It is difficult to find a single home improvement problem that affects every homeowner at some point. Some problems are more common than others, however, and if you have been around your house for more than a few weeks without fixing a problem, then you most likely have encountered an issue that requires some attention. Some things require more attention than others. It’s especially apparent regarding the siding material for your house. This needs to be durable and long-lasting so that it can protect your investment.
Overall, if you’re looking into siding for your home, then you may have heard of LP Smartside. If you’ve heard of it, there may be a chance that you’re familiar with some of the challenges it can bring. So, whether you currently own this or you’re considering installing it during your upcoming home project, it’s important to get a heads up on what to expect with LP Smartside siding. So, here’s a guide on some of the common problems you can expect to encounter so you won’t have to deal with any surprises or headaches down the road.
What is a Siding Problem?
Siding problems are a common problem in any home. They usually occur when the siding on the house is damaged or rotted, leading to leaks and water damage inside. The best way to avoid having a siding problem is by inspecting your roof regularly for any signs of damage. The siding problems, such as the material or brand, can vary. Sometimes other circumstances can cause issues with the siding.
What Is LP Smartside Siding?
Coming from the Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions company, the LP SmartSide siding is an engineered wood siding that is made through various strengthening processes. It’s one of the more known brands in the market that homeowners and builders will often choose.
Types of Common LP SmartSide Siding Problems
Everyone deserves to have a nice-looking home, and it’s understandable to think that major brands can offer you what you want. However, it’s so important to proceed with caution, and this even goes for LP SmartSide. It’s important not to take “SmartSide” so literally, as even their siding has some problems.
Sure, while at first glance everything may seem perfect, don’t just immediately expect that everything can be fine. There are some common problems that LP SmartSide siding provides. So, here are some issues you could expect to encounter potentially.
Questionable Warranty
LP takes pride in its product and stands behind it with a warranty. Now, at first glance, their warranty does seem to be quite impressive. Considering that it lasts up to 50 years, and the first five years cover 100% of defects, it’s not hard to see why so many people opt for this. While yes, this is good, you have to keep in mind that once the five years are up, if there is any damage, then the warranty isn’t going to protect your siding. In fact, you can expect a decrease in protection from your siding.
Plus, thanks to the warranty terms, you won’t be able to have a warranty whatsoever in areas such as Alaska or the Pacific Northwest, such as Oregon or Washington. Why’s that? Well, due to the high humidity and large range of falls. So if you live in these areas, you should try and skip LP. Plus, it’s important to keep in mind that a lot of companies will offer a full warranty that can last around 25 years. All it takes is a bit of research, but you should get yourself the best.
Discoloration
LP Smartside siding is designed to look and feel like real wood. This siding is more durable than conventional wood siding and is much easier to maintain. It offers several advantages over traditional wood siding and is an ideal complement to any home improvement project. While this is great, a major issue is a discoloration which happens over time.
On top of that, they only provide 16 colors, so you’re stuck with a few options. You’ll need to repaint your siding regularly, so it doesn’t look bad, but this will mean that it will impact your home’s appearance. This is especially apparent if you want it to look like a log cabin.
Termite damage
Termite damage is a serious problem for homes. Often, termites can cause considerable damage, reducing the strength of the wood and leaving home vulnerable to storm damage. This can lead to expensive repairs, including full siding replacement. Can LP SmartSide siding help with this? Well, not exactly. If you live in a rural area or any area where termites are located, you can expect to encounter problems.
Plus, when it comes to the manufacturer’s warranty, it even states that insect infestation isn’t covered at all. This means you will have to foot the bill for all of the repairs. Instead, it may be an idea to opt for something that bugs will be less interested in, such as Hardie.
Vulnerable to Fire
While LP SmartSide siding gives off the appearance of wood, it also has many wood fibers. This does mean that it’s technically more suspectable to fire compared to other synthetic siding selections that are out there. Since this is an organic material, you may need to proceed with caution.
Costly
There are many factors to consider when choosing the side for your home. Whether you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option or want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your house, LP SmartSide is a great option. While the aesthetics of your home’s exterior counts, you’ll also have to keep the cost in mind. LP SmartSide can have the potential to set you back a lot, especially when it comes to repairs in the long term. Make sure to check their warranty before making this purchase.
Noisy
It may be odd to think of house siding as noisy, but the LP Smartside siding is known for being noisy. It expands and contracts during weather, especially when there is high moisture. The tight-fitted siding will either squeak or make a snapping sound. Not everyone is bothered by this, but it’s best to know what you’re getting into before the purchase.
When making any purchase that impacts your home, research is vital. LP siding isn’t bad, it has its drawbacks, but all brands do. Overall, just make sure you look up brands and their products s you know what to expect. Hopefully, this post helped you out before purchasing LP SmartSide siding.
