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Frequently Asked Questions
What is LP SmartSide siding?
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product made from treated wood strands bonded with resins and waxes. It is designed to provide the look of real wood while offering improved durability against moisture, impact, and termites.
Is LP siding good for Ohio weather?
Yes, when installed correctly. Homes in Southwest Ohio experience freeze–thaw cycles, humidity, wind-driven rain, and occasional hail. LP SmartSide performs well in these conditions when proper flashing, drainage plane, and sealing details are followed. As with most siding systems, installation quality plays a significant role in long-term performance.
How does LP SmartSide compare to James Hardie® fiber cement?
Both LP SmartSide and James Hardie are considered premium siding options, but they offer different strengths. LP SmartSide is generally more impact resistant, lighter in weight, and easier to modify during installation, which can sometimes reduce installation time. James Hardie fiber cement siding is non-combustible, very stable over long periods, and known for strong paint retention. In areas where impact resistance from hail or debris is a concern, LP can offer advantages, while fiber cement may appeal to homeowners prioritizing fire resistance or long-term stability. Holmes Custom Renovations typically reviews both options with homeowners before recommending a direction.
How long does LP SmartSide last?
LP offers a 50-year limited warranty with prorated coverage over time. The real-world lifespan of LP SmartSide depends on several factors, including installation quality, proper moisture management, paint maintenance, and environmental exposure. When installed professionally and properly maintained, LP SmartSide siding can perform for decades.
Does LP siding require maintenance?
Like all painted siding products, LP SmartSide requires periodic maintenance. The siding should be inspected annually to ensure seals, caulking, and flashing remain intact. Repainting may be required approximately every eight to twelve years depending on sun exposure and weather conditions. Homes that receive heavy sun or significant weather exposure may require maintenance sooner.
Is LP siding resistant to termites and rot?
LP SmartSide siding is treated with SmartGuard® technology, which includes zinc borate to help resist termites and fungal decay. While this treatment improves durability, no siding product can compensate for improper installation or poor moisture management. Proper flashing, drainage, and clearances are essential for long-term performance.
Is LP SmartSide more affordable than Hardie?
In many projects, LP SmartSide and James Hardie siding systems are priced similarly. LP can sometimes result in slightly lower overall project costs because the material is lighter and installation can be somewhat faster. However, material pricing fluctuates and the total investment is often comparable. Rather than focusing solely on price, Holmes Custom Renovations helps homeowners evaluate factors such as impact exposure, maintenance expectations, longevity goals, and architectural style when selecting siding.
Does LP SmartSide look like real wood?
Yes. LP SmartSide features a deep cedar grain texture designed to replicate the appearance of natural wood siding. Many homeowners prefer this texture over fiber cement products because it complements architectural styles such as Craftsman homes, farmhouse designs, board-and-batten applications, and decorative gable accents.
Why does installation matter so much?
Siding systems often fail at installation details rather than the material itself. Proper water management, correct fastening schedules, flashing integration with windows and doors, and appropriate ventilation and clearance requirements all play important roles in protecting the home’s structure. The overall performance of a siding system depends heavily on the quality of installation behind it.
How do I know if LP SmartSide is right for my home?
Choosing the right siding depends on several factors unique to each home. Holmes Custom Renovations evaluates exposure to sun and weather, potential impact risks, long-term ownership plans, and the architectural style of the property. There is rarely a universal “best” siding product; instead, the goal is to select the option that best fits the home’s design, performance needs, and maintenance expectations.
Where does the wood in LP SmartSide come from?
LP SmartSide is manufactured using fast-growing, renewable wood species, primarily aspen and other sustainably managed trees sourced from North America. Instead of using full lumber boards, LP manufactures SmartSide from treated wood strands that are compressed into an engineered siding product designed for durability and consistency.
Is LP SmartSide sustainably sourced?
Yes. According to LP, the wood used in SmartSide products comes from sustainably managed forests and suppliers that follow responsible forestry practices. Because the product uses wood strands rather than full boards, more of the tree can be utilized during manufacturing, which helps reduce waste compared with traditional lumber production.
Is LP SmartSide environmentally friendly?
Environmental impact depends on how the product is evaluated. LP SmartSide is made from renewable wood resources, uses smaller-diameter trees, and can be efficient in material usage. Because it is lighter than fiber cement siding, transportation weight is also lower. At the same time, the product is chemically treated for durability and, like most painted siding, will require repainting over time. Compared with fiber cement siding—which involves cement production, an energy-intensive process—each material has different environmental tradeoffs rather than a single universally “green” option.