James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide: Which Is the Best Siding For Your House?

Is your home's siding starting to look a little drab? If it's time for an upgrade, you're in luck. The average Kansas City siding replacement yields up to a 69% return on investment, making it one of the most valuable upgrades you can do to your home. 

But, which siding material is the best option for your home? We're here to help you decide. 

Keep reading to learn about two popular siding choices: James Hardie vs LP SmartSide. We'll break down the differences between the two so you have a better idea of which option is right for your home. 

Let's get started!

Materials

One of the most important decisions you'll make when choosing siding is the type of material you want. Some homeowners prefer the look of wood, not realizing that it lacks durability. Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide give you the look of wood siding, without the headache, thanks to a unique blend of materials. 

James Hardie

James Hardie siding is a fiber cement material. It's made from a combination of water, fly ash, wood pulp, and Portland cement. All of these products are low in toxicity levels, making James Hardie a smart choice for your home.

Fiber cement is also considered one of the most eco-friendly siding options, which is key, as more homeowners are putting an emphasis on sustainable living. 

LP SmartSide

LP SmartSide products are made from a blend of wood strands, specifically coated to keep out moisture. During the manufacturing process, the wood strands are bonded with resin, to help make the material more durable. 

As a result, LP SmartSide siding looks more like traditional wood, but it's more durable than regular wood siding. 

Appearance

Your home's exterior plays an important part in your overall curb appeal. If you choose the wrong siding material, your home may end up looking dated as soon as the project is complete. Fortunately, both James Hardie and LP SmartSide have options that will look great for years. 

James Hardie

James Hardie Siding offers a variety of different fiber cement siding options, so you can get a look that matches any design aesthetic. The company's HardiePlank Lap Siding is a timeless design of horizontal planks. You can select from different finish options including a smooth, modern look, or a wood grain look that gives your home the appearance of wood siding in a more durable package. 

You can also choose a shingle or textured siding, in almost every color imaginable. With James Hardie siding, the options are endless. 

LP SmartSide

LP SmartSide also boasts a variety of styles and colors that appeal to everyone's sense of design. Choose from traditional siding that mimics the appearance of natural wood, or go for a more rustic look by choosing their shingle design. 

LP SmartSide also offers different textured finishes including stucco, smooth, and reverse board and batten style. 

Durability

It's one thing for your home's siding to look great, but it also needs to keep your home and the people inside it safe. That's why durability is one of the most important things to consider before deciding on a siding material.

James Hardie

When it comes to durability, it's hard to beat James Hardie. The company claims that its siding can withstand winds up to 130 mph, so you'll almost never have to worry about it getting damaged, even in the worst storms. 

Aside from that, fiber cement is very resistant to rot, molding, and pest infestations. Simply put, James Hardie siding is made to withstand the elements with no trouble at all. 

LP SmartSide

Because LP SmartSide materials are made from wood strands, they're more susceptible to damage than James Hardie products. However, the addition of the resin and other similar binders in the product makes it more durable than wood alone. The blend helps to keep out moisture, preventing rot over time. 

So, while James Hardie has the durability advantage, LP SmartSide is still a better choice compared to wood materials.

Maintenance

Between work, family, and social obligations, you probably already have a lot on your plate. Make sure you choose a siding option that doesn't require extensive maintenance that will take up time in your already busy schedule. 

James Hardie

We recommend cleaning James Hardie siding about twice a year to remove dirt and debris. All you have to do is use a soft brush or cloth with warm water and mild liquid dish soap to keep your siding looking great. 

Be sure to rinse off all the soap before letting it dry and never use a pressure washer to avoid damaging the siding. 

LP SmartSide

You can take care of your LP SmartSide material in the same way, using a soft sponge to wipe down the siding. If you notice any stubborn stains that won't come off with soap and water alone, you can use a diluted mixture of white vinegar and water to get your siding perfectly clean. 

Warranties

Buying new siding is an investment that you want to last. Make sure you're protected by understanding the warranty options for both products. 

James Hardie

James Hardie siding products come with a 30-year, non-prorated warranty, which is considered one of the best in the industry. If there's a defect in the material, James Hardie will cover the cost to repair or replace the defective portion of the siding, giving you peace of mind. 

LP SmartSide

At first, LP SmartSide's 50-year warranty may sound more attractive than James Hardie's, but it's important to note that it's a pro-rated option. This means that coverage goes down by 2.2% after year six, until the end of the warranty. Some damage may also not be covered if it appears that you haven't taken care of the siding according to their instructions. 

James Hardie vs LP SmartSide: Which Is Right for You?

After reading through our comparison of James Hardie vs LP SmartSide, you should have more information to make an informed decision for your home. 

Whatever you choose, our team here at US Quality Construction is here for you. Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn more about both of these siding options.