Maintenance8 min
The LP® SmartGuard® Process: Providing Protection to the Core
You want your exterior siding to last … and last, and last – regardless of the climate you live in. That’s why all LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding products are engineered using our proprietary SmartGuard® manufacturing process. The process begins with quality wood strands or wood fibers.
Next, every inch of every LP SmartSide product is treated to the core with an advanced formula of waxes, adhesive resins and zinc borate applied before being bonded with a resin-saturated, water-resistant overlay. This process helps the products resist termites and fungal decay, for long-term strength and durability in a variety of weather conditions.
Extreme Protection in Tough Climates
Exterior trim and siding are subjected to extreme temperatures, moisture and insects. The SmartGuard process offers four elements of protection against these damaging forces.
- Zinc borate. Engineered wood products treated with zinc borate have been proven to effectively resist damage from termites and fungal decay for decades. This safe, naturally-occurring additive provides long-lasting performance to help preserve LP SmartSide trim and siding.
- Adhesive resins. LP SmartSide products have incredible resistance to impact damage, thanks in part to industrial-grade adhesive resins. You’ll have the confidence of knowing that your siding has been proven to stand up to everyday collisions with small rocks, sticks and golf balls.
- Waxes. Special water-resistant waxes coat each strand or fiber of wood for enhanced durability in rainy, humid environments.
- Resin-saturated overlay. Offering the final layer of protection against the elements, a resin-saturated overlay resists excessive moisture intrusion while providing a durable base for quality paint adhesion and beauty.
Real-World Testing
How can you know that the SmartGuard process truly provides long-lasting protection? The durability of LP SmartSide treated engineered wood products has been tested in the tropical climate of Hilo, Hawaii, where nearly 170 inches of rain falls annually and termite colonies thrive. Samples of the material were left in this brutal environment at a reputable third-party testing site for more than 20 years. Even after all those years of exposure, LP SmartSide products remained structurally sound.
Get the Proven Performance of LP Products
Our state-of-the-art SmartGuard manufacturing process produces products that deliver outstanding performance. Having been tested in real-world conditions on hundreds of thousands of homes, you can be confident in LP SmartSide engineered wood siding products. To put this innovative technology to work for your home, contact an LP BuildSmart Preferred Remodeler near you.
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Trends5 min
Using the Right Siding for a Modern Farmhouse
In recent years, designers have offered new visions of this classic style and have dubbed it the “modern farmhouse.” Chip and Joanna Gaines from the home improvement show Fixer Upper were relentless promoters of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, which helped make it chic and add “shiplap” to more people’s vocabulary. Last year, Builder magazine named the modern farmhouse one of the top 5 trends in floor plans. While craftsman homes still account for about 25 percent of all house plans, the modern farmhouse is rapidly gaining ground and now has about 15 percent market share.
Continue ReadingHow to Keep Your Shed Cooler in Summer
In many parts of the U.S., a shed can get unbearably hot in the summer unless you take steps to ventilate it and prevent the sun’s radiant energy from penetrating. Too much heat in a shed is a bad thing, as it can damage liquids like paint or chemicals, sensitive equipment and items affected by humidity.
Outdoor Living6 min
6 Ways to Turn Your Backyard into a Summertime Oasis
Who says you need to travel to get away? Look no further than your own backyard to offer a setting worthy of your staycation this summer. If your backyard could use some sprucing up before then, follow these six steps to make it worthy of all your free time this summer.
Maintenance5 min
Straight from the Pros: Exterior Home Improvement Projects for a Better Investment
Your home’s exterior serves as an important first impression and may make or break your property’s value. So, sometimes it is what’s on the outside that matters most. With summer in full swing, it’s time to take on those much-needed outdoor projects that were neglected during the winter months. You may have several home improvement projects you want to tackle, so how do you know which will provide the best value?