Most homeowners know what they value in exterior siding: long-lasting durability with great aesthetics. Understanding which product delivers the best results can be a tricky feat, however. Each manufacturer considers their own product as the best, so it can be difficult to sort through the details. The details prove that Allura™ fiber cement is a better choice than LP® SmartSide®.
By investing in a better product, homeowners can enjoy a greater return on their investment, as well as better overall protection from the common threats to residential siding.
As seasoned homeowners will attest, minor material differences can make a big difference in the long run. There are four key elements where Allura fiber cement outperforms LP SmartSide, all of which stem from the superior composition of fiber cement.
Material Composition Matters
In a sense, everything can be reinforced to perform better and stronger. For example, raw timber can be painted and stained to have an extra layer of protection, but the core composition of the material is something that simply can’t be covered up completely.
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood material that’s made from several individual wood components bonded together with a resin. While this particular bonding agent can make the finished product stronger than raw wood, it still doesn’t take away from the fact that LP SmartSide still consists of a wood base. This means that all the vulnerabilities of wood will still be there — to a lesser degree, but they won’t go away entirely.
Fiber cement, on the other hand, has an innovative composition that makes it inherently stronger than wood-based products. It consists of Portland cement, water, sand, and cellulose fibers, so Allura fiber cement siding is able to provide unique advantages that simply aren’t possible with engineered wood.
4 Ways Allura Fiber Cement Outperforms LP Smartside
The material composition of these two products yields a clear distinction in overall performance. Here are four ways that Allura fiber cement outperforms LP SmartSide:
1. Weather and Pest Resistant
Allura fiber cement is naturally more resistant to weather threats, like wind, rain, heat, and hail, because of its heavy-duty composition. Allura fiber cement provides better protection from the elements — which is important whether you live in the humid Gulf Coast, the dry deserts of the Southwest, or the snowy states up North.
In addition, pests can find LP SmartSide more attractive than Allura fiber cement because of its natural wood composition. Termites, carpenter ants, and other pests will have a much harder time nesting into fiber cement because of its heavy-duty strength. Wood is ideal for pests, and LP SmartSide is a form of engineered wood.
2. Fire Resistant
Another clear-cut advantage of Allura fiber cement is that it is much more fire resistant than LP SmartSide. Siding materials are often assessed for flammability and assigned a rating based on how quickly a fire is likely to spread when the siding is exposed to open flames. Allura fiber cement siding has a Class A Fire Rating (that’s the highest score), which means that it does not allow fire to spread as quickly as flammable materials, like wood.
LP SmartSide may be treated to be more fire resistant, it’s still made from wood strands, making fire a constant worry in most homeowners’ minds.
3. Provides a Greater Return on Investment
According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report of 2021, fiber cement siding can see an estimated 69.4% return on investment. That’s huge for homeowners who approach remodeling projects as an opportunity to increase their home’s value with a steady, long-term investment. This report does not assess brand-specific materials, however it is a good resource for homeowners to consider when deciding between Allura fiber cement siding and LP SmartSide.
4. Moisture Resistant
This distinction stems from the composition of these two siding materials. Fiber cement is water resistant, but engineered wood still runs the risk of absorbing moisture due to its wood-based composition. Moisture damage can ultimately lead to rotting, mold growth, weakened siding panels, and unsightly stains.
Whether you’ve got a white house with black trim or a dark-colored home that’s better equipped to hide water stains, the detrimental effects of moisture damage cannot be ignored. As soon as engineered wood siding is compromised, the chance of moisture seeping into the home’s structural components and interior living space can skyrocket. It’s a risk that no wise homeowner wants to take.
Allura Fiber Cement is the Better Choice for Long-Lasting Performance
All of these factors add up to significant consequences in long-term performance and value. The more damage that siding incurs, the more time and money will be needed to pour into maintenance and repair work. Selecting a high-performance material, like Allura fiber cement siding, is the best way to get an exceptional exterior.
Contact Allura today to discuss the wide range of fiber cement siding products available, and begin making your dreams of a beautiful, well-protected home a reality.
