Engineered Wood Siding vs. Traditional Wood Siding
When considering exterior wood siding options, homeowners often focus on aesthetics. But while traditional wood siding is known for its natural charm and classic beauty, it comes with a number of challenges that can be easily addressed with the use of engineered wood siding.
“Real” Wood vs. Engineered Wood
Many homeowners are drawn to the beauty of traditional wood when they consider exterior wood siding options. What they don’t often consider are the inherent challenges that come with a naturally biodegradable material. Engineered wood siding such as LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding is designed specifically to offer durability and protection from moisture, fungal decay, termites and weather elements.
Traditional wood siding (or real wood) is made from fast-growing timber then milled in to siding. Highly biodegradable, it may age faster than other siding options and requires constant maintenance.
Engineered wood siding is a manufactured siding that uses engineered wood strand technology that offers superior protection against hail, wind, moisture, fungal decay and termites. Composite wood siding is mixed with different fibers and strands of various woods to create a durable and cheaper to install finished product.
Compare “Real” Wood Siding vs. Engineered Wood Siding
Let’s see how traditional wood and engineered wood siding compare in some key areas:
Composition
Efficiency
Durability
Cost
Maintenance
Whereas traditional wood is sourced from trees such as cedar and redwood, engineered wood uses treated wood strands combined with wax and resin binders for strength.
How Durable is LP SmartSide Siding?
Head-to-Head: LP® SmartSide® Siding vs. Traditional Wood
Proprietary Process for Better Protection
LP SmartSide siding is a more durable material than traditional wood because of its proprietary SmartGuard® manufacturing process. This process ensures that every strand of wood is treated with a carefully formulated mix of resins, waxes, and zinc borate and finished with an overlay to offer complete protection against extreme heat, moisture, termites, and fungal decay.
Zinc Borate
This naturally derived additive helps engineered wood resist damage from termites and fungal decay.
Resins
Engineered wood stands up to impact and survives freeze/thaw cycles due to resins that offer incredible strength.
Waxes
Designed to resist moisture, waxes coat each strand to offer enhanced durability in humid environments.
Overlay
This final element of protection resists moisture intrusion, providing a durable base for a finished look.
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Check out LP SmartSide’s product catalog for more details.