What is LP Siding and How to Choose It for Your Home
Yekaterina Kramarenko
Siding
What is LP Siding and How to Choose It for Your Home
When it comes to finding the perfect siding for your home, striking the right balance between durability, aesthetics, and ease of installation can be a challenge. What is LP siding? LP SmartSide siding, an engineered wood product, offers an excellent solution that combines these qualities. In this blog post, we will explore how LP SmartSide compares to other popular siding options such as James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding. By the end of this journey, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on whether LP SmartSide siding is the right choice for your home.
Short Summary
LP SmartSide siding is a durable and long-lasting material composed of real wood, scrap wood, fibers, and sawdust.
It offers superior protection against moisture damage as well as pest and termite resistance through the SmartGuard process.
LP SmartSide provides homeowners with various styles to suit any design preference while also offering a 50 year limited product warranty for substrate and hail damage coverage.
Understanding LP Siding: Materials and Manufacturing
At the core of LP SmartSide siding lies engineered wood, which is both a highly durable and visually appealing material. Engineered wood is composed of real wood, scrap wood, wood fibers, and/or sawdust, all bound together with adhesives to create a resilient and long-lasting product.
This material distinguishes itself from traditional wood siding in its resistance to common issues such as rot and termite infestation. LP SmartSide siding is primarily composed of wood strands and fibers, making it a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a durable and attractive siding option.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood offers a number of benefits over traditional wood siding, including its resistance to moisture and pests. This is due, in part, to the inclusion of zinc borate in the manufacturing process, which provides an added layer of protection against moisture and pests. The result is a siding product that is incredibly resistant to rot and decay, as well as termite damage.
Engineered wood is also more resilient than fiber cement materials, which can become brittle and prone to cracking in certain climates.
SmartGuard Process
The SmartGuard process is a proprietary treatment used in the manufacturing of LP SmartSide siding that further enhances its durability and resistance to moisture, impacts, and pests. This process involves treating each strand of wood with a specialized blend of zinc borate, resins, and waxes, resulting in strong and long-lasting boards.
By utilizing the SmartGuard process, LP SmartSide siding is able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and maintain its integrity over time, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and low-maintenance siding option.
LP SmartSide Siding Styles and Design Options
LP SmartSide siding is available in a variety of styles and design options, making it a versatile choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their home’s curb appeal. Among the styles offered are lap, vertical, and shingle/shake siding, which provide alternatives to the more traditional James Hardie fiber cement siding.
With a range of textures and finishes, LP SmartSide siding can accommodate a variety of design preferences, ensuring that your home’s exterior reflects your unique style and taste.
Lap Siding
Lap siding is a popular choice for home exteriors due to its classic appearance and ease of installation. This type of siding is installed horizontally on a home, with each board overlapping the one below it.
LP SmartSide lap siding offers a variety of options, including cedar texture, colonial beaded, bold profiles, and smooth finished options. These choices allow homeowners to customize the look of their home’s exterior while still benefiting from the durability and low-maintenance advantages of LP SmartSide siding.
Vertical Siding
Another style option offered by LP SmartSide is vertical siding, also known as board and batten siding. This type of siding is installed vertically on the exterior walls of a building and can be composed of various materials, including vinyl, steel, and cedar.
Vertical siding can provide a range of design options, including board and batten, shingle, and shake siding. When properly installed and maintained, vertical siding can add design depth and distinction to any home exterior, making it an excellent option for those looking to make a statement with their home’s appearance.
Shingle/Shake Siding
Shingle/shake siding is yet another design option available with LP SmartSide siding. Shingles are cut with a smooth finish on both sides and in a tapered shape, while shakes are split off and have a thicker texture than shingles. Shake siding has a more rustic and rough look, while shingle siding is sleeker and neater.
LP SmartSide offers detailed wood cedar textures with either the staggered or straight edges option. It also provides a modern “perfect” shingle texture which looks like fine sawn wood, offering a smooth finish with no knots. This variety of styles allows homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic while still enjoying the benefits of LP SmartSide siding.
Comparing LP SmartSide to Other Siding Options
When considering different siding options for your home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. In this section, we’ll compare LP SmartSide siding to two popular alternatives: James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding.
Both LP SmartSide and James Hardie siding offer a much desired natural wood look, which can significantly enhance the curb appeal of a property. Additionally, these products are much thicker and more durable than vinyl, and do not warp or shrink like some of the lower-quality vinyl siding options.
LP SmartSide vs. James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
In comparing LP SmartSide siding to James Hardie fiber cement siding, both options offer high durability, impact resistance, and resistance to termites and other pests. However, LP SmartSide siding is often considered more visually appealing due to its more realistic wood look. While both siding options provide a range of design choices, James Hardie siding is generally more expensive than LP SmartSide siding.
LP SmartSide provides customers with a 50-year limited product warranty, which is longer than James Hardie’s 30-year non-prorated warranty. Both of these warranties are worth considering when choosing a siding product for your home. This comparison can help homeowners make an informed decision based on their budget, design preferences, and desired level of protection.
LP SmartSide vs. Vinyl Siding
When evaluating LP SmartSide siding and vinyl siding, there are a number of factors which require consideration. It is important to compare the factors to determine which option is best for specific situations. While vinyl siding is generally more cost-effective and easier to install than LP SmartSide siding, it lacks the natural wood appearance and durability that LP SmartSide offers.
Additionally, vinyl siding can become brittle and prone to cracking in certain climates, while LP SmartSide siding is engineered to be highly durable when exposed to prolonged moisture.
Ultimately, homeowners must weigh the pros and cons of each siding option in order to determine which best suits their needs and preferences.
Installation and Maintenance of LP SmartSide Siding
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your LP SmartSide siding. By following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and adhering to recommended maintenance practices, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and durable home exterior.
In this section, we’ll discuss proper installation techniques and maintenance tips for LP SmartSide siding, so you can have confidence in the continued performance of your siding.
Proper Installation Techniques
To ensure the optimal performance of your LP SmartSide siding, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. The siding should be affixed using hot-dip galvanized nails with a shank diameter of 0.113 inches, and nails should be spaced a maximum of 24 inches apart.
Proper installation of your LP SmartSide siding will prevent issues such as warping, buckling, or the growth of mold and mildew, ensuring that your siding remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is essential for preserving the appearance and integrity of your LP SmartSide siding. It’s recommended to inspect your siding at least once a year for any signs of damage or wear, and to promptly replace any damaged siding.
Additionally, it’s important to clean your siding on a regular basis with a mild detergent and a soft brush, sponge, or cloth. For more stubborn dirt, a soft brush can be used, while a mixture of three parts water to one part white vinegar can be applied to remove mold and mildew stains.
By adhering to these maintenance tips, you can protect your LP SmartSide siding and keep your home looking its best.
LP SmartSide Warranty and Coverage
An important factor to consider when choosing a siding option is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. LP SmartSide offers a 50-year limited product warranty that covers substrate and hail damage, with certain exclusions.
Understanding the warranty coverage provided by LP SmartSide can help you make an informed decision when comparing it to other siding options, such as James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding.
Warranty Terms
The LP SmartSide warranty offers comprehensive coverage for 50 years from the date of application completion. This includes any potential issues such as fungal degradation, buckling, cracking, peeling, separating, chipping, flaking, or rupturing of the resin-impregnated surface overlay.
However, it’s important to note that the warranty does not cover misuse, improper storage, handling, application, finishing, or maintenance of the siding, nor does it cover acts of God such as earthquakes, hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, floods, or similar events.
By understanding the terms of the warranty, you can have confidence in the performance and longevity of your LP SmartSide siding.
Comparing Warranties
When comparing warranties between LP SmartSide and other siding options, it’s important to consider not only the length of the warranty, but also the specific coverage provided. For example, while LP SmartSide offers a 50-year limited product warranty, James Hardie provides a 30-year non-prorated warranty.
Additionally, vinyl siding warranties can vary greatly in terms of coverage and duration, depending on the manufacturer. By carefully evaluating the warranties offered by each siding option, you can make an informed decision based on the level of protection and peace of mind provided.
Choosing the Right LP SmartSide Siding for Your Home
Ultimately, the decision to choose LP SmartSide siding for your home should be based on a variety of factors, including climate considerations, design preferences, and budgetary factors. Each of these factors can play a significant role in determining the best siding option for your specific needs and preferences.
In this final section, we’ll discuss these factors in more detail to help you make the most informed decision possible when selecting LP SmartSide siding for your home.
Climate Considerations
One of the key factors to consider when choosing LP SmartSide siding is the climate in which your home is located. LP SmartSide siding has been designed to perform well in a variety of climates thanks to its high impact resistance and ability to withstand long-term exposure to moisture.
Additionally, LP SmartSide siding can be installed in low temperatures without the risk of cracking or extreme expansion. By taking these climate considerations into account, you can ensure that your siding will perform optimally in your specific environment.
Design Preferences
Another important factor to consider when choosing LP SmartSide siding is your personal design preferences. With a range of styles, textures, and finishes available, LP SmartSide siding offers a wealth of options to suit any home aesthetic.
Whether you prefer a traditional wood look, a sleek modern design, or something in between, LP SmartSide siding can be customized to match your unique style and taste. By considering your design preferences, you can select the perfect LP SmartSide siding option to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Budget Factors
Finally, it’s important to consider your budget when choosing LP SmartSide siding for your home. While LP SmartSide siding may be more expensive than other siding options such as vinyl or fiber cement, it offers a range of benefits that may outweigh the additional cost. Factors such as material thickness, home location, style, profile, and texture can all influence the overall cost of your siding project.
By evaluating your budget and weighing the benefits of LP SmartSide siding against its cost, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and financial situation.
Summary
In conclusion, LP SmartSide siding offers a durable, attractive, and versatile siding option for homeowners seeking to enhance their home’s exterior. With a range of styles, design options, and the benefits of engineered wood and the SmartGuard process, this siding material stands out as a strong contender in the market. By carefully considering factors such as climate, design preferences, and budget, you can confidently choose LP SmartSide siding as the ideal solution for your home’s exterior needs.
We hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights into the advantages and considerations of LP SmartSide siding. By understanding the unique features and benefits of this siding option, you can make an informed decision that will not only protect your home but also enhance its curb appeal for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LP stand for in siding?
LP stands for Louisiana-Pacific, which is the manufacturer of LP SmartSide siding. This high-quality siding option is made up of chipped wood treated with a special compound containing zinc borate to protect it against termites and fungus.
Therefore, LP is an excellent choice when looking for durable and reliable siding.
What are the issues with LP siding?
LP siding has faced serious issues due to its construction. It is made of boards composed of multiple layers of pressed wood bonded together by glue, which often breaks down over time. This leads to water absorption and expansion that weakens the structure of the siding.
What is difference between LP and vinyl siding?
The main difference between LP and vinyl siding is that LP SmartSide utilizes an engineered wood, while vinyl siding is a plastic substitute for aluminum that was first introduced in the 1950s. LP’s SmartSide product does not allow potential for water saturation, fungus or pest damage, while vinyl siding is generally more affordable than engineered wood options.
What is smart siding?
Smart Siding is a great choice for those looking for an alternative to traditional siding materials. It combines the durability of engineered wood with a protective SmartGuard coating, making it resistant to pests, moisture, and decay.
In addition, its wax coating further enhances its performance and longevity, making it an ideal option for those looking for long-lasting and low-maintenance siding.
At the core of LP SmartSide siding lies engineered wood, which is both a highly durable and visually appealing material. Engineered wood is composed of real wood, scrap wood, wood fibers, and/or sawdust, all bound together with adhesives to create a resilient and long-lasting product.
This material distinguishes itself from traditional wood siding in its resistance to common issues such as rot and termite infestation. LP SmartSide siding is primarily composed of wood strands and fibers, making it a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a durable and attractive siding option.
The SmartGuard process is a proprietary treatment used in the manufacturing of LP SmartSide siding that further enhances its durability and resistance to moisture, impacts, and pests. This process involves treating each strand of wood with a specialized blend of zinc borate, resins, and waxes, resulting in strong and long-lasting boards.
By utilizing the SmartGuard process, LP SmartSide siding is able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and maintain its integrity over time, making it an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and low-maintenance siding option.
LP SmartSide siding is available in a variety of styles and design options, making it a versatile choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their home’s curb appeal. Among the styles offered are lap, vertical, and shingle/shake siding, which provide alternatives to the more traditional James Hardie fiber cement siding.
With a range of textures and finishes, LP SmartSide siding can accommodate a variety of design preferences, ensuring that your home’s exterior reflects your unique style and taste.
When considering different siding options for your home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. In this section, we’ll compare LP SmartSide siding to two popular alternatives: James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding.
Both LP SmartSide and James Hardie siding offer a much desired natural wood look, which can significantly enhance the curb appeal of a property. Additionally, these products are much thicker and more durable than vinyl, and do not warp or shrink like some of the lower-quality vinyl siding options.
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your LP SmartSide siding. By following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and adhering to recommended maintenance practices, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and durable home exterior.
In this section, we’ll discuss proper installation techniques and maintenance tips for LP SmartSide siding, so you can have confidence in the continued performance of your siding.
An important factor to consider when choosing a siding option is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. LP SmartSide offers a 50-year limited product warranty that covers substrate and hail damage, with certain exclusions.
Understanding the warranty coverage provided by LP SmartSide can help you make an informed decision when comparing it to other siding options, such as James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding.
Ultimately, the decision to choose LP SmartSide siding for your home should be based on a variety of factors, including climate considerations, design preferences, and budgetary factors. Each of these factors can play a significant role in determining the best siding option for your specific needs and preferences.
In this final section, we’ll discuss these factors in more detail to help you make the most informed decision possible when selecting LP SmartSide siding for your home.