl
- ✓Siding samples available to take home
- ✓Expert guidance on Chicago building code siding requirements
Siding R-Value Comparison
While siding is primarily a weather barrier and aesthetic element, different materials contribute varying amounts of thermal insulation to your wall assembly. In Chicago's Climate Zone 5, where heating costs account for a major portion of annual energy expenses, every bit of R-value in the wall assembly matters. Understanding each material's insulation contribution helps you make a more informed decision, especially when combined with continuous exterior insulation.
| Siding Material | R-Value | Insulation Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl | R-0.6 | Minimal | Thin profile provides negligible insulation; rely on wall cavity insulation |
| Insulated Vinyl | R-2.0 to R-5.0 | Moderate | Contoured foam backing fills the panel and breaks thermal bridging through studs |
| Fiber Cement (Hardie) | R-0.5 | Minimal | Dense material; pair with rigid foam for thermal benefit |
| Western Red Cedar | R-0.9 | Low | Natural wood offers slightly more insulation than cement or vinyl |
| LP SmartSide (Eng. Wood) | R-0.8 | Low | Similar to natural wood; lighter weight than fiber cement |
Chicago Tip: For the biggest energy impact, add 1" to 2" of continuous rigid foam insulation (R-5 to R-13) beneath any siding material. This addresses thermal bridging through studs, which accounts for 15–25% of heat loss through a framed wall. The Chicago energy code accepts R-13 cavity + R-5 continuous insulation as an alternative to R-20 cavity-only wall insulation.
Wind Resistance Ratings
Chicago is known as the Windy City, and while the nickname originally had more to do with politics than weather, the lakefront location does generate serious wind events. Severe thunderstorms can produce straight-line winds exceeding 70 mph, and sustained winter winds along the lakefront regularly exceed 40 mph. Selecting a siding material rated for high wind speeds is particularly important for homes on the north and east sides of the city with direct lake exposure.
Fiber Cement
130+ mph
James Hardie rated for 150 mph when blind-nailed per spec. Non-combustible and impact-resistant.
LP SmartSide
200 mph
Industry-leading wind resistance. Tested to TAS 202 for high-velocity hurricane zones.
Premium Vinyl
110–180 mph
Varies by product line. CertainTeed Monogram rated for 180 mph. Standard vinyl starts around 110 mph.
Cedar
Varies
Performance depends on fastening method and board thickness. Ring-shank nails recommended for Chicago.
Installation Matters: Wind resistance ratings assume proper installation per manufacturer specifications. Under-driven nails, incorrect spacing, and missing clips can reduce actual wind performance by 50% or more. Always follow the manufacturer's fastening schedule, especially on lakefront and high-exposure elevations.
Chicago's Most Popular Siding Styles
The siding profile you choose affects the overall character and curb appeal of your home. Different profiles suit different architectural styles, and Chicago's diverse housing stock means there is a wide range of appropriate options. Here are the five most popular siding styles we sell for Chicago-area homes.
Clapboard / Horizontal Lap
The most traditional and widely used siding profile. Overlapping horizontal boards create deep shadow lines and a timeless appearance. Available in 4" to 8" exposures. Suits virtually every Chicago home style from bungalows to new construction. Available in fiber cement, engineered wood, vinyl, and cedar.
Dutch Lap
Similar to clapboard but with a concave notch at the top of each board that creates a distinctive shadow line and a slightly more decorative appearance. Popular on Cape Cod and Colonial-style homes. Available in vinyl and fiber cement. Provides more visual depth than flat clapboard.
Board and Batten
Vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the joints. Creates a bold, vertical pattern that is popular on modern farmhouse designs and contemporary homes. LP SmartSide and fiber cement panels are the most popular materials. Increasingly used as an accent on gable ends and feature walls.
Shake & Shingle
Replicates the look of hand-split cedar shakes or sawn shingles. Adds rich texture and a natural, organic character. HardieShingle fiber cement panels provide this look without cedar maintenance. Popular for Chicago bungalow gable accents, Cape Cod homes, and upper-story accent areas.
Vertical Panel
Large, smooth or lightly textured vertical panels with a clean, modern aesthetic. Often used on contemporary homes, mid-century modern renovations, and commercial-style residential buildings. LP SmartSide 4x8 and 4x9 panels are popular for this application, offering fast installation and a sleek, minimalist appearance.
Color Trends in Chicago Neighborhoods
Siding color dramatically impacts curb appeal, and the right palette depends on both personal taste and the architectural character of the neighborhood. Here is what we see trending across Chicago's most popular neighborhoods based on our customers' selections and the homes we supply material for.
Lincoln Park & Lakeview
Classic whites, soft grays, and navy accents dominate. The historic brick-and-frame housing stock pairs beautifully with understated, elegant color palettes. James Hardie Arctic White, Iron Gray, and Evening Blue are top sellers. Many homeowners choose a subtle contrast between body and trim rather than bold color statements.
Logan Square & Humboldt Park
Bolder, more expressive color choices reflect the creative character of these neighborhoods. Deep greens, warm mustard yellows, and rich burgundy accents are popular on Victorian-era homes. Two-tone color schemes with contrasting body and gable colors are common. LP SmartSide's paintability makes it a favorite here for custom color matching.
Beverly & Mount Greenwood
Earth tones that complement the neighborhood's mature tree canopy and traditional architecture. Warm taupes, sage greens, and muted browns are the go-to palette. Stained cedar siding remains popular here for the natural, organic look it brings to the area's Tudor, Colonial, and craftsman homes.
Old Town & Gold Coast
Historic palettes that respect the architectural heritage of these landmark districts. Cream, putty, slate gray, and deep red accents are common. Many homes in these neighborhoods fall under historic preservation guidelines that restrict color choices to period-appropriate palettes. James Hardie ColorPlus offers the widest range of historically accurate factory colors.
Free Color Samples: We keep color sample chips and large-format samples of James Hardie ColorPlus, LP SmartSide, and CertainTeed vinyl siding colors in our yard. Take them home to view against your home's brick, stone, or trim before committing to a color.
Frequently Asked Questions About Siding
Ready to Transform Your Home's Exterior?
Our siding specialists can help you choose the right material for your Chicago home. Visit our yard to see samples and discuss your project, or contact us online.