LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® Siding: What is your best option?
Admin • July 30, 2018
LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® siding: What is your best option?
Quality siding is an essential home exterior part for protecting your property against winter storms, heavy rains, and hail impacts. It is also about a cosmetic upgrade that is intertwined with how your house looks from the outside. So, homeowners have to take it seriously when selecting siding for their property. This is when the battle of LP® Smart siding vs. Hardie® board begins.
Today, the Smart siding vs. Hardie® board rivalry creates a real stir among contractors and those looking for marked home improvements. It has already transformed into the attention-arresting competition and is expected to be on a par with some of the most influential business struggles ever. Considering the range of benefits that these brands offer with their siding solutions, it comes as no surprise.
That said, the challenge of choosing between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® siding can tie homeowners up in knots. Let’s dig a little deeper in all the advantages of these siding solutions and find out which one will be the best fit for your home.
Overview of LP® SmartSide® and Hardie® siding
There is one thing in common between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie®. The companies have brilliantly succeeded in their industry because both of them have introduced game-changing siding solutions at a certain point. That is an underlying reason why Hardie® fiber cement products alongside with LP® SmartSide® ones made of engineered wood have snatched the immense amount of market share.
Even so, it is still puzzling. Here are some other factors that you may want to consider when choosing between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® siding.
Company experience
While Hardie® has been producing its siding solutions for commercial and residential buildings for over 100 years, LP® SmartSide® has managed to enter the market a little more than 40 years ago. Therefore, the experience is in favor of the Australian company. Do not take that for granted though.
Durability
The ability of siding to withstand region-specific weather conditions, remain resistant to extreme temperatures and adequately protect the outer walls of a building against pests should be given priority when making your choice. Both Hardie® and LP® SmartSide® are known for providing highly durable planks. However, there are some differences in their structural integrity. Unlike its counterpart, engineered wood siding is treated with water-resistant waxes and adhesive resins, which create an extra protective layer against all impacts associated with weather. Yet, fiber cement products are far more effective in resisting fire damages.
Appearance and finish
Both manufacturers come up with a variety of colors for their siding products, making it easier for homeowners to improve their exterior design. You can choose any color and repaint those planks as you please. Besides, Hardie® siding comes pre-finished with a 15-year warranty so that you don’t need to deal with painting for a long time.
Installation and maintenance
The ease of installation and maintenance are one of the most serious Hardie® siding problems. Due to their heavy composition, these products are inferior to LP® ones in this regard. The thing is, engineered wood siding solutions require far fewer tools for cutting than those made of fiber cement. Besides, they don’t need to be carefully maintained, unlike Hardie® planks.
Warranty
If you are about to start a home improvement project, it’s important to make sure you invest in reliable materials. It is a warranty that plays a crucial role in that matter. Both LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® provide limited warranties but with different coverage periods. It is 50 years for the former and 30 years for the latter.
Comparison of LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® board by cost
On average, a homeowner will have to pay $10 for one square foot of fiber cement siding. That will make up a total of $15,000 for a house with 1,500 sq. ft. in the exterior. Quite a pretty penny, isn’t it?
LP® SmartSide® siding products will cost you something like $2-$4 per square foot, meaning that you can save a large sum of money. Most importantly, you won’t have to pay contractors for engineered wood cutting as this siding is designed to be easily installed.
If you are a fan of classic vinyl products, let’s analyze HardiPlank® vs. vinyl siding by cost. In most cases, you will have to pay less for that kind of siding as compared to Hardie®. The average cost of vinyl products goes up to $5-$7 per square foot.
On the whole, LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® offer a myriad of benefits for your home exterior. And your best option depends on what exactly you are looking for your household. At Home Run Improvement, we can provide you with siding from both manufacturers and meet your needs no matter what.
A well-built deck creates an inviting outdoor living space that adds value, functionality, and curb appeal to your home. If you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood, TimberTech composite decking is an excellent choice. Designed to resist moisture, fading, staining, and splintering, TimberTech products provide the appearance of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. This guide walks through the major stages of building a TimberTech deck, from planning to the final inspection. Home Run is an official TimberTech Gold installer with specialized TimberTech training and access to enhanced warranties. Planning the Project Every successful deck begins with careful planning. Determine how the deck will be used, whether for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing. Consider the size, shape, and location of the deck while taking into account access points from your home and the surrounding landscape. Select the TimberTech decking collection and color that best complements your home's exterior. At this stage, establish a realistic budget that includes materials, hardware, permits, and any specialized tools you may need. Before construction begins, verify local building codes and obtain any required permits. Preparing the Site Once the design is complete, prepare the building site by clearing vegetation, removing obstacles, and marking the deck layout with stakes and string lines. Confirm that the area is level and that drainage directs water away from the home's foundation. Accurate measurements during site preparation help ensure the framing and decking install smoothly later in the project. Building a Strong Foundation The strength of any deck depends on its foundation. Install concrete footings below the local frost line according to building code requirements. Secure support posts to the footings before installing beams and floor joists. Carefully check that all framing members are square, level, and properly spaced. Solid framing provides the support needed for the composite decking and helps prevent movement over time. Installing TimberTech Deck Boards With the framing complete, begin installing the TimberTech deck boards according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many TimberTech products use hidden fastener systems that create a clean, fastener-free surface while maintaining consistent spacing between boards. Work methodically across the deck, checking alignment frequently. If your design includes a picture-frame border or decorative patterns, install those features as you progress. Take extra care when constructing stairs to ensure uniform rise, run, and secure fastening. Installing Railings Railings enhance both safety and appearance. Install railing posts securely to the deck framing before attaching the top and bottom rails. Complete the system by installing balusters and any gates required for stairways or access points. Choose railing styles and colors that complement your decking for a cohesive finished look. Adding the Finishing Touches Complete the project by installing fascia boards to conceal the framing and create a polished appearance. Many homeowners also choose to add deck lighting, post cap lights, stair lighting, or under-rail illumination to improve safety and extend the enjoyment of the deck into the evening. After construction is complete, clean the deck surface and remove any remaining debris. Final Inspection Before putting the deck into regular use, perform a thorough inspection. Verify that all fasteners are secure, railings are solid, stairs are stable, and the structure complies with applicable building codes. A careful final inspection helps ensure the deck is safe, attractive, and built to last. Maintaining Your TimberTech Deck One of the biggest advantages of TimberTech decking is its minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood, composite decking does not require annual sanding, staining, or sealing. Routine maintenance typically includes: Sweeping away leaves and debris. Washing the deck periodically with mild soap and water. Cleaning spills promptly to prevent staining. Inspecting railings and fasteners during seasonal maintenance. With proper care, a TimberTech deck can maintain its appearance for many years while requiring significantly less maintenance than a wood deck. Conclusion Building a TimberTech deck is an investment that enhances both your home and your outdoor lifestyle. By carefully planning the project, constructing a solid foundation, following proper installation techniques, and performing regular maintenance, you can create an outdoor space that is beautiful, durable, and enjoyable for years to come. Whether you're building the deck yourself or hiring a professional contractor, choosing quality materials and following best practices will help ensure a successful project and lasting results. Not sure how to proceed? Call to schedule a free Deck assessment with our team today.
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Metal roofing has gone from a niche product to one of the most talked-about options in residential roofing over the last decade. You've probably seen it on newer builds, heard it mentioned by a neighbor, or come across it while researching a roof replacement. And then you ran into the price tag. That sticker shock is usually where the research stops — or where homeowners start looking for reasons to justify it. This guide doesn't do either. It gives you the honest metal roofing pros and cons and a clear framework for deciding whether it makes sense for your specific home in Louisville. What Is Metal Roofing? Before getting into pros and cons, it helps to understand that "metal roofing" covers several different products that perform and cost very differently. The two most relevant for residential homes in Louisville: Standing seam metal roofing — panels run vertically from ridge to eave with raised seams that interlock. No exposed fasteners. This is the premium option you see on high-end custom homes. It's what most people picture when they hear "metal roof." Metal shingles / stone-coated steel — metal panels shaped and coated to look like traditional shingles or tiles. Lower profile than standing seam, easier to retrofit, and less expensive. There's also corrugated metal — the classic ribbed panels more common on agricultural buildings and outbuildings. You'll occasionally see it on residential homes for a specific aesthetic, but it's not what most Louisville homeowners are evaluating. Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal Roof Since both come up in residential conversations, here's a direct comparison:
