LP Smart Siding vs. Hardie Board: Cost, Durability, and Warranty Comparison

When selecting the right siding for your home, the decision involves considering factors such as cost, durability, maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and long-term protection. Two of the most well-regarded choices for siding are LP Smart Siding and Hardie Board (also known as James Hardie Siding). Both options come with their own sets of benefits, and understanding their features can help you make the best choice for your home’s exterior.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the differences between LP Smart Siding and Hardie Board, including their materials, costs, durability, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage. Along the way, we’ll also address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to clarify common doubts and concerns homeowners might have.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge necessary to choose between these two high-performing siding options for your home.

What Is LP Smart Siding Made Of? Composition and Construction

LP Smart Siding is an engineered wood product that uses a combination of wood fibers, resins, and zinc borate (a compound that improves resistance to decay and termites). The material is created using a proprietary process known as SmartGuard® Technology, which enhances the board’s durability and strength. The SmartGuard® treatment involves pressure treatment, which makes the siding highly resistant to moisture and mold .

LP Smart Siding offers a more natural wood aesthetic while providing improved protection against the elements. It is commonly available in a variety of styles including lap siding, panel siding, and shakes, which can mimic traditional wood siding but offer better longevity and durability. The company’s innovative SmartGuard® technology ensures that the siding is treated to withstand moisture, termites, and rot — common threats to traditional wood siding.

One of the key advantages of LP Smart Siding is that it can be easily painted in a wide array of colors, offering a high degree of customization to suit the homeowner’s style preferences.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

LP Smart Siding is made from sustainably sourced wood products, and it is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The company’s commitment to sustainable sourcing ensures that the siding is produced with minimal environmental impact, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to other building materials.

What Is Hardie Siding Made Of?

Composition and Construction

Hardie Board, produced by James Hardie, is made from fiber cement, a blend of Portland cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water. The result is a highly durable material that is significantly stronger than traditional wood, offering fire resistance, moisture resistance, and pest resistance. The process of creating Hardie Board involves mixing these components into a slurry, which is then pressed into molds to form planks, boards, and shingles. Once cured, the product is treated with a special ColorPlus® finish, which provides the siding with enhanced resistance to fading, peeling, and cracking.

Hardie Board is non-combustible, meaning it won’t catch fire like traditional wood or wood-based siding. This feature makes it an excellent option for homes in areas prone to wildfires. Additionally, fiber cement siding offers superior durability in the face of severe weather conditions, such as hailstorms, windstorms, and extreme heat.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

James Hardie is also committed to environmental responsibility, and its fiber cement siding is made using sustainable practices. The company claims that a large portion of the material is sourced from recycled content, making it an environmentally friendly choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. Furthermore, Hardie Board is durable, leading to fewer replacements over the years, which reduces the overall waste associated with siding.

LP Smart Siding vs. Hardie Board: Key Comparisons

Durability and Longevity

Hardie Board is known for its exceptional durability, with an average lifespan of 40 to 50 years when properly installed and maintained. Fiber cement, the material that Hardie Board is made from, is highly resistant to moisture, rot, termites, and fire. Hardie Board is perfect for homeowners who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution. In addition, it is highly resistant to warping, cracking, or fading, ensuring that your home’s exterior will stay beautiful for decades.

In contrast, LP Smart Siding is not as durable as Hardie Board, with an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. While LP Smart Siding offers protection against moisture and decay through the SmartGuard® treatment, it is generally more vulnerable to impact damage compared to the rigidity of Hardie Board. For example, hailstorms or flying debris could cause dents or scratches on LP Smart Siding. It also requires more frequent repainting (every 5 to 10 years) to maintain its appearance and ensure long-term protection.

Maintenance Requirements

When it comes to maintenance, Hardie Board requires very little attention once installed. With its built-in ColorPlus® technology, the paint is baked into the siding, and this finish has a lifespan of up to 15 years, reducing the need for repainting. If the paint does begin to fade, a simple cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient to restore its appearance. Additionally, fiber cement siding is impervious to termites and mold , so it requires less frequent maintenance than traditional wood siding.

LP Smart Siding, on the other hand, requires more upkeep, especially in terms of painting. While the SmartGuard® process makes the siding resistant to moisture and rot, it is still recommended to repaint the boards every 5 to 10 years to maintain both the aesthetic appeal and the protective properties of the siding. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the paint to wear off, especially in regions with high humidity or extreme sun exposure.

Cost Comparison

One of the most significant factors in choosing between LP Smart Siding and Hardie Board is the cost. The installation cost of LP Smart Siding is generally lower than that of Hardie Board. The price of LP Smart Siding typically ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot, which includes both the materials and installation. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on upfront costs without sacrificing too much durability.

On the other hand, Hardie Board is more expensive, with installation costs typically ranging from $6 to$12 per square foot. The initial cost of Hardie Board is higher due to the manufacturing process and the premium material. However, Hardie Board’s longer lifespan and low-maintenance qualities can help offset the higher initial cost over time, even in extreme weather .

In summary:

• LP Smart Siding: $4 to $7 per square foot
• Hardie Board: $6 to $12 per square foot

While Hardie Board might seem like a more significant investment, it can be the better choice for homeowners who prioritize long-term durability and low maintenance.

Fire Resistance

Hardie Board is known for its fire resistance. Since it is made from fiber cement, it is non-combustible, which is a major advantage in areas with a high risk of wildfires. The waterproofing properties of Hardie Board can offer added peace of mind for homeowners in wildfire-prone regions.

On the other hand, while LP Smart Siding offers some fire resistance due to its SmartGuard® technology, it is not as fire-resistant as fiber cement. LP Smart Siding has a Class C fire rating, which means it provides some protection against flames but is not completely fireproof.

Warranty Comparison

Both LP Smart Siding and Hardie Board offer strong warranties, but the specifics differ:

LP Smart Siding Warranty:

• 50-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
• 5-year 100% labor and replacement warranty for the first five years of installation.
• The warranty becomes prorated after the initial 5-year period.
• Transferable warranty, which adds value when selling your home.

Hardie Board Warranty:

• 30-year non-prorated warranty for siding products, which means that coverage remains the same throughout the entire warranty period.
• 15-year warranty for trim products.
• 15-year warranty on ColorPlus® Technology, which ensures that the paint finish remains intact for an extended period.
• Transferable warranty, which can be passed to future owners.

While LP Smart Siding offers a longer overall warranty, Hardie Board’s non-prorated warranty provides long-term, uninterrupted coverage.

Conclusion: LP Smart Siding vs. Hardie Board – Which Is Best for Your Home?

In the battle of LP Smart Siding vs. Hardie Board, both options have unique benefits. LP Smart Siding is the more cost-effective option for those on a budget and is relatively easier to maintain. It also offers strong impact resistance and is ideal for homeowners seeking a natural wood look at a lower price point, resisting mold.

Hardie Board, however, is a premium option that offers superior durability, fire resistance, and weather protection. While it comes with a higher upfront cost, it requires less maintenance over time and can last up to 50 years.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, long-term goals, and local climate conditions. If you’re willing to invest in a highly durable, low-maintenance option, Hardie Board may be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable solution that still offers great performance and protection, LP Smart Siding is an excellent alternative.