LP SmartSide:® Your Guide to a Smart siding choice

Name: Custom Exteriors, LLC
Address: 404 Broadway, Eagle, CO, 81631, US
Telephone: 970-460-8714

LP SmartSide® is an increasingly popular name for exterior home improvement. With experience installing most replacement siding styles, several factors about LP SmartSide® make it one of our favorites! The article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to this beautiful and versatile product. By tapping into our team’s decades of knowledge, we hope to help you understand why LP SmartSide® has emerged as a top choice for homeowners and professionals alike.

When it comes to an exterior remodel, curb appeal is typically most people’s first concern. However, choosing a beautiful siding option that stands up to the test of time and the elements is just as, if not more, important. It’s essential to understand that siding replacement, or any exterior remodeling project, is not just about aesthetics but durability, maintenance, and value for your investment. It is our experience that LP SmartSide® is a top choice to meet both visual and functional goals when replacing the siding on your home or business.

Whether planning a renovation, building a new home, or just exploring your options, this guide is crafted to help you make an informed decision about your siding replacement project. We will cover:

What is LP SmartSide®? Understanding the basics

Whether you are building a new home or your siding contractor recommended LP SmartSide® for your siding replacement project, you may have never heard of it. So, what is LP SmartSide®?

LP SmartSide® is a brand of engineered wood siding products known for being both durable and beautiful. LP SmartSide® is known for being:

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, a leader in high-performance building solutions, manufactures it. What sets LP SmartSide® apart is its unique manufacturing process, which involves treating wood fibers or trends with resins and waxes and then bonding them under high heat and pressure. This process creates a strong siding material that withstands harsh weather and environmental elements.

The final product is a versatile and durable siding that mimics the natural look of traditional wood but with enhanced resistance to the wear and tear that can affect traditional wood siding. This includes resistance to warping, splitting, and cracking, all issues associated with natural wood siding in varying climates.

LP SmartSide® comes in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. Whether you’re looking for traditional lap siding, a sleek panel design, or the rustic charm of cedar shakes, an LP SmartSide® product will likely fit the bill. Additionally, it’s designed to be easy to paint, which means homeowners can customize their exteriors with the color of their choice and update it as desired.

In the end, LP SmartSide® is an engineered wood siding product we love to work with because of its durability, versatility, and appearance. Its unique manufacturing process makes it a strong contender in the siding market. This is particularly true for those looking for a wood-like appearance without the maintenance challenges of traditional wood siding.

Pros and cons of LP SmartSide: A balanced view

When considering siding options for your home, it’s important to consider the pros and the cons of each product to make an informed decision. LP SmartSide®, while a popular choice among homeowners, offers several benefits but also has some limitations. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of LP SmartSide® siding.

Pros of LP SmartSide

1. Durability against Elements:

One of LP SmartSide®’s standout features is its resilience against harsh weather conditions. Engineered to withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures, it maintains its integrity over time. This durability means fewer worries about replacement or repairs due to weather damage.

2. Resistance to Rot and insects:

Thanks to incorporating zinc borate in manufacturing, LP SmartSide® is highly resistant to decay and insect damage. This is a significant advantage over traditional wood siding, which is prone to these issues.

3. Aesthetic Versatility:

LP SmartSide® offers a range of styles and finishes, closely mimicking the natural look of wood. Whether your home design is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, LP SmartSide® can compliment it beautifully. This versatile nature lets homeowners easily achieve their visual goals when replacing their siding.

4. Longevity and warranty:

LP SmartSide® has a long-term warranty of up to 50 years, which is a testament to its longevity. This prolonged warranty period offers peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected for years to come. LP SmartSide® is resistant to hail damage up to 1.75 inches in diameter, making it an excellent choice for Colorado homeowners.

5. Installation Ease:

LP SmartSide® is relatively easy to install compared to other siding materials. This ease of installation can potentially reduce labor costs and the time it takes to complete the siding project.

Cons of LP SmartSide

1. Cost Considerations:

While LP SmartSide® is more affordable than some high-end options, it can be more expensive than basic vinyl or pressed board siding options. This cost difference can be crucial for some homeowners on a tight budget.

2. Maintenance over time:

Although less maintenance-intensive than traditional wood, LP SmartSide® requires some upkeep. Periodic cleaning and repainting are necessary to maintain its appearance and durability. This can be a drawback for those seeking the lowest maintenance solutions.

3. Installation Specifications:

Proper installation of LP SmartSide® is vital to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Incorrect installation can lead to issues like moisture penetration. It’s essential to hire experienced professionals for your siding replacement. They should be familiar with the specific installation requirements of LP SmartSide®.

4. Limited resistance in extreme humidity:

As a Colorado-based siding replacement contractor, moisture resistance against humidity isn’t a factor in choosing replacement siding. However, in highly humid environments, LP SmartSide® may not perform as well as some other materials. While it’s generally resistant to moisture, prolonged exposure to very high humidity can affect its longevity.

5. Color Fading:

Like many siding materials, LP SmartSide® can experience some color fading over time, especially in areas with intense sunlight exposure. This fading can require repainting to restore its original look.

LP SmartSide® makes a strong case for homeowners looking for a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and versatile siding option. Its resistance to common siding issues like rot and insect damage and its warranty are significant pros. However, it is essential to consider factors like cost, maintenance needs, and performance in specific climates. Understanding these pros and cons will help homeowners make a choice that aligns with their needs, preferences, and local environmental conditions.

Exploring the color and style options of LP SmartSide

When selecting replacement siding for your home, the color and style choices are just as important as the material itself. LP SmartSide® offers a variety of options that can cater to diverse style preferences and architecture. LP SmartSide® offers its ExpertFinish® line in siding and trim. It is composed of 16 prefinished colors. When opting for a prefinished option in the ExpertFinish® line, they also offer a proprietary joint that helps you avoid the need for seam caulking or flashings. LP’s prefinished siding color options range from the modern look of black or white to more traditional colors such as beige, green, and more.

An option that we frequently utilize when helping customers decide which siding replacement is right for them is the LP SmartSide® Home Visualizer. This convenient tool allows you to choose a house with a similar style to yours or upload a photo of your actual home. This powerful tool will enable customers to change siding styles and colors on various portions of the home’s exterior. It makes customization of your siding easy to visualize and will allow you to explore different profiles and color combinations.

Color options

LP SmartSide® provides a wide spectrum of color choices, allowing homeowners to select the perfect hue to complement their home’s exterior. The options range from classic and understated to bold and vibrant. Here are some key points about LP SmartSide®’s color offerings:

1. Pre-finished colors:

LP SmartSide® comes with a selection of 16 pre-finished colors. These durable, built-in colors are factory-applied and designed to be long-lasting. This technology ensures your siding maintains its vibrant look for years to come.

2. Customizable Colors:

If the pre-finished options don’t meet your needs, LP SmartSIde® can also be painted. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose virtually any color, matching the siding to other exterior elements or achieving a specific appearance.

3. UV Coatings:

The paints used on LP SmartSide® are typically UV-resistant, which helps minimize fading over time. This resistance to UV rays ensures that your chosen color remains consistent, maintaining your home’s curb appeal.

Style Selections

LP SmartSide® is a favorite for homeowners and contractors alike for its color variety and its range of style options. These styles can accommodate most architectural designs, from traditional to contemporary. Below are some of the popular styles available:

1. Lap Siding

Lap siding is the classic horizontal siding that gives homes and businesses a timeless look. It is perfect for achieving a traditional or colonial-style appearance. LP SmartSide®’s lap siding is available in prefinished and paintable 16-foot pieces that mimic the look of natural wood siding. These extra-long laps allow for a faster installation and less waste. LP SmartSide®’s unique make-up makes it light and easy to work with. These long laps allow for fewer seams during installation as well. This can result in a more polished and cleaner appearance.

2. Panel Siding

Panel siding offers a more modern and streamlined look, making it ideal for contemporary home designs. It can be used alone or combined with other siding styles for a unique and custom look. LP SmartSide®’s panel and vertical siding are designed with the texture of natural cedar. Also manufactured with 16-foot panels and matching trim, panel siding from LP makes creating a clean and welcoming exterior easy.

3. Cedar Texture Shakes

For those who love the rustic charm of cedar shakes but want a more durable and low-maintenance option, LP SmartSide®’s cedar texture shakes are an excellent choice. It is manufactured with reversible edges which allows for straight or staggered installation methods and can result in few seams. This makes for a cleaner design. As with all of LP’s siding products, their cedar shakes come with an industry-leading warranty and provide a beautiful and durable option for siding replacement.

4. Trim and fascia

LP SmartSide® also offers trim and fascia boards that can be used to highlight architectural features, frame windows, and doors, or provide a finished look to the corners and rooflines. It is available in a cedar and smooth finish, 16 prefinished colors, and 16-foot lengths to create fewer seams.

The variety of colors and styles LP SmartSide® offers makes it a versatile choice for homeowners and business owners. Whether you are aiming for a specific color scheme or trying to complement the architectural style of your home, LP SmartSide® provides the options to fulfill your vision. This flexibility, combined with the material’s durability and aesthetic appeal, makes LP SmartSide® an intelligent choice for those looking to enhance their home’s exterior.

Where LP SmartSide® Shines and Where it might not be the best fit

Choosing the right siding for your home is a decision that requires careful consideration of many factors. These include climate, architectural style, and maintenance preferences. LP SmartSide® is a versatile siding option, but like any other material, it has environments where it excels and others where there might be better choices. Let’s explore the scenarios we have encountered where LP SmartSide® is a great fit and where there may be better options.

Ideal applications for LP SmartSide®

One of LP SmartSide’s® strengths is its versatility in complementing different building styles. Whether a modern, contemporary home or a traditional, colonial-style residence, LP SmartSide’s® range of styles and colors can make any home’s exterior beautiful. It is engineered to withstand a variety of weather conditions as well. The material’s resistance to warping, cracking, and rotting under different weather conditions makes it a reliable choice for many regions.

For those looking to make environmentally friendly choices, LP SmartSide®, made from engineered wood, can be a more sustainable than other siding materials. Additionally, suppose you are remodeling an older home and want to maintain its character while using modern siding technology. LP’s range of textures and styles can be particularly beneficial in that case.

Situations where LP SmartSide® may not be ideal

While LP SmartSide® performs well in a variety of climates, extremely humid locations over prolonged periods might affect its longevity. In areas with constant high humidity, homeowners may consider other siding options. Additionally, while it is lower maintenance than traditional wood siding, it requires some upkeep, such as periodic cleanings and occasional repainting. Homeowners looking for a “set it and forget it” type of siding might prefer options like vinyl or certain types of metal siding.

Lastly, although LP SmartSide® is cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance, the initial investment might be higher than some other siding options, like traditional vinyl siding. This could be a deciding factor for homeowners working with a very tight budget.

LP SmartSide® is an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, offering a blend of durability, aesthetic versatility, and environmental friendliness. It’s well-suited for various architectural styles and climates, making it a compelling choice for many homeowners. However, other siding options might be more appropriate in extreme humidity, tight budget, or preferences for ultra-low maintenance. Understanding these scenarios will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and the conditions of your local area.

Insider Tips on LP SmartSide®

Having installed LP SmartSide® many times, we have a few insider tips to help you get the best value and performance from your siding replacement.

Choose the right installer:

The durability and performance of LP SmartSide® are highly dependent on proper installation. Look for siding replacement contractors with specific experience installing LP SmartSide®. They will be familiar with the nuances of handling this material, ensuring a flawless finish.

Understand the warranty:

LP SmartSide® has a substantial warranty, but it’s essential to understand the specifics. Some warranties might be voided if the siding is not installed or maintained correctly. Because of this, it’s essential to make sure you are clear on what is covered and for how long. Typically, the key to keeping your material warranty valid is long-term routine maintenance. This includes periodic cleaning and repainting as necessary. Keep records of your maintenance activities in case you need to make a warranty claim.

Proper Maintenance is key:

Dirt and debris can affect the siding’s appearance and longevity. To maintain its appearance, clean your siding annually with a gentle cleaner and a soft brush. While LP SmartSide® retains its color well, it will eventually need repainting. Repainting not only refreshes the look of your home but also adds an extra layer of protection to the siding.

Making a smart choice with LP SmartSide®

As we reach the end of our exploration of LP SmartSide®, it’s clear that this siding option offers many advantages. From its durability and versatility to its environmental friendliness and adaptability to different architectural styles, LP SmartSide® stands out as a robust choice for many homeowners.

However, as with any home improvement decision, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons in light of your specific needs and circumstances. Consider factors like the climate in your area, your home’s architectural style, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. While LP SmartSide® is an excellent choice in many scenarios, ensuring it meets your particular requirements is crucial.

Remember, the right siding not only protects and insulates your home but also plays a significant role in defining its character and curb appeal. With LP SmartSide®, you have the opportunity to choose a siding that not only looks great but also offers longevity and performance.

In conclusion, whether you’re building a new home, renovating an old one, or simply updating your exteriors, LP SmartSide® offers a compelling mix of benefits that make it worth considering. By keeping in mind the insights and tips shared in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision, ensuring that your home looks beautiful and stands up to the test of time. Here’s to making smart choices for your home or business!