LP SmartSide is the leading engineered wood siding product on the market, and one of the most specified siding materials for Greater Seattle homeowners who want the authentic look and feel of natural wood without the high maintenance demands that natural wood imposes in the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate. LP SmartSide uses a proprietary manufacturing process that treats wood fiber strands with resins, waxes, and zinc borate to produce a product that looks and works like wood, it can be cut, nailed, and painted just like natural lumber, but with significantly better resistance to the moisture, rot, and insect damage that limit natural wood’s performance in Greater Seattle.
Integrity Roofing & Construction installs LP SmartSide siding products throughout Greater Seattle. We follow LP’s installation specifications precisely, because correct installation is what activates the 50-year limited warranty that LP Building Solutions provides on their SmartSide products. Every installation is backed by our 20-year workmanship warranty in addition to LP’s material warranty.
Schedule your free LP SmartSide siding estimate with Integrity Roofing & Construction today.
The LP SmartSide Product Line
SmartSide Lap Siding
SmartSide lap siding is the most commonly installed LP product, a horizontal plank available in widths from 6 to 16 inches, in smooth and wood-grain (cedar texture) finishes. SmartSide lap siding provides the appearance of traditional cedar lap siding with the moisture and rot resistance of engineered wood. It’s suitable for the full range of Greater Seattle home styles from craftsman to contemporary.
SmartSide Panel Siding
SmartSide vertical panels are used in board and batten applications, T1-11 style installations, and as accent materials on contemporary homes. Available in 4×8, 4×9, and 4×10 sizes with smooth and grooved textures, SmartSide panel siding provides efficient coverage of large wall areas and a clean, contemporary profile.
SmartSide Trim and Fascia
LP SmartSide trim boards are designed to complement SmartSide siding at corners, window and door surrounds, fascias, and frieze boards. Using SmartSide trim with SmartSide siding provides consistent moisture resistance and appearance across the full exterior and maintains the manufacturer warranty on the integrated system.
SmartSide Cedar Shakes
LP SmartSide engineered cedar shake siding replicates the dimensional, textured appearance of traditional cedar sidewall shingles in an engineered wood product with superior moisture resistance. The natural cedar texture and the hand-split shake appearance are rendered with a level of detail that is difficult to distinguish from the real material.
Why LP SmartSide Works Well in Greater Seattle
Engineered for Moisture Resistance
LP SmartSide’s manufacturing process treats the wood fiber strands that form the substrate with zinc borate — a preservative that inhibits rot and fungal growth — and coats the finished panel with a water-resistant overlay and primer system. The result is an engineered wood product that resists the moisture absorption and decay that limits natural wood siding’s performance in Greater Seattle’s climate.
The Look and Feel of Natural Wood
SmartSide is distinguished from fiber cement siding by its natural wood composition. It can be field-cut with standard woodworking tools, nailed without pre-drilling, and painted with any exterior paint system compatible with wood. It has the warmth and texture of natural cedar without requiring the same maintenance commitment in Greater Seattle’s wet climate.
Impact Resistance
Engineered wood is more impact-resistant than fiber cement, it dents and compresses under impact rather than cracking. In Greater Seattle’s wooded environment, where falling branches and debris are a regular occurrence, this is a meaningful practical advantage.
50-Year Limited Warranty
LP Building Solutions provides a 50-year limited warranty on SmartSide products against rot, fungal damage, termite damage, and structural damage, one of the longest material warranties in the residential siding category. This warranty is contingent on installation per LP’s specifications, which we follow on every SmartSide project.
LP SmartSide Installation Requirements in Greater Seattle
Weather-Resistive Barrier
LP requires a code-compliant WRB behind all SmartSide installations. In Greater Seattle’s climate, we install WRBs with the lapping, sealing, and penetration flashing detail appropriate for sustained wet weather — not the minimum required by code.
Fastening Specifications
LP SmartSide has specific nail type, size, and spacing requirements that vary by product and installation configuration. Fasteners must penetrate into framing members, not sheathing alone, to the specified depth. We follow LP’s fastening guide for every SmartSide installation.
Clearances and Drainage
LP specifies minimum clearances from horizontal surfaces and grade — typically 1 to 2 inches from horizontal surfaces and 6 inches from grade. These clearances prevent moisture wicking at the bottom edge of the siding and are a warranty requirement. We ensure all clearances are maintained during installation.
Painting Within LP’s Specified Window
LP SmartSide products are shipped primed and must be painted within 180 days of installation. We coordinate the painting timeline as part of every SmartSide project.
Joint and End Treatment
All butt joints and cut ends of SmartSide panels must be treated with an exterior sealant or primer to maintain moisture resistance at the most vulnerable points in the installation. We treat all joints and cut ends per LP’s installation guide.
Common LP SmartSide Issues in Greater Seattle — and How We Address Them
Moisture Infiltration at Improperly Sealed Joints
The most common source of moisture-related issues with LP SmartSide is improperly sealed butt joints and cut ends, the points where the protective overlay and primer end and raw material is exposed. Water infiltrating through unsealed joints can cause swelling and paint failure that begin at the joint and spread outward. We seal all joints and ends per LP’s specifications and inspect sealant conditions during any service work.
Paint Failure at Bottom Edges
SmartSide installed with inadequate clearance from horizontal surfaces or grade is exposed to capillary moisture wicking at the bottom edge, causing paint failure and eventual swelling at the butt. Proper clearances at installation prevent this failure mode.
Fastener Overdriving
Over-driven fasteners countersink into the SmartSide panel face, creating small craters that become moisture collection points. We use correctly set pneumatic fasteners and verify nail head depth throughout installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About LP SmartSide Siding in Greater Seattle
How does LP SmartSide compare to James Hardie fiber cement siding?
LP SmartSide and James Hardie are the two most commonly specified premium siding products in Greater Seattle, and both are excellent choices. The primary differences: SmartSide has the look, feel, and workability of natural wood; Hardie has the non-combustible rating and the slightly longer expected paint cycle of a cement-based product. SmartSide’s 50-year material warranty exceeds Hardie’s 30-year warranty; Hardie’s ColorPlus factory finish system has advantages in paint longevity. We can walk you through the specific comparison for your project during the estimate.
Is LP SmartSide resistant to termites and insects?
Yes. The zinc borate treatment in SmartSide’s manufacturing process inhibits termite and insect activity. LP’s 50-year warranty includes coverage against termite damage — a warranty feature that natural wood siding products cannot offer.
Does LP SmartSide require special paint products?
LP recommends 100% acrylic latex exterior paint applied over the factory primer — standard exterior paint products available from all major paint manufacturers. The key is ensuring the factory primer is clean, intact, and not expired (within the 180-day painting window) before paint is applied.
How long does LP SmartSide last in Greater Seattle?
LP provides a 50-year limited warranty on SmartSide products. Properly installed and maintained SmartSide in Greater Seattle can be expected to perform at the material level for 50 years or more; the ongoing maintenance requirement is the paint system, which typically requires repainting every 8 to 12 years in Greater Seattle’s climate.
What warranty does Integrity Roofing provide on LP SmartSide installations?
All LP SmartSide installations are covered by our 20-year workmanship warranty, in addition to LP Building Solutions’ 50-year limited product warranty. We provide full LP warranty documentation at project completion.
Ready for LP SmartSide installed by experts? Contact Integrity Roofing & Construction for a free estimate in Greater Seattle.