On Long Island, siding has to do more than just look good. Between salty air, storms, and changing seasons, it needs to hold up without turning into a maintenance headache. LP SmartSide is one of the options homeowners are starting to consider. It’s an engineered wood siding that aims to combine that classic wood look with materials built to last. This LP Smartside review takes a closer look at how this siding performs, what it offers, and where it might fall short.
Before We Start Our Review, Let’s Answer the Main Question, “What Is LP SmartSide Siding?”
LP SmartSide is a type of engineered wood siding, which means it’s not made from solid wood boards. Instead, it’s built from wood strands that are treated with waxes, resins, and zinc borate. These materials work together to help the siding resist moisture, pests, and fungal decay.
After treatment, the strands are compressed and bonded to create strong, uniform panels. A resin-saturated overlay gets added last, giving each board a smooth, paint-ready surface that also helps block out moisture.
The result is a siding product that looks like traditional wood but performs more like a composite. You get that woodgrain appearance without the constant upkeep natural wood usually demands.
Unified Home Remodeling installs LP SmartSide around Long Island and is proud to be an LP SmartSide Master Preferred Contractor. That means we’re trained to meet the brand’s standards for installation and product knowledge so your siding performs the way it’s supposed to.
Our LP SmartSide Siding Review | Pros & Cons
Pros of LP SmartSide Siding for Long Island Homes
- Built for Harsh Weather
LP SmartSide holds up well through rain, wind, hail, and the freeze-thaw swings we get around here. It doesn’t crack or warp easily, which comes in handy with all the salty air and sudden weather shifts Long Island homes deal with.
- Resists Dings and Damage
The siding’s core materials include industrial-grade resins that boost impact resistance. That means it won’t easily dent or chip from debris like sticks, hail, or the occasional bump from a ladder.
- Helps Keep Out Pests
Termites and other wood-damaging pests show up in plenty of Long Island neighborhoods. LP adds zinc borate during manufacturing, which helps guard the siding against insect damage and decay. The treatment goes through the entire board, not just the outer layer.
- Easier to Handle and Install
LP SmartSide is just easier to work with. It’s lighter than fiber cement, so it’s not a hassle to move around the job site. It cuts clean with regular tools and holds up well during installation, so there’s less chance of boards cracking or breaking. That kind of simplicity keeps the project moving without a bunch of extra steps or slowdowns.
- Flexible Design Options
LP SmartSide gives you a lot of flexibility with style. You’ll find everything from traditional lap siding to options that mimic shiplap, all available in either a woodgrain or smooth finish. You can buy it prefinished in a wide range of colors or go with the primed version and paint it yourself. The panels run up to 16 feet long, so fewer seams are showing on your exterior, which helps everything look a little more put-together.
Pro Tip
Use their online design tool to see how
LP SmartSide could look on your home.
A Few Things to Consider
- Moisture Can Be an Issue Without Proper Installation
With proper installation, LP siding holds up well against moisture. If the seams or edges around windows and trim aren’t sealed correctly, water can find its way in. That can cause swelling, warping, or even mold down the line. On Long Island, where homes deal with a mix of rain, snow, and humidity, a solid install makes all the difference.
- Finish Quality Can Vary
LP doesn’t finish the siding themselves. Instead, they work with outside companies like Diamond Kote and others who apply paint or stain. That setup gives homeowners more color options, but it also means the quality depends on the finisher. Some coatings hold up better than others, so it’s worth asking what product is being used and how it’s applied.
- Repainting Might Be Needed Sooner Than Expected
Depending on the finish you choose, you may need to repaint every few years. Some reviews mention paint flaking or fading in spots, especially if the coating wasn’t done well or if the home gets a lot of sun exposure. Expect to repaint every 3 to 10 years, depending on the conditions.
- Upfront Costs Are Higher Than Vinyl
LP SmartSide typically costs more than vinyl siding, both for materials and installation. It’s not the most expensive option on the market, but it’s not the cheapest either. The long-term value may balance out the cost, but the initial price tag is something to factor into your budget.
What to Expect with Cost and Maintenance
LP SmartSide usually lands a bit higher than vinyl when it comes to price. Most homeowners end up somewhere around $9 per square foot, but it can range from $5 to $12 depending on how the home is finished and who’s doing the work.
There’s also a good chance you’ll get a strong return on that cost. ROI often falls between 80% and 90%, which puts it in a solid spot for homeowners thinking long-term.
Maintenance is simple. A quick rinse with a hose now and then usually does the trick. Just avoid pressure washing—too much force can wear down the finish or let water in where it shouldn’t be.
Reviewing LP SmartSide’s Warranty
SmartSide comes with a 50-year limited warranty on the substrate, which sounds great on paper. For the first five years, coverage includes both materials and labor at 100%. After that, the warranty becomes prorated, decreasing by about 2.2% each year. That means by year 10, coverage drops to just under 89%.
The ExpertFinish line also includes a 15-year finish warranty, which covers things like peeling, flaking, and excessive fading. If you go with a primed version and paint it yourself or through a contractor, coverage depends on the paint manufacturer, not LP.
One important detail: the warranty doesn’t apply everywhere. Certain regions with high humidity or frequent heavy rain (like the Pacific Northwest or Alaska) are excluded. While that doesn’t impact Long Island directly, it does show how moisture can affect performance over time.
It’s worth reading the warranty carefully so you know exactly what’s covered and for how long.
Now That You’ve Read Our
LP SmartSide Review…Is it a Good Fit
for Long Island Homes?
LP SmartSide makes sense for homeowners looking for a durable siding that holds up well in changing seasons. Its resistance to pests, impact, and moisture—when installed correctly—can work well for homes across Long Island, from coastal neighborhoods to more inland areas.
The wood-look siding works well for homeowners who want that classic style without the upkeep real wood usually needs. It’s easy to find something that matches, whether you’re updating a colonial, a Cape, or something more modern.
Having said that, it’s not for everyone. If you’re trying to keep costs down or want something truly maintenance-free, there are other options out there. But if you’re looking for something that offers solid durability and a sharp look without going full premium, LP SmartSide is worth considering.
Making the Right Choice Starts Here
If you’re considering LP SmartSide for your home, Unified Home Remodeling can help you figure out if it’s the right fit. As an LP SmartSide Master Preferred Contractor on Long Island, our team knows what works for any home and can walk you through the options without the pressure. We’re here to make sure you choose siding that fits your style, your home, and your budget. Call us at 888-631-2131 or fill out our convenient online form.