Siding

TIM, We recently encountered a competitor to Hardie Plank called LP SmartSiding. Would you help us understand how LP SmartSiding compares to Hardie Plank? The most common installation for both products is lap siding installed as individual planks. When compared to vinyl siding, these products will have a traditional wide plank look with sleek straight lines we've come to expect with traditional wood siding without wood siding maintenance. JAMES HARDIE FIBER CEMENT SIDING For the past decade, the composite sid- ing standard-bearer has been the James Hardie company. James Hardie prod- ucts, commonly referred to as "Hardie" or "HardiePlank" are also often referred to as "fiber-cement" products because of the materials that they are made from. The main/bulk ingredient in James Hardie siding products is silica dust. The silica dust is combined with other materials such as wood fiber for strength as well as several other proprietary in- gredients that are a closely guarded trade secret. One of the final ingredients is cement which is the binding agent that holds everything together. The resultant product is a very hard, durable, and attractive exterior siding product. LP SMARTSIDING LP (Louisiana Pacific) SmartSide is a relative newcomer to the marketplace, with production beginning in 1997. I should note that while LP's current product bears no resemblance to their first attempt in the composite siding marketplace, their first product, Inner Seal, had major problems and was plagued with rot and swelling among other issues, which resulted in LP settling a class-action lawsuit to resolve homeowners' claims. LP vowed never to repeat their first experience and their engineers for- mulated a new product, LP SmartSide, which addressed all of the shortcom- ings of their first composite siding product. SmartSide is made out of what LP calls an "engineered wood" product. After mixing/coating, wood strands are laid down in interwoven orienta- tions to give the product dimensional stability, a loosely interwoven mat of wood strands is then fed into a press which does a few things simultaneous- ly: it embosses a wood-like finish into the surface of the boards, it compress- es the interwoven-mat into the final thickness of the desired siding product, and it uses heat to activate the binding agent of the material. Now that we have briefly described the LP and Hardie products, let's exam- ine some of their primary differences. How long are James Hardie and LP SmartSide boards? LP SMARTSIDE 16-foot board lengths JAMES HARDIE 12-foot board lengths This is one area where LP SmartSide excels. The boards are made in 16-foot lengths as opposed to James Hardie's 12-foot board lengths. The end result is 33% fewer seams on your home when the product is installed. Fewer seams adds durability as well as beauty. DURABILITY Over the past 20 years, SmartSide has been performing well across the US, therefore it is continuing to grow in popularity as a good quality siding option. James Hardie products on the other hand have experienced a long and successful 127-year history. Which company offers a better war- ranty? LP SMARTSIDE 50-Year Limited Warranty JAMES HARDIE 30-Year Limited Warranty Both products offer long warranty periods, but LP offers a unique 5/50 warranty. If the product fails within the first five years, both labor and mate- rials are covered. After five years, the warranty is prorated. The James Hardie warranty covers only materials but is not prorated after the first five years. EASE OF INSTALLATION Since Hardie is heavier than LP, it's more difficult and time-consuming to install. Moreover, many contractors could do without Hardie plank's tendency to break during installation. This brittle nature increases material costs due to waste and prolongs installation time. Choosing the best siding option for your home

LP Smart Siding is a bit more flex- ible and this flexibility results in less breakage during installation. Also, it is easier to cut than Hardie and does not require any special tools. Additionally, because LP boards are longer and lighter than Hardie, they are also quicker and easier to install. For all these reasons, many contrac- tors switch from Hardie to LP. FAILURES Proper installation is the Achilles heel for both products. If Hardie Plank and LP Smartsiding are properly installed, both are good products that will stand the test of time. As you might suspect, if improperly installed, both products will fail, and unfortu- nately, these failures will not be cov- ered by the manufacturer's warranty CONCLUSION As with most products in the building industry, hiring trained professionals is the key to enjoyment and longevity. With a trained and knowledgeable builder by your side, both products can offer sleek beauty, and low maintenance curb appeal for many decades to come. homes in South Central, KY for over 30 years. a Registered Builder and a Certified Green Professional. continued from page 28 B-Dry Waterproofing Basements, crawl spaces and foundation repair. Also, ventilation for both crawl spaces and basements. Making the air you breathe cleaner! Lifetime warranty. Free Estimates. Call Rich Jackel, Jr. 270-780-5501 www.bdry.com Wanted Standing Timber Will Cut Timber on Shares. No logs will leave property until paid in full. Landowner Satisfaction Guaranteed. No job too big! Call Eli Miller Logging 270-524-2967 If no answer we will call back. Advantage Painting & Power Washing Commercial & Residential Free Estimates Jim Marney 270-205-7901 B-Dry Waterproofing Basements, Crawl Spaces and Foundation Repair. Also, ventilation for both crawl spaces and basements. Making the air you breathe cleaner! Lifetime warranty. Free Estimates. Rich Jackel, Jr. 270-780-5501 www.bdry.com Call Eric Wheat 270-799-9876 Rotten Wood Replacement Vinyl Siding Home Repairs Gutter Cleaning Tree Limb Cleanup Roof Repairs Junk Removal Licensed & Insured Free Estimates 37 Years in Business Mr. Hagans Reliable Lawn Care Mowing, mulching, pressure washing, shrub trimming, gutter cleaning, leaf removal, junk hauling. Summer Cleanup. Free Estimates Licensed & Insured 270-790-9853 Cory Hall Painting For all your painting and pressure washing needs. Licensed and insured. Over 20 years of experience. Free Estimates. Call (270)303-0121 Eddie Blair General Contracting Cleaining Brush and Land. Mowing/ Landscaping, Bush Hogging, Junk Removal, Snow Removal, Remodeling, Excavation, Metal Siding, Residential Fencing, Small Residential Repairs. Licensed & Insured. 270-799-4065 Oldest Handyman Service in Bowling Green Byrd's Do It All, LLC Remodeling, pressure washing, carpentry, home repair, maintenance, junk removal, fencing, tree/bush trimming/removal, landscaping, gutter cleaning/repair, roofing, deck building/staining/sealing, Your To Do List! You name it, we have done it! We have a diverse, qualified staff to meet your needs. Licensed and insured. Locally owned and operated. Free estimates. Call 270-784-8001 SHIPLEY'S TREE SERVICE Call 270-606-1594 Yoder's Roofing & Contracting Free estimates. Specializing in flat, low-slope and metal commercial and residential roofs. Dan Yoder 270-579-1373 A & J Tree Service We Do It All... • Tree Trimming Removal • Storm Damage • Tree Pruning • Debris Removal • Lot Clearing & More FREE ESTIMATES Call Adam 270-282-1076 or Jessee 270-743-7759 BG Mower Mower & Small engine repair. Quality service with fast turn arounds. We offer free pickup & delivery. Conveniently located at 288 Cumberland Trace Road (across from Harley Davidson). Call or text for service request. 270-320-9955 Southern Touch Lawn & Landscapes 270-991-0046 southerntouchlawn.com ANGEL'S LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE Let us help you with your Spring time chores & "Honey Do's". Landscaping, mulching, pruning, minor repairs, tree trimming, gutter cleaning, window washing, leaf/brush removal, general clean-up, debris removal, much more! Licensed & Insured. Hardworking & Honest! Call 270-784-0136 Keith's Repair Shop Appliances-A/C Small Engines, Auto air conditioning, lawn mowers keithrepairshop@gmail.com 270-246-0744 T&R Lawn Care Mowing, trimming, mulching, and any other yard work you may need. We have years of experience, reasonable pricing and we offer FREE estimates. 270-532-0937