This is the second post in a series of siding blog posts. In this post, we’ll breakdown another siding product option called LP SmartSide. This product is basically a type of plywood. Otherwise known as OSB or engineered wood. It’s composed of stacked pieces of wood held together by glue.
Many homeowners and contractors praise the product for its durability and impact resistant qualities that stand up to most of the elements. If you experience a hailstorm, especially over-sized hail, this product should stand up to it well. If someone is firing fastballs at your house it probably won’t leave a dent. For those of you who watched Eastbound and Down, the first thing that comes to mind is that scene with Kenny Powers throwing baseballs at his brother’s house. If he was using LP, he wouldn’t have cared.
All-in costs, LP is a slightly cheaper siding option than Hardie Board. It’s not as heavy as Hardie Board, so labor cost to install is usually a slightly less. LP is widely regarded as a very durable type of siding. When cared for properly, it should last a long time. An advantage over various types of wood siding is that it requires a fresh coat of paint every 5-10 years, if maintained properly, most types of wood require new paint every 3-5 years. LP does require you to prep and paint it prior to installing unlike some other siding alternatives like vinyl.
Now, I’ll highlight some negative aspects you should be aware of when contemplating choosing LP SmartSide. LP advertises a 50-year warranty that is eye-catching. However, it’s not all that meets the eye when you read the fine print. Each year that goes by, the warranty decreases in its coverage. The warranty does not cover hail damage, termites, or water damage in some regions of the country. For example, if you live in the pacific northwest, it does not cover water damage. This is concerning since water is one of the most important elements you want your siding to stand up to. Fire resistance is also non-existent with this product since it’s a form of plywood. An under the radar upside, the scrap pieces will make for a great bon-fire starter. Bottom line, read the fine print on the warranty before you jump in because of the flashy 50-year term.
Like other siding products, there are nuances to installing it correctly, so that the product does its job and looks its best. Additionally, there are safety reasons to call a siding professional to install your siding. Please call us today to learn more about your siding options and discuss your project. Your estimate is always FREE, no obligations. We look forward to hearing from you!