Industry Trends8 min
Q & A: Market Trends and the State of the Siding Market
The siding industry is ever-evolving. We recently sat down with Angie Kieta, Market Development Manager at LP Building Solutions, to discuss the latest industry developments.
Q: How has the siding industry changed over the past year?
A: “In terms of the siding industry, sheathing with weather-resistant barriers is gaining popularity. Previously, WRB sheathing was installed primarily on larger, multi-family homes. Now, we are starting to see it being used on single-family homes as builders and homeowners are recognizing the value of a stronger building envelope. With product durability being a primary concern, builders prefer to use products that are impact-resistant and protect against weather and decay, like LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products.”
Q: What are the predictions going forward for the next year as far as styles and materials?
A: “We expect to see the builder demand for smooth-texture siding continue to grow, as homeowners are gravitating more towards this aesthetic. The board-and-batten look is also expected to remain popular as builders continue to embrace this style due to homeowners’ growing preferences.”
Q: What are the most popular siding materials or trends currently?
A: “Builders and homeowners are wanting ‘wider’ looks for homes. From interior flooring to exterior siding, the trend is ‘going big.’ With this, there is increased demand for LP SmartSide Vertical Siding, which comes in 16-foot lengths, quickens the installation process and eliminates seams when applied to areas such as gable ends on single-story homes.
Q: What technology trends are you seeing?
A: “In terms of architectural resources, we are seeing an increased demand from builders for more training and assistance. In response to this need, LP has created Architect’s Corner, which includes comprehensive resources to give builders more design freedom and assistance in taking AIA-accredited CEU courses.”
Get the Industry’s Leading Engineered Wood Products
With more than 10 billion square feet of LP SmartSide siding sold since 1997, it’s easy to see why LP is a building industry leader shaping the way homes, outdoor building structures and light commercial properties are being built. Find a dealer near you that sells LP SmartSide engineered wood products.
Continue Reading
Business Advice7 min
What to Do When You Uncover Asbestos
Most re-siding projects are on older homes, so it’s a good bet you’ve seen your share of asbestos siding if you operate in the business of siding renovations. Asbestos is a silicate mineral that was commonly added to cement board siding for durability and resistance to fire and weather during the 1920s to 1980s.
Continue ReadingIndustry Trends6 min
Choosing Durable Building Materials for Distinct Coastal Design
As an architect, putting your stamp of approval on building materials that stand the test of time is one of your top priorities. Multifamily builds when located on the coast, bring their own challenges from the start. With coastal weather conditions, you have unique durability challenges to consider. Coastal weather conditions include increased moisture, heat, humidity, and inclement weather—and your building materials must withstand them all. SAGA Construction, Inc., located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, is no stranger to the coast’s weather. When they embarked on a recent multifamily project, Cambridge Cove, SAGA executed a design with building materials that would appeal across demographics (homeowners and vacationers alike) while emphasizing durability. Let’s see how they did it.
Business Advice6 min
How to Sell Value in Construction
On custom homes, builders and developers sometimes avoid value-added building materials for a variety of reasons. They might veto those products if the upfront cost is more expensive than standard materials, when in fact the value-added solutions can often lower the long-term cost of ownership for the buyers. In addition, they might fear that crews aren’t as familiar with the value-added materials, which could add to construction time or impact proper installation.
Business Advice7 min
Not All Siding Is Created Equal
If you are in the process of selecting the right siding type for your project, it is important to know the differences between the substrates. Engineered wood siding is made by combining treated wood strands and adhesive resins. The resulting product is a compositing material stronger than traditional wood. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products are made with a proprietary process that offers superior protection against hail, wind, moisture, fungal decay and termites – delivering Advanced Durability For Longer Lasting Beauty®.