
Welcome to the Northwind Exteriors Learning Center—your essential guide for protecting and enhancing your home's exterior in Park Ridge, Glenview, Des Plaines, and the surrounding suburbs.
We don't just provide exterior services; we provide certified expertise. Northwind Exteriors holds the highest credentials in the industry:
Siding: James Hardie Alliance Elite Contractor
Roofing: Malarkey Certified Premium Contractor
This dual certification ensures you receive superior workmanship and the industry's best warranties on both major components of your home's envelope.
What You'll Find Inside Our Expert Guides:
Premium Roofing Expertise: Transparent guides on Malarkey products, the value of Certified Premium Contractor installation (including the enhanced warranty), proper ventilation, and the necessity of Ice and Water Shield.
Elite Siding Clarity: Localized cost guides, including the real price of James Hardie siding, and the importance of hiring an Elite Contractor for a valid 30-year warranty.
Weather Defense & Solutions: Urgent solutions for local threats like ice dams (from our division, Ice Dam Liquidators of Chicago) and proactive steps to prevent storm damage.
Home Value: Tips on maximizing curb appeal, improving energy efficiency, and boosting your home's resale value through strategic exterior upgrades.
Start exploring our latest articles below to secure your home's investment with certified quality.

If you’ve driven through the Country Club area, Uptown, or near Maine South High School recently, you’ve likely noticed a trend: Park Ridge homeowners are moving away from high-maintenance wood and "plastic-looking" vinyl. They are choosing the timeless, durable look of James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding.
At Northwind Exteriors, we specialize in protecting the "envelope" of your home. Whether you own a historic Tudor, a classic Dutch Colonial, or a sturdy Chicago Bungalow, choosing the right siding—and the right installer—is the most important decision you’ll make for your home’s longevity. Northwind Exteriors holds the highest level of certification with James Hardie as a James Hardie Alliance Elite Contractor and was the winner of the 2024 James Hardie Alliance Service Excellence Award!

The Chicagoland climate is famously brutal. Between our "Polar Vortex" winters and humid summers, materials like vinyl can become brittle and crack. James Hardie siding is engineered for our climate. Specifically, the HZ5® product line we use here in Park Ridge is designed to resist freezing temperatures, snow, and ice without warping or rotting.
Unlike corporate siding "systems," Northwind Exteriors is deeply embedded in the Park Ridge community. We don't just work here; we are the neighbors you see at Hinkley Park or the North Park fields.
We are proud to be:
Featured in "The Real Park Ridge": We were honored to be highlighted in our local community magazine, sharing our story of quality craftsmanship and local commitment. Spotlight on Northwind Exteriors : Joe Breisch on how his innovative roofing and siding company is leading the way by utilizing the latest technology, a fully transparent process, and the best materials available - The Real Park Ridge
Hosting the Park Ridge Executive Network (PREN): We don't just belong to the Chamber—we are the official host for the PREN 5 monthly meetings! Hosting this group of local executives and business leaders right here in our office is part of our commitment to a thriving Park Ridge.
Youth Sports Sponsors: You’ll see the Northwind logo supporting Park Ridge Football & Cheer (Falcons), Park Ridge Baseball & Softball, and Maine South Athletics.
When I’m not on a roof or inspecting a siding project, I’m likely coaching my son Aiden’s football or basketball teams and watching my daughter Everly cheer. As a former collegiate football player at St. Norbert, I believe in the same values for my business as I do for my teams: discipline, teamwork, and finishing the job right.

We take pride in matching the "soul" of your home with the right Hardie profile. Whether it's HardiePlank® Lap Siding for a traditional look or HardiePanel® Vertical Siding (Board and Batten) for a modern farmhouse aesthetic, we ensure your home is the standout on the block.
This is where we stand apart: Your siding and your roof meet at critical junctions called "flashing points." If a siding company doesn't master roofing (or vice-versa), they often fail to properly seal these transitions. Our team ensures your exterior envelope is airtight and watertight from the peak of your roof to the base of your foundation. We hold the top tier certification in both roofing and siding with Malarkey Roofing Products & James Hardie Siding.
We work, coach, and host the community here. We treat every home like it’s on our own block.
Contact Joe at Northwind Exteriors today for a free, no-pressure consultation. Let’s talk about how we can protect your home for the next generation.
James Hardie Siding Contractor | Park Ridge & Chicagoland Suburbs