Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding is a licensed Illinois contractor (IL license 104.017824) working in Belvidere and across Boone County. We’re family-owned, we’ve been in business since 2006, and we’re a GAF Master Elite contractor and a four-time Inc. 5000 company. We have been voted What Rocks Rockford Best Siding, 2021-2025. Call (815) 209-9054.
Belvidere Knows Storms
Ask anyone who’s lived here a while. The F4 tornado of April 21, 1967 destroyed 127 homes on the southeast side. On March 31, 2023, an EF-1 with winds near 100 mph tore part of the roof off the Apollo Theatre downtown. And on May 15, 2025, quarter-size hail came down in town. Most storms are smaller than those, but Belvidere is surrounded by open farm country, and the wind that crosses it doesn’t slow down before it reaches your house.
That’s why we care so much about how siding is fastened. Vinyl that’s nailed wrong or not locked at the bottom will flap and eventually blow off. Hardie that’s not flashed correctly at trim and openings lets water in behind it. We install both to the manufacturer’s instructions, and most jobs get new house wrap under the siding.
Three Kinds of Belvidere Houses
The older homes near the Kishwaukee River and the historic downtown on State Street. These usually need the most prep. Once the old layers come off, we replace rotted sheathing and trim before anything goes back up. We handle removal of any old siding, asbestos included.
Post-war ranches on the north and south sides. These are often still wearing aluminum or early vinyl that’s faded hard on the south and west walls. A ranch is a quick job. Most siding projects take 1 to 2 days.
Newer subdivisions out on the east side, built as the town grew around the auto plant. Thin builder-grade vinyl isn’t old, but hail and wind find it first.
Vinyl vs James Hardie in Belvidere
Vinyl from Mastic and Norandex costs less, never needs paint and often lasts 20 to 40 years when it’s installed correctly. Today’s thicker and insulated panels are a big step up from builder-grade vinyl.
James Hardie fiber cement is the one to look at if hail is your main worry. It’s a dense, non-combustible board that handles impact much better than vinyl, and it looks like painted wood, which suits the older homes near downtown. It costs more up front and comes with James Hardie’s own product warranty.
We’ll show you both at your estimate and tell you honestly which one fits your house and budget.
After Hail or Wind
Hail that’s big enough to dent a car usually cracks vinyl and can dent aluminum. If a storm went through, we’ll inspect the siding and roof for free and photograph the damage. If it’s worth a claim, we’ll help with your insurance claim and can meet the adjuster at your house. If a few panels can be matched and repaired, we’ll tell you that instead of selling you a whole house. See hail damage repair and wind damage repair.
We install in winter too, so a storm in November doesn’t mean living with broken siding until spring.
What Customers Say
“We contacted Martins in early 2025 when we noticed shingles falling off after storms. Martins fought on our behalf with insurance for a roof replacement. They walked us through everything and answered every question we had. They never missed an appointment with us and they got back to us the same day if we called. It was a long back and forth with insurance but it was worth it in the end. After finally getting approval they were here and done in one day and it looks amazing. Very happy with our experience.”
Google review
“Couldn’t ask for a better experience. Very professional. Never felt like they were trying to over sell us and took the time to explain everything about the roof materials and why they did things the way they do. Their clean up is excellent as well. No debris was left behind. You will definitely not be disappointed using them!!”
Alexis K.
Roofing in Belvidere
Storms that hurt siding usually hurt the roof too. See our Belvidere roofing page, and our siding installation overview.
Free Siding Estimate in Belvidere
We’ll measure the house, check the walls, and bring vinyl and Hardie samples you can look at in daylight. Financing is available, with payments as low as $149/month for qualified buyers (see financing).
Schedule your free estimate or call (815) 209-9054.
Belvidere Siding FAQ
Is James Hardie siding worth it in Belvidere with all the hail?
For a lot of homeowners, yes. James Hardie fiber cement handles hail and impact much better than vinyl. It costs more up front, so we’ll show you both options and let you decide.
Can you fix a few hail-damaged siding panels instead of replacing the whole house?
Sometimes. It depends on whether your color and profile can still be matched. We’ll check and tell you honestly.
Do I need a permit for siding in Belvidere?
Martin Exteriors pulls and handles all required permits, inside or outside Belvidere city limits.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Quality vinyl that’s installed correctly often lasts 20 to 40 years here.
What happens to my old siding?
We remove it and haul it away. We handle any old siding, asbestos included.
Do you install siding in the winter?
Yes. We install year-round, winter included, and most jobs take 1 to 2 days.
