LP SmartSide is manufactured from wood strands treated with zinc borate, then bound with resin and wax. That gives you the grain and workability of real wood without the knots, splits, and inconsistency that come with sawn timber, and with far better resistance to rot and insect damage. It’s easy to recommend for light business, shed, and residential applications that demand a quality appearance and the capacity to endure harsh weather.
LP SmartSide Siding presents several benefits, including:
The SmartGuard® process treats each strand with zinc borate before pressing, so the protection runs through the board rather than sitting on the surface. LP backs it with a 5/50 limited warranty: five years at 100% labour and material, then fifty years prorated, with hail damage covered up to 1.75 inches in diameter.
Engineered wood is more flexible than the composite siding, so it's less likely to crack. Engineered wood employs treated wood strands mixed with a resin binder for strength, although some composite sidings are made of cellulose fibers bonded with additional materials. Composite siding may also require more maintenance.
Both perform well. LP SmartSide installs faster: it cuts with standard woodworking tools, comes in 16-foot lengths against fiber cement's 12, and is light enough for one person to handle. Fiber cement is non-combustible, which engineered wood is not, and that difference can decide the material for a fire resilient Colorado home.
As it's less prone to breaking, it's much easier to move LP SmartSide Trim & Siding on a worksite. This can all be done by a single person.
Engineered LP SmartSide Siding wood cuts like real wood, accommodate nails and screws and may be installed using common woodworking tools. Fiber cement, on the other hand, may demand the use of specialized cutting equipment and is more prone to fracture or break, culminating in more material waste.
LP SmartSide Siding can be 16 feet long, whereas fiber cement lap boards are available in 12-foot lengths. Engineered wood may thus be easier to install because of the additional length and fewer seams.
Though it's difficult to deny that traditional wood has a charming appearance, it also comes with all of Mother Nature's imperfections. On the other hand, LP SmartSide Trim & Siding has a strong resemblance but is significantly more durable and resistant to impact and moisture.
Whereas conventional wood is derived from trees like cedar and redwood, engineered wood employs treated wood strands coupled with wax and resin binders for strength.
Unlike traditional wood, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding installs quickly and effortlessly due to its high flexibility. Natural wood is highly biodegradable and untreated. LP publishes wind resistance figures for SmartSide based on ASTM E330 testing. It is backed by LP's 5/50 limited warranty: five years at full labour and material, then fifty years prorated. Also, LP SmartSide Siding requires far less maintenance than regular wood.
While vinyl has earned its place as the most popular siding material on the market due to its cost and ease of maintenance, it cannot compare to the durability, impact resistance, and appealing appearance of LP SmartSide Siding.
Wood-based siding has a modestly higher insulating value than vinyl, though the difference against a full wall assembly is small. LP SmartSide is thicker and more impact resistant than standard vinyl, and holds fasteners better. Vinyl remains the lower-cost option and needs no painting, which is why we still install a lot of it.
The LP SmartSide range covers lap, panel and vertical, trim and fascia, and shingles and shakes.
GS Exterior Experts has installed exterior products across the Denver metro since 1999. We start with a no-obligation estimate, walk you through the product options with our design tools, and recommend what suits your needs and budget. Financing is available for qualified customers.
We always start easy with a no-obligation template, and as soon as you explore our product options with our design tools, we help you recommend a product that matches your needs and budget. GS Exterior Experts also provides financing for qualified customers. We guarantee a professional and friendly home transformation that checks all your boxes and more. Reach out to us today.
Curious about LP SmartSide Siding? We have the answers.
LP SmartSide typically runs $18 to $22 per square foot installed, against roughly $14 to $18 for fiber cement and $8 to $12 for vinyl. It sits at the upper end on material cost, though the faster installation can narrow the gap on labour.
Some disadvantages of LP SmartSide siding include the fact that it is a bit more expensive than other types of siding, and it can be susceptible to flaking if not installed properly. As well, it has a warranty of 50 years, which, while generous, is prorated, meaning that coverage drops by 2.2% each year after the sixth year.
Expect 20 to 30 years in Colorado conditions. LP SmartSide is prefinished or field-painted, and the finish will need attention before the substrate does, so the paint cycle usually determines when a re-side makes sense.
Yes, it’s important that you install a non-compressible drainable house wrap (NCDH) behind your LP SmartSide siding to protect your home from water damage. Do not attach LP Smartside vertical siding directly to studs, as this can lead to moisture damage.
Vinyl siding is typically more affordable than LP SmartSide siding. Vinyl is generally between $8-$12 per square foot, whereas LP SmartSide siding can cost between $18-$22 per square foot. The benefit is that smartboard siding is more efficient and will last much longer than vinyl siding.
LP Siding is made of wood strands and fibers that are treated with zinc borate to resist damage from termites and fungal decay. This is generally referred to as engineered wood siding.
Most siding is made from either wood or vinyl. Wood siding can be painted or stained, but it requires more maintenance than LP SmartSide siding. Vinyl siding is less expensive but it doesn’t offer the same level of protection against water damage, wind damage, and pests.
When installing LP SmartSide siding, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. All exposed edges of LP SmartSide siding and trim must be primed and painted with approved paint to protect the siding substrate.
The back side is better left unpainted. Therefore, do not prime the back side of the siding or trim. It’s also important to use the proper tools and techniques when installing LP SmartSide siding. Improper installation can void the manufacturer’s warranty.
