Did You Know? LP® SmartSide® Siding Can Be Painted to Suit Any Taste

When it comes to exterior siding options, what influences the choice made by builders and remodelers? For most professionals, it’s a combination of factors including cost, workability, homeowner preference and profile selection. For homeowners, the choice is simpler. One of the biggest reasons they prefer one siding product over another is appearance.

For many decades, homeowners were satisfied with siding that was simply “maintenance-free.” Countless millions of homes were covered with aluminum, steel and vinyl siding, all with the goal of eliminating the need for scraping, sanding and painting wood siding.

Over time, homeowner preferences have shifted as new and better-performing products have come to market. Homeowners now demand siding that is  easier to maintain and aesthetically pleasing. Vinyl siding saw its share of the North American market fall from 39 percent in 2003 to 27 percent in 2013.

Siding That Looks Better, Longer

LP SmartSide products have a more realistic cedar grain texture than most fiber cement and vinyl products, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of traditional wood siding and easy maintenance. LP siding products start as wood strands and fibers that are treated to resist termites and fungal decay. To put LP SmartSide strand substrate siding products to the ultimate test, we exposed samples to Formosan termites, widely recognized as one of the world’s most destructive pests.

Each sample was placed on a plastic grid, surrounded by untreated bait samples, then laid directly on top of termite colonies. The bait samples were completely destroyed within three months — but even after three years, the LP SmartSide siding showed no structural damage.

One advantage of LP engineered wood siding products over maintenance-free vinyl siding becomes apparent after 10+ years of wear. Vinyl siding can fade and weather over time, leaving a home’s exterior looking drab until the siding is replaced. In contrast, LP SmartSide siding and trim comes pre-primed and holds paint like wood. Not only can homeowners with LP siding choose the perfect siding colors for their home, they can also change those colors down the road if desired. A fresh coat of paint can make LP siding look brand new again!

In addition, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding stands up much better to hail and other impact than vinyl, fiber cement, aluminum or steel.

Engineered for True Beauty

From lap and cedar shake siding to fascia and trim, LP has a full line of siding options to create a true custom look for every home. Find an LP SmartSide retailer today, or learn more about the benefits of becoming an LP BuildSmart Preferred Contractor.