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James Hardie Siding in Winnetka: Built to Endure, Designed to Impress

James Hardie fiber cement siding offers the authentic look of wood with unmatched durability—engineered to withstand the Midwest’s harshest conditions.

At Custom Installations, we’re certified Hardie installers who deliver precise craftsmanship, ensuring your home not only looks exceptional but also stands the test of time.

Engineered for Climate®: Tailored to resist damage from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice.
ColorPlus® Technology: Factory-applied, baked-on color that resists fading, chipping, and cracking.
Noncombustible and Pest-Resistant: Will not ignite and holds no appeal for termites or woodpeckers.
30-Year Limited Warranty: Backed by James Hardie for long-term peace of mind.

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Our Certifications & Trusted Brands

Expert Installation That Maximizes Hardie’s Performance

Proper installation is critical to Hardie siding’s longevity. Our team follows James Hardie’s best practices to the letter, ensuring every panel is installed with precision.

Correct spacing and fastening to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.
Integration of moisture barriers and flashing to prevent water intrusion.
Careful handling of ColorPlus® finishes to maintain color integrity.
Seamless integration with Hardie® Trim boards for a polished look.

Why Choose Us for Your Hardie Siding Project

With over 50 years of experience, Custom Installations combines time-tested craftsmanship with modern materials. Our commitment to quality ensures your James Hardie siding is installed to the highest standards.

Certified James Hardie installers trained and approved by the manufacturer
Comprehensive project management from initial consultation to final walkthrough
Custom trim and flashing solutions matched to your home’s architectural styleCustom trim and flashing solutions matched to your home’s architectural style
Daily progress updates that keep you informed every step of the way

Explore James Hardie Siding Options

HardiePlank® Lap Siding

The most popular James Hardie siding style. HardiePlank delivers the classic look of wood lap siding with unmatched durability. Available in smooth or cedar-textured finishes and a wide range of ColorPlus® prefinished hues.

HardiePanel® Vertical Siding

A bold, contemporary choice for modern and farmhouse-style homes. HardiePanel offers strong vertical lines and pairs well with HardieTrim® for custom board-and-batten looks.

HardieShingle® Siding

Get the charm of cedar shake without the maintenance. HardieShingle siding is perfect for gables, dormers, or full walls, offering timeless texture that resists cracking and rot.

HardieTrim® Boards

Add the finishing touch with durable, low-maintenance trim. HardieTrim frames your doors, windows, and corners with clean, architectural lines that resist warping and peeling.

HardieSoffit® Panels

Protect your eaves and porch ceilings with vented or solid soffit panels that coordinate seamlessly with your siding system.

The Advantages of James Hardie Siding for Midwest Homes

Authentic Wood Appearance Without the Maintenance

HardiePlank® Lap Siding offers the rich texture of wood without the upkeep, providing a timeless look that enhances any home.

Engineered for Midwest Climates

The HZ5® product line is specifically designed to resist damage from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, making it ideal for homes in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Fire and Pest Resistance

James Hardie siding is noncombustible and resists damage from termites and woodpeckers, offering added protection for your home.

Long-Lasting Color with ColorPlus® Technology

Enjoy vibrant, fade-resistant color with ColorPlus® Technology, which applies multiple coats of paint in a controlled factory setting and cures them for a durable finish.

“We chose James Hardie for its durability and look, and Custom Installations made the process seamless. Our home has never looked better.”

Join the thousands of homeowners across Illinois and Wisconsin who trust Custom Installations for their James Hardie siding projects. Experience the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and expert installation.

About Custom Installations, Inc.

We’re a second-generation, family-operated company built on one core belief:

Craftsmanship matters. Always has, always will.

With deep roots in Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee, our team has served homeowners, architects, and builders since 1969. From small repairs to historical restorations, we deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Our Completed Projects

Explore our past work in your neighborhood.

Hear From Homeowners Like You

Discover what real homeowners are saying about their experience with us. From start to finish, our team is committed to delivering quality, reliability, and results you can trust.

Greta Harrris

John Robinson & crew was a pleasure to work with: very professional, respectful & competent. They kept me informed of their work schedule at all times & even went the extra mile to address a vent issue that I did not know I had. I would highly recommend using Custom Installations for their quality of work & making the customer feel at ease answering every question. Very satisfied.

Carol Ann B.

My garage I had vinyl siding was done in one day . They did a great job I am so happy i had it done. the crew were working hard all day and the project manager, John Robinson, came often to check on the work. I will recommend this company to my friends.

Jonathan J.

John Robinson at Custom Installations was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. He was extremely responsive, collaborative and nice, which is rare these days. His team worked diligently for nearly a month. Overall, it was a great experience to work with John and his team at Custom Installations.

Denali

Had Custom installations redo the entire exterior,(hardie board) roof, and gutters of our home and the results were great! Very professional and organized. Whenever I had a concern or question, my point of contact and project lead, John was an invaluable resource and took care of any issues or questions immediately. I was very impressed with his knowledge and ability to communicate my concerns and wants to whatever crew was working for the entirety of the project. Would definitely recommend and use custom installations on future projects.

Ryan Chitwood

I was in need of a metal crew that could do very high end copper work and was recommended this company by a major national player that owns a company in Denver, Co. The people at Custom Installations were amazing from start to finish, literally. They traveled here during the week for work and were so careful and respectful. Their copper/metal work is as good as I have ever seen. They just completed the most beautiful roof we have ever done for a homeowner. Their communication was fluid and consistent and we had zero issues. For a job with a ticket that size, we needed this to be a smooth process and Custom Installations Inc knocked it out of the park for us. Thank you guys!

Rob

Custom Installation was great to work with through this whole process. From the beginning, Ted Aydt Was very professional and thorough with the bid and immensely helpful with the insurance issues. On the job, the whole crew was great and so respectful. John Robinson was The project manager and always kept us up-to-date as did the office staff. I would definitely recommend them for your roofing job.

Will Lynn

Our old siding and part of our garage where damaged due to a storm which resulted in our house needing to be completely re-sided and part of the garage roof replaced. We chose Custom Installation not only for the quality of their work but their skilled teams knowledge of insurance claims. Bruce truly made this entire process as smooth as possible. We could lot be happier with how our house turned out.

Jacob Rosenfeld

We just hired Custom Installations to re-side & re-roof my home. We chose James Hardie, Board & Baton siding. The Custom Installations team was awesome, from my sales contact, Brad Hironimus, to the installers. Despite the house being originally constructed in the 1960's, it now looks brand new and I expect will further stand the test of time. The foreman assigned to our job, John Robinson, was exceptional. He was extremely responsive and always arrived on site with a great attitude. Whenever I had questions or concerns, he was easy to reach and successfully drove the team into delivering a fantastic result. I would definitely refer the Custom Installations team to anyone looking to improve their home.

Robert Tschurtz

We recently had a new asphalt roof installed on our residence here in Wisconsin. Mr. Pohlman and his crew were professional, timely, and exacting in the quality of their work. The project started and ended on time with no issues. Our property was left in the same condition as when they started. Mr. Pohlman was always available by email and personal cell phone for any questions, and personally on site. Overall, an excellent experience all the way around. Very rare these days.

Brett Paschke

The roof looks great and communication from Kevin and team was excellent throughout. Bob and the onsite team were up on the roof in below zero weather getting the job done.

David Held

Danny was able to arrange for contractor to remove the solar panels. He and his crew did a great job reroofing our home.

Jonathan Jonas

John Robinson at Custom Installations was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. He was extremely responsive, collaborative and nice, which is rare these days. His team worked diligently for nearly a month. Overall, it was a great experience to work with John and his team at Custom Installations.

What Homeowners Ask Us Most

What makes James Hardie siding different from vinyl or wood siding?

James Hardie siding is made from fiber cement — a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers — which makes it far more durable than vinyl and more low-maintenance than wood. It resists warping, rotting, pests, and fire, while still providing the natural look of wood grain.

How long does James Hardie siding last?

When installed correctly, James Hardie siding can last 30+ years. It comes with a 30-year limited warranty, and its ColorPlus® Technology helps maintain vibrant color much longer than traditional paint.

Is James Hardie siding a good fit for Midwest climates?

Absolutely. Hardie’s HZ5® product line is specifically engineered for cold, wet climates like the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. It resists cracking, shrinking, and moisture damage — even through freeze-thaw cycles.

Can I choose custom colors and styles?

Yes. James Hardie offers a wide range of styles — including lap, panel, shingle, and board-and-batten — with dozens of pre-finished ColorPlus® options. We can also help match custom colors for historical or modern designs.

Do I need a certified installer for Hardie siding?

Yes — Hardie siding must be installed according to specific guidelines to maintain its warranty and performance. As certified James Hardie installers, we ensure it’s done right the first time.

Got More Questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about roof types, warranty details, or what to expect during installation—we’ll walk you through it all with zero pressure.

Find Out If We Service Your Area

Custom Installations, Inc. proudly serves homeowners, builders, and property managers across Chicagoland, Metro and Milwaukee.

Primary Service Areas:

Illinois

Wisconsin

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