Most siding problems do not start with the product. They start with the installation. Improper installation is the leading cause of fiber cement siding failure, and it can quietly void your manufacturer’s warranty. That is where James Hardie ALLIANCE comes in.
This program trains, vets, and connects homeowners with qualified installers, so you can tell a reliable contractor from a risky one before you ever sign a contract for your Chicago home.
What is James Hardie ALLIANCE?
James Hardie ALLIANCE is a contractor program built on one simple idea: even the best siding is only as good as the crew that installs it. The program trains, audits, and connects homeowners with installers who know how to put Hardie fiber cement on a home correctly.
In February 2025, James Hardie rebuilt the program from the ground up. The old five-level system and the “Elite Preferred” label are gone. Today, the ALLIANCE uses four clear tiers, and each one tells you something useful about the contractor standing in your driveway.
Key Takeaway: A contractor’s ALLIANCE tier is a quick, manufacturer-backed signal of their training, track record, and standing with James Hardie. Higher tiers mean more proven experience.
The Four ALLIANCE Tiers, Explained for Homeowners
Most articles describe these tiers from the contractor’s point of view. We think you care about something different: what each tier means for the safety of your investment.
Enrolled and Select: The Entry Levels
Enrolled is the starting point. These contractors have signed on, completed basic training, and earned access to Hardie resources. It shows commitment, though it is the least proven tier.
Select contractors have done more. They appear in the official James Hardie Contractor Locator and can be matched with homeowner leads directly from James Hardie. A Select listing means the contractor has cleared a meaningful bar.
Preferred and Elite: The Top Tiers
Preferred contractors earn a premium directory listing, richer homeowner leads, and invitations to exclusive James Hardie events. Reaching this level reflects a strong project history and a solid relationship with the manufacturer.
Elite is the highest tier. These contractors receive the top directory placement, the largest rewards multiplier, and access to James Hardie-funded research. For homeowners, Elite signals the deepest experience and the strongest record of customer satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Ask any contractor to show you their current tier in the James Hardie Contractor Locator. A legitimate ALLIANCE member can pull it up in seconds.
Need expert help with your siding project? Contact All Star for a free, no-pressure consultation. Call (847) 443-5990 or request your estimate online today.
Why Your Contractor’s Tier Matters for Your Project
Your contractor’s tier is a practical guide to how your project will go, and it affects the two things that matter most to your wallet.
How James Hardie ALLIANCE Protects Your Warranty
Your Hardie product warranty is generous, and it has one important condition. The siding must be installed according to James Hardie’s published specifications. Cut corners on the install, and the resulting damage may not be covered.
Trained ALLIANCE installers follow those specifications closely. That single fact protects the coverage you are paying for and keeps your home protected for decades.
Installation Built for Chicago Weather
Chicago sits in one of the more demanding climate zones for exterior materials. Freeze and thaw cycles, heavy moisture, and strong winter winds test every seam and fastener.
James Hardie designs its products with regional performance in mind through the HardieZone system. A properly trained crew installs with those local conditions front of mind, which is exactly what your home needs here in Northern Illinois.
Key Takeaway: Correct installation is the difference between siding that lasts 30 years and siding that fails early. The right tier helps you find a crew that gets it right the first time.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
A tier tells you a lot, though it does not tell you everything. Smart homeowners ask a few more questions before they sign:
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Ask for proof and confirm the policies are active.
- Can I see local projects? Request addresses or photos from homes near your zip code.
- Who actually does the work? Confirm whether the company uses in-house crews or subcontractors.
- What does your workmanship warranty cover? Get it in writing, separate from the product warranty.
- Are you EPA Lead Safe certified? This matters in older Chicagoland homes built before 1978.
Pro Tip: A trustworthy contractor welcomes these questions. Hesitation is a red flag worth noticing.
Why Chicago Homeowners Choose All Star
We bring a perspective few siding companies can match. Our founder, Dave Donofrio, spent two decades as a senior leader at James Hardie, where he helped develop products and trained thousands of installers across the country. We learned this program from the inside.
That experience now serves homeowners here at home. Families across the area choose us because we offer:
- More than 35 years of service in Chicagoland
- A BBB A+ rating and EPA Lead Safe certification
- A 4.6-star Google rating from local homeowners
- A clear four-step process backed by a satisfaction guarantee and lifetime workmanship coverage
We proudly serve Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, Deerfield, Libertyville, and surrounding communities throughout Northern Illinois.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Your home is one of your largest investments, and the contractor you choose matters as much as the siding itself. Knowing the tier system gives you a clear, manufacturer-backed way to hire with confidence.
When you are ready for expert installation and a genuinely stress-free experience, our team is here to help. Schedule your free in-home consultation today and see firsthand why so many Northern Illinois families trust All Star and the standards behind James Hardie ALLIANCE.
