Selecting a siding material that is long-lasting and durable can protect your property from the weather. If you’ve ever had a problem with LP SmartSide siding, you know it can be really challenging.

Whether you just bought a home that came with LP SmartSide siding or you’re thinking of getting it installed as part of your next home-building project, knowing what to expect will give you a significant advantage in the future.

To help you with that, we’ve compiled this guide about LP SmartSide siding problems you might encounter, so there are no surprises down the line.


What Is LP Smartside Siding?

The LP (Louisiana Pacific) SmartSide siding is an engineered wood siding made through various strengthening processes. This siding is easy to maintain, and its maintenance isn’t time-consuming at all. A hose and brush are all you need to clean the siding most of the time.

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How Much Is LP Smartside Siding?

The average LP SmartSide pricing is around $10 per square foot if the material and installation costs are considered. The product’s price alone can vary between $5 and $15.


Common LP SmartSide Problems

The name “SmartSide” siding may not be quite as literal as it seems. Everyone wants a nice-looking home, but let’s take a cautious approach and consider some potential problems with LP SmartSide. They might look seemingly unnoticeable at first glance, but expect more issues will arise as time goes on.

There are several common problems you might encounter with LP SmartSide siding, including the following:

There are only 16 colors available for LP SmartSide to choose from. If you want a more personalized appearance, you’ll have to repaint the siding after it’s been installed.

The most typical installation problem with LP SmartSide is the missing paint at the sliced edge, butt joint, and cut edge just above the roof and window. This issue might not concern other homeowners, but you need to remember that all sides need to be painted for moisture protection. Moreover, the manufacturer recommends that all visible surfaces be primed and painted for better security.

Another problem you might encounter is the fasteners being easily overdriven, causing deep siding puncture. Not only is it unattractive, but it also traps moisture over time.

Loose-fitting SmartSide siding will make sounds as it expands and contracts due to weather changes. In contrast, tight-fitted siding can produce squeaking or snapping noises. Most homeowners aren’t bothered by this noise, but it could be a problem if you’re distracted easily or irritated by small squeaking noises.

The quantity of wood fibers incorporated in the combination is one of the reasons why LP smart siding is a popular material. Compared to other synthetic siding selections, this is more susceptible to fire because it contains more organic material.

LP SmartSide outperforms typical wood with its blend of resins with a one-hour fire rating. Although this fire rating is good, several other options are available in the market with better fire resistivity.

The LP manufacturer’s warranty appears to be impressive at first glance. The standard guarantee lasts up to 50 years, with the first five years covering 100 percent of any defects. However, damage beyond year five may be unprotected due to the continuous drop in coverage. After year six, your range decreases by 2.2% percent per annual until the warranty expires.

Similarly, the warranty’s terms and conditions might not be accepted if you reside in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska. This is because of the severe rainfall and high humidity rate in these areas. Although this warranty is better than none, other siding options come with full warranties lasting up to 25 years.

The coatings on LP siding can eventually peel off. If installed improperly, the outside layer may begin to flake away, and it is more prone to peel as time goes by. As a result, your house’s exterior panel may be compromised, putting your property in danger from moisture damage and pest infestation.

Because of this problem, you’ll need to repaint the siding frequently, which could be every two to three years. Note that if you don’t recoat the siding every once in a while, it can lead to more problems. Also, this type of siding requires frequent refinishing every 2 to 8 years.

Before placing your LP smart siding, your contractors will need to prime and paint the edges. When you cut through this siding, the inner core is exposed to the risk of water penetration. Water seeps deep into the engineered siding, causing it to degrade quickly and require maintenance significantly sooner than intended. This means installing the siding on your property will take more time because the siding must be fitted on the exterior panel appropriately.

This disadvantage does not apply only when the edges are coated with a high-quality sealing material. The manufacturer guidelines suggest painting the trim if exposed, especially near the roofline.

After months of siding installation, you might witness cracks and voids near the lap edge of each siding. This is an indication of minor wood damage. Fortunately, you can seal the cracks and void spaces with elastomeric primer.

LP SmartSide siding will not give you enough protection from termite infestation. If you reside in an environment where termites are a problem, LP smart siding might not be the best option. Although pests aren’t attracted to fiber-cement siding, the wax-coated hardwoods in the siding are ideal for insect chewing.

If you have already read the manufacturer’s siding warranty, you’ll see that harm caused by this insect is not covered in any way. You would be entirely responsible for any repairs needed due to this problem. In this case, Hardie siding is a much better alternative.

That wraps up the common problems you can experience with LP SmartSide siding. Although LP siding has drawbacks, it is still an excellent choice to avoid pests, moisture accumulation, frequent maintenance, and wind damage. You just need to familiarize yourself with the stated problems to know how to mitigate these phenomena.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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