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COMPARING ENGINEERED WOOD AND OTHER SIDING MATERIALS
From traditional wood to fiber cement and even vinyl, there is a wide selection of siding materials available on the market—so how does engineered wood like LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding compare to them? Below are some considerations you should keep in mind as you prepare to make your decision.
How LP® SmartSide® Products Stand Up to Competitors
Engineered Wood vs. Composite
There are several different types of composite siding—and engineered wood, like LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, happens to be one of them. Understanding how the different types of composite siding are made plays a crucial role in evaluating quality and effectiveness.
Engineered Wood vs. Fiber Cement
While both engineered wood and fiber cement offer impressive durability and aesthetic appeal, LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding comes with an industry-leading limited warranty and is much easier—and faster—to install. Engineered wood also offers better impact resistance.
Engineered Wood vs. Traditional Wood
Though it’s hard to argue with the beautiful appearance of traditional wood, it is also a material that comes with all of Mother Nature’s inherent flaws. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, on the other hand, offers similar aesthetics with much better durability as well as impact and moisture resistance.
Engineered Wood vs. Vinyl
While vinyl has earned its position as the most popular siding material on the market with its affordability and easy maintenance, it cannot match LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding’s durability, impact resistance and attractive appearance.
Choosing the Right Siding Material
Though your individual considerations may differ based on your home’s style, geographical location or even your neighborhood’s building codes, there are certain universal factors every homeowner should consider when selecting the right siding material for their home.
Longevity
Even if you don’t plan to stay in your home for a long time, the longevity of your siding materials speaks strongly to its ability to withstand impact, moisture and weather elements. Learn more about engineered wood’s durability.
Price
While the affordability of your siding material can often be the deciding factor, you should also factor in ease of installation and jobsite workability (which can cut down on the waste of the siding material) as part of your total cost consideration.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to the ease of installation, not all siding materials are created equal. The siding material’s flexibility, its weight and even overall strength should all be at the top of your mind.
How LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding Is Made
What distinguishes LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding from other siding materials is its unique manufacturing process. Watch to see what’s involved.
Four Components of Protection
The secret to LP SmartSide Trim & Siding’s reputation as the most durable wood siding is LP’s proprietary SmartGuard® manufacturing process. It 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 hail, 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.
Replay
LP SmartSide Trim & Siding products help builders qualify for green building programs.
