LP SmartSide is a high-performance engineered wood siding made from a blend of wood fibers bonded with exterior-grade resins and treated with zinc borate and waxes for enhanced strength. This innovative construction gives LP SmartSide the natural look of wood while protecting it from fungal decay, termites, and moisture damage. At Herman Exterior Homes, we specialize in installing LP SmartSide on homes and commercial properties throughout Albany, Niskayuna, and surrounding Capital Region communities.
Our skilled installers ensure precision craftsmanship on every project – whether you’re updating a single-family home in Niskayuna or residing a multi-unit property in Albany, we’ve got you covered.
Homeowners and businesses choose LP SmartSide for its versatility (available in various profiles like lap siding, shakes, panels, and trim) and its proven toughness. Explore the benefits of LP SmartSide siding below to see why so many property owners in Albany trust Herman Exterior Homes for quality siding solutions.
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We are one of the only contractors in the Capital Region that specialize in LP SmartSide Siding installations and fixes. Our siding experts know when to recommend SmartSide that our customers will love.
When it comes to durability, LP SmartSide is built to excel. This siding is treated with LP’s proprietary SmartGuard® process, which infuses the engineered wood with resins, waxes, and zinc borate to create a robust, weather-resistant shell. The result is siding that resists damage from moisture, rot, and pests – problems that traditionally plague real wood siding.
LP SmartSide can withstand extreme weather conditions in the Capital Region; it survives cyclical freeze/thaw cycles without cracking and holds up against high humidity and heavy snow. In fact, it’s designed to shrug off impacts that might dent or crack other materials. From everyday bumps to golf-ball-sized hail, LP SmartSide provides superior resistance, giving you peace of mind during New York’s stormy seasons. Simply put, this siding offers the kind of toughness that fiber cement, vinyl, or wood often can’t match over the long haul.
LP SmartSide isn’t just easier on the eyes – it’s easier on the installer, too. Each plank is significantly lighter in weight than fiber cement siding, which means our crew can handle and cut the boards more easily on the job site.
Fewer seams not only create a cleaner, more polished appearance, but also mean fewer points of water entry over time. The panels align tightly and stay put, even through Albany’s temperature swings and wind gusts. For homeowners, the benefit is a quicker installation with less disruption and a flawless finish.
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Weight
LP SmartSide: Lighter, easier to handle
Fiber Cement: Heavier, requires special handling
Brittleness
LP SmartSide: Less brittle, less prone to breakage
Fiber Cement: More brittle, can crack if mishandled
Installation
LP SmartSide: Faster, standard cutting tools, no silica dust
Fiber Cement: Slower, requires special tools & dust protection
Durability
LP SmartSide: Resists impact, rot, pests, moisture
Fiber Cement: Good rot resistance, can crack & absorb moisture at joints
Warranty
LP SmartSide: 50-year limited warranty
Fiber Cement: Typical 30-year warranty
Cost
LP SmartSide: Generally ~50% less than fiber cement
Fiber Cement: Higher material & labor costs
Aesthetics
LP SmartSide: Authentic wood grain texture, rich depth
Vinyl: Can appear flat or plasticky
Durability in Cold Weather
LP SmartSide: Handles freeze-thaw cycles with ease
Vinyl: May warp or become brittle in extreme cold
Maintenance
LP SmartSide: Low maintenance, can repaint if desired
Vinyl: Low maintenance, limited repainting options
Color Options
LP SmartSide: Factory prefinished or fully paintable
Vinyl: Factory colors only, repainting not idealI
Impact Resistance
LP SmartSide: Resists dents, hail, wind-blown debris
Vinyl: More prone to denting and cracking
Warranty
LP SmartSide: 50-year limited warranty
Vinyl: Lifetime limited warranty (often prorated)
Cost
LP SmartSide: Mid-range
Vinyl: Typically lowest upfront cost
LP SmartSide comes with one of the best warranties in the siding industry. It features a 50-year limited warranty on the siding panels, which is a testament to the product’s durability. Here’s how it works: for the first 5 years, the warranty typically offers 100% replacement cost and labor if any siding failure occurs under normal use
This far outpaces many other siding warranties (for example, vinyl siding often comes with lifetime limited warranties that are prorated, and fiber cement usually has around a 30-year warranty). It’s important to note that the warranty is transferable to a new owner, which can be a selling point if you move.
LP SmartSide is generally a mid-range investment – often more expensive than basic vinyl siding, but typically less expensive than fiber cement siding. The exact cost varies with factors like the size of your project, the siding profile you choose (e.g. lap vs. shakes), and labor rates.
Many of our customers find that LP SmartSide provides an excellent value for the quality and peace of mind it delivers. We’re happy to provide a detailed quote and discuss cost comparisons specific to your project so you can make an informed decision.
LP SmartSide offers tremendous design flexibility to suit your aesthetic preferences. In terms of styles (profiles), you can choose from classic lap siding (horizontal planks in various widths), vertical panel siding (great for board-and-batten looks), cedar texture shakes (staggered or straight-edge shingle panels for a rustic charm), and coordinating trim and fascia boards for finishing touches.
These options allow you to achieve styles from modern farmhouse to traditional colonial or craftsman – whatever fits your home’s character. As for textures, LP SmartSide comes in a convincing Cedar Grain texture that simulates real wood, and some profiles are also offered in a smooth finish for a crisp, contemporary look
There are plenty of towns in the Capital Region that we serve for Siding Jobs. If you don't see your town name, don't panic! Just give us a quick call and we will kindly let you know if we serve your area.