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-derived 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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Maintenance5 min
Protecting Your Siding During Hurricane Season
If you live or are looking to build a home in an area that’s vulnerable to seasonal hurricanes—Florida, the Gulf Coast or the Eastern Seaboard—your home’s ability to stand up to inclement weather should be a top concern, alongside wind damage to your siding.
Continue ReadingTrends5 min
3 Pros Talk Top Exterior Trends
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Renovation6 min
Exterior Home Upgrade Ideas
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Fixing Common Exterior Problems Revealed During a Home Inspection
The process of buying a house can seem daunting, especially for first-time homeowners. Even if you’ve been through it before, navigating the many steps and stakeholders can be challenging. But knowing what to expect during a home inspection and how to approach repairs can make a big difference.