SmartSide®

SmartSide Product Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to LP® SmartSide's® answers to Frequently Asked Questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us.

General

Installation

Maintenance

Advantages

Painting

General

What are LP SmartSide siding and exterior trim products?
LP SmartSide products are engineered wood products that allow you to have the look and feel of wood on your home, but without many of the problems associated with wood.
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Where can I buy LP SmartSide products?
LP SmartSide products are available at many popular building materials suppliers and retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards. Use our dealer or distributor locator to find the supplier nearest you.
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What makes LP SmartSide products so durable?
LP SmartSide products are made of wood strands laid geometrically to enhance dimensional stability and strength. Special binders and our zinc borate-based SmartGuard® process provide additional strength and resistance to fungal decay and termites. This adds up to an exceptionally durable exterior product that can withstand tough environments. That’s the LP SmartSide Advantage.
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What is the SmartGuard® process?
SmartGuard is our zinc borate-based process that provides exceptional resistance to fungal decay and termites. LP SmartSide products with SmartGuard will deliver lasting durability and beauty even in tough environments.
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What LP SmartSide products are available?
LP SmartSide products provide a complete exterior cladding system including lap siding, trim-fascia, soffit and panel siding. LP SmartSide products are available in several thicknesses to meet your specific needs.
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Can you use LP SmartSide trim with other home exterior products?
Yes. LP SmartSide trim is the perfect complement to homes finished with brick, stucco, fiber cement or vinyl. Using LP SmartSide trim adds the warmth and beauty of wood to any style of home.
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Are LP SmartSide products appropriate for applications other than homes?
LP SmartSide products are primarily used for the exterior cladding of homes. However, many customers use LP SmartSide for projects like backyard tool sheds, barns, decks, playhouses, pet shelters and the interior and exterior of garages.
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Do LP SmartSide products include a warranty?
The LP SmartSide 7/30 year Limited Warranty is one of the best in the industry. It offers you a 7-year, 100% labor and material replacement feature and a 30-year fully transferable warranty. See our warranty for complete details. That’s value you can pass on when it’s time to sell your home!
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How does the LP SmartSide 7/30 year Limited Warranty compare to warranties offered by leading fiber cement manufacturers?
The LP SmartSide 7/30 year Limited Warranty covers labor and material costs for the first 7 years. Typical fiber cement siding warranties run for 50-years, but they often don't cover labor costs for warranty repairs at all. Labor coverage is critical because those costs are generally higher than the replacement material cost. Fiber cement warranties typically begin reducing or "prorating" their coverage after the first year. The LP SmartSide 7/30 Limited Warranty doesn't start to prorate until after its 7th year.

In addition, the LP SmartSide 7/30 year Limited Warranty is fully transferable to new homeowners for the entire life of the warranty. Most fiber cement 50-year warranties are only transferable once.

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Why do big builders prefer LP SmartSide products?
Big builders like using LP SmartSide products because they are easy to work with, cut with standard woodworking tools, install faster and may cost less than fiber cement. They also allow builders to add a level of craftsmanship that increases the value and appeal of their homes.
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Why do homebuyers like LP SmartSide products?
Homebuyers like LP SmartSide siding and trim for its beautiful curb appeal and warm, textured appearance. Not only do LP SmartSide homes offer the look of wood, they’re easy to maintain and may increase the value of your home.
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Are LP SmartSide products affordable?
The look of wood has never been so affordable. LP SmartSide products are generally available at prices comparable to or below other cladding products, such as fiber cement. See your local dealer for specific pricing information.
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Installation

Are LP SmartSide products easy to work with?
LP SmartSide products cut and install with standard woodworking tools, helping to speed up your installation time. Plus, LP SmartSide products are lightweight compared to to other claddings, making them easy to handle.
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What type of nail should I use?
Use a double hot-dipped galvanized nail with a minimum ¼" diameter, full-round head of sufficient length to penetrate framing 1 ½". Do not use finish nails, T-head nails, half-moon type nails or staples. Be sure to use nails with a full head to properly hold the siding down. Beware of inexpensive nails with little corrosion resistance, as they may lead to rusting and staining problems.

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Does the back side of the siding have to be primed before installation?
No, but make sure that your LP SmartSide siding is installed over a properly prepared wall and finished (painted and caulked) in accordance with LP SmartSide's application instructions.
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How much overlap is recommended on lap siding?
LP SmartSide lap siding requires a minimum 1" overlap with the nail positioned 3/4" from the top edge of the lap. For more details, refer to the installation instructions.
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Can I apply the siding directly to studs or do I have to use a sheathing or weather-resistant barrier?
7/16" lap siding may be applied over sheathed walls or directly to studs (where local building code permits) spaced no more than 24" on center (OC). 3/8" lap siding may be applied over sheathed walls or directly to studs spaced no more than 16" OC. When applying directly to studs, a weather barrier such as a building paper (15 lb. felt paper) or house wrap (non-vapor barrier type) is required. Consult your local building code first.
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Why should I use a vapor barrier in the wall?
Moisture control throughout a home is important to the lifelong durability and comfort of the home. Consult your local building code or the Building Science Corporation (www.buildingscience.com) for proper placement and installation of vapor barriers.

Everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, bathing and laundry can create a significant amount of moisture. A typical home with a family of four will generate over 3 gallons of water daily! These facts make it imperative to have protective moisture and vapor barriers.

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Why should I install a vapor barrier in the crawl space under the home?
Without a polyethylene film (or similar material) ground cover vapor barrier in place under the home in conjunction with sufficient (1 sq. ft. free vent area for every 150 sq. ft. of floor area) ventilation, excessive ground moisture may accumulate under the structure and migrate into the home and into the exterior wall cavity.
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Maintenance

Are LP SmartSide products easy to maintain?
All siding products need some maintenance to stay looking their best. Our maintenance tips offer you helpful hints on some easy things you can do to help keep your LP SmartSide exterior looking great.
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Advantages

Why should I use LP SmartSide products?
LP SmartSide products are the ideal choice for homebuyers who want the warmth and beauty of wood, but without many of the problems and worries commonly associated with wood.
 
You’ll also have added peace of mind knowing all LP SmartSide products come from LP, one of the largest producers of innovative building materials.

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Painting

Can I use oil-based paint on my siding?
We recommend using 100% acrylic latex exterior paint or a premium acrylic latex blend recommended for factory-primed composite siding. Look for paint with a minimum five-year warranty for maximum durability. Although not recommended, we do allow the use of satin and semi-gloss oil-based paints.
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It's autumn, and I have to paint the LP SmartSide siding I just installed on a home. Do I still need to use a 100% acrylic latex paint?
The installation instructions allow either a 100% acrylic latex paint or a premium acrylic blend with a minimum five-year warranty. Most acrylic latex paints should not be applied below 50º F. There are companies that make low temperature paints. These paints are specially designed for application in cool weather. Although not recommended, we do allow the use of satin and semi-gloss oil-based paints.

After LP SmartSide siding products are installed, you can wait up to 120 days for conditions suitable for the application of a good quality latex paint.

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Does LP SmartSide siding have to be repainted?
Periodic repainting is necessary to properly maintain the siding. Sun and rain exposure will cause the original paint to deteriorate with time. As with any wood or wood-based product in an outdoor environment, a certain level of maintenance is required.
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How often do I need to repaint my siding?
There are many factors that will determine how long your paint will last including the type, quality, application method, and amount of paint applied. Refer to your paint manufacturer’s maintenance instructions to determine when the siding should be repainted. In general, we recommend repainting every three to five years for paint that is applied after the siding has been installed. If the siding was prefinished, refer to the prefinisher’s maintenance instructions to determine when the siding should be repainted.
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How long can I go after installation before painting?
Factory-primed siding should be finish-coated as soon as possible after application. If primed siding is left unpainted for longer than 120 days (four months) after installation, the siding must be field primed.
Always ensure the siding surface is completely dry before painting. Do not apply paint if the temperature is, or will be, below 50º F before the paint is set. Follow the paint manufacturer's application instructions.

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Why does prefinished siding have to be repainted?
The finish applied to our prefinished sidings is a baked-on acrylic latex paint. Just like paint, it is subject to wear and erosion. The siding must be repainted to provide proper protection and to maintain the siding warranty.
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