If you’ve been hunting for siding that’s as beautiful as wood but built tougher to take on the Midwest, you’ve probably come across LP® SmartSide®. With its sleek curb appeal and impressive performance ratings, this engineered wood siding has become a popular choice among Omaha homeowners looking for the best of both worlds.
But what exactly is LP SmartSide siding—and how does it stack up against the elements, aging, and other materials on the market? Let’s break it down so you can decide if this smart siding is right for your home.
What Is LP SmartSide Siding?
LP SmartSide is a type of engineered wood siding made by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. Rather than being cut from traditional timber, it’s manufactured using a process called SmartGuard®, which treats wood strands with waxes, resins, and zinc borate, then compresses them for strength and durability.
The result? A wood-based product that looks like real cedar siding but holds up far better to the elements—and is significantly lighter and easier to install than fiber cement options like Hardie board.
How Does LP SmartSide Perform?
Omaha’s weather is no joke. You need siding that can handle baking heat, blustery winters, ice storms, and pounding hail. LP SmartSide doesn’t just show up for the challenge—it thrives in it.
1. Impact Resistance: Tougher Than You’d Think
One of LP SmartSide’s biggest claims to fame is its industry-leading impact resistance. In tests, it outperforms fiber cement and vinyl when it comes to handling hail, flying debris, and the occasional baseball (hey, it happens). That makes it a great option for homes in storm-prone areas like Omaha.
2. Moisture Resistance: SmartGuard® to the Rescue
Engineered wood might sound vulnerable to water, but LP SmartSide’s SmartGuard process sets it apart. Waxes and resins help repel moisture, while zinc borate protects against mold, rot, and termites. When installed correctly, LP SmartSide holds up exceptionally well—even through the wild freeze-thaw cycles of Nebraska winters.
3. Wind Resistance: Built to Stay Put
LP SmartSide products are rated for winds up to 200 mph, making them more than capable of withstanding strong Midwest gusts. Combined with professional installation, that rating offers major peace of mind during tornado season or fast-moving thunderstorms.
4. Curb Appeal: Classic Looks, Modern Performance
Unlike vinyl, which can sometimes look plastic or flat, LP SmartSide mimics the rich texture of real wood—right down to the grain. You can choose from lap siding, panel siding, shakes, and trim, with options to pre-finish or paint in your color of choice. It’s an ideal pick if you want something that combines charm with toughness.
5. Low Maintenance, Long Warranty
Because it’s engineered to resist so many common issues—warping, chipping, cracking, pests—LP SmartSide requires less upkeep than traditional wood. It also comes with a 50-year limited warranty, which is one of the best in the business.
Is LP SmartSide the Right Fit for Your Home?
If you’re looking for siding that checks all the boxes—beautiful, strong, moisture-resistant, and built for extreme weather—LP SmartSide is absolutely worth considering. It bridges the gap between wood and synthetic materials, giving you the warmth of wood with the durability and low maintenance of modern options.
Just make sure it’s installed by experienced pros who know how to handle Omaha’s climate and building codes—because even the best siding needs the right crew to truly perform.
Ready to Upgrade? Trust the LP SmartSide Experts at Bishop Exteriors
At Bishop Exteriors, we know how to match homeowners with siding that fits their style and stands up to Omaha’s harshest weather. Our team installs LP SmartSide with expert precision, ensuring your investment lasts for decades to come—rain, snow, or shine.
Thinking about upgrading to LP SmartSide? Call Bishop Exteriors today for a free consultation and let us show you how engineered wood can elevate and protect your home in one smart move.
