James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide: Which Is Best For Your Home?
Twin Cities homeowners often ask us about what siding is right for their home. Alex Lindus, our Vice President of Sales, discusses two of the most common modern siding options: James Hardie & LP SmartSide.
Listen To The Entire Home Improvement Show Here:
Comparing James Hardie & LP SmartSide
One of the biggest reasons why our company has lasted nearly 40 years is that we’re committed to installing products guaranteed to last a lifetime. Prior to introducing a product to our client base, we conduct our own internal testing to see if the product will stand the test of time.
In the realm of low-maintenance siding, two of the biggest names in today’s marketplace are LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie®. The biggest differences between the two are the materials they are comprised of.
James Hardie® is comprised of fiber cement. An alarming fact about fiber cement products is that they can contain silica & fly ash which pose health hazards if they become airborne.
LP® SmartSide® does not manufacture their products with these elements and uses zinc borate which does not come with the risk of health hazards. We also appreciated the fact that LP® SmartSide®’s installation specifications have remained consistent since the material was introduced to the marketplace. Whereas, James Hardie® continues to update their installation requirements.
When it comes to installation, LP® SmartSide® does not require special equipment. It can also be installed in longer lengths, creating a more aesthetically pleasing end result. Our technicians also appreciate that the longer lengths speed up installation times.
LP SmartSide’s Warranties
A noteworthy aspect that we appreciate about LP® SmartSide® is its versatility. The color selections are endless and homeowners have the ability to create a custom color. Even more impressive, is the 30-year warranty that accompanies LP® SmartSide® prefinished with Diamond Kote®.
This industry-leading warranty offers the ultimate peace of mind, as it guarantees no fading, chipping, or cracking. When a Western Wisconsin homeowner turned to us to replace the failed wooden siding on her farmhouse, we suggested a white LP® siding installation with a three inch reveal which allowed the century old home to maintain its historic charm.
Check out this home’s transformation with LP SmartSide siding:
LP SmartSide’s Versatility
An exciting development in the LP® products we offer our clients is the new post wraps we’re now offering. In the past, if our customers needed posts wrapped, LP® trim needed to be cut to size before wrapping could commence. While the end result was beautiful, it was labor intensive.
New developments now allow us to install a wrap that is sized appropriately in four pieces that lock together with ease in order to provide a seamless, wood grain look. While it’s a newer offering on our part, we feel it’s already being well-received by our client base.
Contact us today to get started on replacing your home’s siding with LP SmartSide.
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651.461.9226.
