Consider Engineered SmartSide Trim and Siding for Your Project

• June 23rd, 2010
• In: Fiber Cement, Uncategorized, Wood Siding
• By: Rob Sabo
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Fiber cement siding has grown in popularity in recent years, and as it continues to gain market share, some siding manufacturers have countered with similar, but different products.

Manufacturers such as James Hardie, Nichiha USA, and CertainTeed dominate the fiber cement siding market, but Louisiana Pacific has countered with its engineered SmartSide product line, which was introduced to the residential siding market about a decade ago.

What is SmartSide Trim and Siding?

Manufactured as an alternative to heavy fiber cement siding, which also requires special tools to cut, LP’s SmartSide product line cuts and hangs like traditional wood siding. SmartSide is a good choice for many climates because it’s treated with a zinc borate compound throughout to repel fungus and termites. Exterior resins bond the product, so it doesn’t separate over time and under weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, humidity and rainfall.

Perhaps the biggest benefit to homeowners considering the SmartSide product line for their remodel project might be the product’s warranty. Louisiana Pacific backs its SmartSide line with a 5/50-year warranty. The company offers to pay for 100 percent of labor if the product fails in the first five years, and a 50-year prorated warranty on the product life.

Manufacturers of fiber cement siding offer similar warranties, so it really boils down to cost and ease of installation. If you are considering hiring a siding contractor to replace damaged siding, or installing siding yourself, check into the product before making a decision. SmartSide is usually found at independent lumber stores, rather than home improvement retailers.

To me, the LP product definitely looks like a great improvement over the hardboard panel siding that dominated residential construction through the 1980s–much of which is in dire need of replacing in 2010. The SmartSide line includes lap, panel, and shake siding, as well as trim and soffit material.