LP siding, called Smartside, is a unique brand of engineered wood offered as a new and improved house siding option. Since it's growing in popularity in the US, it's time to decide whether it's a better option than other engineered wood and siding options or if you should stick with a more traditional choice.
LP siding is an engineered wood that offers the aesthetic benefit of natural wood but is far more durable, weather and rot resistant. LP siding is also more environmentally sustainable. As for the downsides, LP is expensive, causes problems if improperly installed, and isn't very UV resistant.
If you'd like to weigh out your siding options, LP Smartside is a worthy consideration. When you explore the pros and cons and understand the maintenance, you'll be able to determine if it's the right fit for your home.
LP Siding Defined, and its Pros and Cons
Typical siding options include wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, and engineered wood. So, what is LP siding? LP Smartside is a type of engineered wood built to withstand harsh exterior conditions. LP stands for Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, which is the name of the siding manufacturer.
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has been in the industry since 1996, and its products have been tested against harsh environmental conditions, such as the highly humid and rainy forests of Hilo, Hawaii.
LP siding is made with the following materials:
It is available in cedar, smooth, and reversible textures. You have the option of the following styles:
LP Siding Pros
Louisiana-Pacific Corporation promises a lot of good from their product, which might make it stand out among the rest of your options. These are all the benefits of LP siding:
LP Siding Cons
The downsides of this product are your true determining factors on whether it is a good choice for your siding project. The negatives of LP siding include:
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The Verdict
Proper installation is the most critical part of ensuring your LP siding remains sustainable. If you hire a qualified contractor, you mitigate most issues arising from installing it. LP siding offers you the aesthetic benefit of wood, but it is far more durable and environmentally sustainable.
This siding can withstand hail damage, termites, and rot but isn't the best option regarding UV durability. If installed correctly, water damage shouldn't be an issue, but you should avoid running sprinklers that contact the siding and power washing. As for cost, it is more expensive than other options like vinyl.
How to Maintain LP Siding
Keeping an engineered wood siding maintained is simple, and with proper maintenance, you can keep it durable for as many as 50 years!
Clean And Clear Your Siding Regularly.
If you notice any signs of mildew, spiderwebs, dirt, and debris, it's time to wipe it away with a non-abrasive cleaner or vinegar solution and then rinse it with a hose. Just remember that sprinklers and a pressure hose are a no-no as they could cause discoloration and force water beneath the panels, causing rot and damage. (Related article: How to Clean Vinyl Siding?)
You should also remove vines that grow onto the siding, and mulch should be kept 6 inches away.
Inspect Twice Yearly.
Your home's exterior is worth looking after, and a bi-annual checkup on the siding and roofing should ensure that everything is up to scratch. After heavy rainy seasons are the most crucial times for a checkup.
Clogged gutters can potentially cause water damage to your LP siding, too, so you'll want to look out for that when you inspect!
Repair As Needed.
Always address damages you discover during inspections. Repair small cracks and missing sealant with compatible wood filler or patching compound. Replace damaged and deteriorated panels when needed.
Touch Up The Paint.
If you notice any paint cracks or chips, your LP siding should come with a touch-up kit to fix imperfections. Pre-finished LP typically needs painting every 5-10 years. You should use high-quality exterior paint and proper painting practices. You can also apply a clear sealant for extra protection.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all there is to LP siding, you can safely decide if it's your best option! As long as you install it properly by hiring a qualified contractor, you can enjoy the many benefits of this expertly engineered wood. (Related article: Vinyl Siding Cost And Consumer Guide)