What Is LP Siding, Specifically LP SmartSide Siding? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Understanding what is LP siding, specifically LP SmartSide Siding

What Does “LP” Stand For

LP stands for Louisiana Pacific Corporation, a trusted name in building products since 1973. LP SmartSide Siding is their flagship line of engineered wood siding, combining the natural beauty of wood with advanced performance characteristics ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners.

What Is Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is made from wood strands, wood fibers and engineered wood strands that are bonded together with industrial resins and waxes. LP SmartSide takes it further with the SmartGuard manufacturing process, where zinc borate treatment is infused throughout the strands to protect against fungal decay, termite damage and moisture. The result is a siding product that replicates the natural wood look with superior durability and long term durability benefits.

How LP SmartSide Compares to Traditional Wood Siding

Traditional wood siding, real wood boards or shingles, offers authentic charm and natural wood appeal. However, it can be prone to warping, chipping, moisture related issues, pest infestation and fungal decay without regular maintenance such as painting or repainting every few years. LP SmartSide Siding offers that natural wood aesthetic in lap siding or panel siding formats but with enhanced resistance to those issues due to engineered wood strands, zinc borate treatment and a manufacturing process designed for exceptional durability.

Key Features of LP SmartSide Siding

Durability and Impact Resistance

One of the strongest benefits of LP SmartSide offers is its impact resistance. Its engineered wood construction and zinc borate protection give it toughness far beyond fiber cement siding or traditional wood siding. It can withstand hail, windborne debris and accidental impact from activities like baseballs, protecting your home’s exterior and reducing long term maintenance costs.

SmartGuard Protection

The SmartGuard protection is a multi-layer treatment with zinc borate and water resistant resins that guard against moisture, fungal decay and termites. This makes LP SmartSide highly suitable for areas with humidity or frequent rain, ensuring that your siding remains in excellent condition and resists pest infestation far longer than untreated traditional wood siding.

Aesthetic Appeal and Design Options

LP SmartSide siding comes in a wide array of profiles, including popular lap siding panel siding shakes vertical siding and trim boards. Profiles such as lap siding and panel siding offer clean lines while shakes lend a rustic look that mimics natural wood. It is available in smooth finish or cedar textured finish, and can be pre finished or pre primed. The wide color palette means homeowners can choose the right aesthetic to match their home design goals and boost curb appeal.

Lightweight Material That’s Easy to Install

Compared to fiber cement siding, LP SmartSide siding is much lighter, easier to cut and faster to install. It comes in long 16‑foot boards which reduces seams and labor costs while preventing water infiltration. No need for heavy equipment or special tools, just standard woodworking tools, making installation faster and more precise and minimizing disruption to your home.

Pros and Cons of LP SmartSide Siding

Numerous Benefits of LP SmartSide

• Exceptional durability – The engineered wood and zinc borate treatment resist impact damage, moisture and pests better than traditional wood or vinyl.
• Natural beauty – The siding replicates the look of real wood with authentic grain and texture options.
• Curb appeal – High‑end appearance enhances your home’s exterior and resale value.
• Environment Friendly – Environmentally conscious homeowners appreciate that LP SmartSide is made from sustainable wood resources and avoids the high‑energy processes of fiber cement.
• Easy installation – Lighter boards less labor intensive installation process equals reduced labor costs and faster project timelines.
• Warranty coverage – LP provides a limited warranty with 5 years labor coverage and 50 years prorated material coverage, offering peace of mind and long term value.
• Maintenance – Dirt and grime are easy to remove, and routine repainting keeps the siding looking fresh.

Considerations and Trade‑Offs

• Higher initial cost compared to vinyl siding or basic wood siding. Fiber cement typically also has a lower upfront cost.
• Not fireproof – Like any wood based material LP SmartSide is flammable which may be a concern in high wildfire zones.
• Repainting is required every 5 to 15 years depending on finish quality and exposure conditions.
• Limited warranty coverage may not apply in extremely wet coastal climates, so check LP’s terms and your local conditions.
• Prefinished coatings from some providers may chip if installation or prep is not done by certified professionals.
• Occasional repairs may be needed if siding is cracked or impacted.

LP SmartSide vs. Other Siding Products

LP SmartSide vs. Fiber Cement Siding such as James Hardie

Fiber cement siding is another top competitor known for its fire resistance and durability. However LP SmartSide offers easier installation, no silica dust requires only standard woodworking tools, and is lighter and simpler to work with. It comes in longer boards that mean fewer seams and quicker installation. Finishes are similar, but LP SmartSide has natural wood textures that some homeowners prefer over the smoother look of fiber cement. Fiber cement is stronger in fire‑resistance ratings but LP SmartSide balances ease and beauty effectively. Many homeowners prefer LP’s natural grain aesthetic and our certified workmanship ensures installation quality. For more on fiber cement siding see our James Hardie siding services page.

LP SmartSide vs. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding remains a popular choice for its low maintenance and low cost. But vinyl can fade, crack, and look less realistic over time. LP SmartSide offers superior impact resistance, long term durability and natural wood appeal. Its zinc borate treatment helps resist moisture and pests in ways vinyl cannot. For homeowners seeking a worthwhile investment that enhances curb appeal and resale value, LP SmartSide is a strong alternative to vinyl.

LP SmartSide vs. Traditional Wood Siding

Traditional wood siding made from cedar, redwood or pine has timeless appeal but requires frequent maintenance and can suffer from termite damage or fungal decay. LP SmartSide offers the same natural wood aesthetic without those vulnerabilities. It resists moisture and pests better and has a limited warranty that traditional wood can’t match. For those who love natural beauty but want reduced upkeep, LP SmartSide is a compelling alternative.

Is LP SmartSide a Good Fit for Homes in Northern California?

Climate Suitability for Sacramento and Bay Area

Northern California conditions include hot dry summers and wet winters. The zinc borate treatment and moisture resistance in engineered wood siding help LP SmartSide weather seasonal extremes. In the Sacramento and Bay Area regions LP siding performs exceptionally well, minimizing swelling cracking and fungal decay that might affect traditional wood or cheaper alternatives. Many homeowners appreciate its balanced performance given local climate challenges.

What homeowners in Rocklin and Sacramento View

In our service areas many homeowners have installed LP SmartSide siding and frequently praise its clean lines consistent color and natural wood-like texture. They enjoy easy maintenance such as removing dirt or repainting when needed and feel secure knowing the siding is designed to resist common issues. Homeowners view LP SmartSide as a worthwhile investment that enhances curb appeal and lasts through years of climate variations.

Professional Installation and Why It Matters

Easy Installation by Certified Crews

LP SmartSide installs easily but certified professionals ensure correct flashings, trim details, and moisture barriers. Without proper installation moisture may infiltrate seams or lead to warranty issues. Our LP certified installation process addresses all siding products integration points including doors windows trim boards and trim details. This protects your warranty coverage and maximizes performance.

What to Expect When We Install LP SmartSide

Homeowners can expect a smooth experience from consultation through completion. Our team inspects the home’s exterior, helps you select the right panel siding options, provides samples for color and finish, and handles prep work such as old siding removal. We install lap siding panel siding and trim boards with attention to detail, clean up daily, remove dirt debris and perform final inspections. Post‑installation we walk you through care tips and warranty coverage so you feel confident about long term durability.

Maintenance and Longevity for LP SmartSide Siding

How Long LP SmartSide Lasts

With regular care LP SmartSide can easily last decades. The limited warranty coverage extends 50 years on materials, though warranty coverage becomes prorated after the first 5 years. Many homeowners find that repainting every 10 to 15 years, cleaning as needed, and repairing any damage keeps the siding looking and performing well long term.

How to Care for Your Siding

Routine maintenance is simple. Clean the siding twice a year by removing dirt with a soft-bristle brush or gentle power washing. Inspect for mold mildew and treat promptly to prevent fungal decay. Check trim boards and seams around windows and doors for caulking. Repainting should occur every 8 to 12 years depending on finish type and exposure. Use high‑quality exterior paint for best results.

LP SmartSide Cost Breakdown

Higher Initial Cost Compared to Alternatives

LP SmartSide siding typically has a higher initial cost compared to vinyl siding or basic traditional wood siding options. Compared with fiber cement siding the pricing is often comparable or slightly lower depending on labor costs and home size. The installation process is faster which can reduce labor expenses making LP SmartSide a cost‑effective mid to high end siding option.

Long‑Term Value and Return on Investment

Homeowners report that LP SmartSide provides excellent ROI due to its curb appeal, durability and low maintenance requirements. The combination of natural beauty and performance often results in higher resale value compared with lower-cost siding. Energy savings from continuous exterior surfaces and fewer repairs add to long term savings making LP SmartSide siding worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked LP SmartSide Siding Questions

Is LP SmartSide really better than fiber cement?

LP SmartSide is easier to install, lighter and more impact resistant than fiber cement. It offers superior visual warmth with engineered wood strands and zinc borate protection. Fiber cement is more fire resistant but LP SmartSide performs excellently in most climates and offers easier installation.

Can LP SmartSide be painted?

Yes LP SmartSide can be painted. It comes pre finished or pre primed. When painting choose a high quality exterior paint and follow a prep process of cleaning and light sanding for best adhesion.

Is LP SmartSide fire resistant?

LP SmartSide is not fireproof, like any wood based product it carries a risk of burning. It has some fire resistance but fiber cement is better suited for high wildfire risk zones. LP SmartSide remains a solid option in many residential areas.

What happens if LP SmartSide gets wet?

Due to SmartGuard treatment LP SmartSide resists moisture, fungal decay and swelling much better than traditional wood siding. In climates with heavy rain it still performs well if installed properly with good drainage features.

Does LP SmartSide come pre-finished or primed only?

LP SmartSide siding is available both pre finished with factory applied color or pre primed for on‑site painting. Pre-finished options help reduce labor costs and deliver consistent color finish from the start.

Final Thoughts Should You Choose LP SmartSide for Your Home

LP SmartSide siding offers numerous benefits such as natural beauty, exceptional durability, easy installation and strong protection against moisture, fungal decay and pest infestation. For environmentally conscious homeowners it delivers a balance of wood aesthetic and modern performance. While the higher initial cost and limited warranty should be considered, the long term value, reduced labor costs and enhanced curb appeal make it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners in Northern California.

Get a Free LP SmartSide Estimate from Pro Superior Construction

Ready to enhance your home with LP SmartSide siding or learn more about our installation services? Request a free quote today. Our LP certified installers are committed to delivering quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing and exceptional customer service for siding projects in Rocklin, Sacramento, the Bay Area and surrounding communities.