Area builders have a new product to add to their choices. SmartSide exterior products are now in the market here.
What is SmartSide? Here are questions and answers from Micheala Moriarty, who is the area sales specialist.
Q: Why was Jacksonville chosen for the release of SmartSide in Florida?
A: Jacksonville was chosen because it is a medium-sized market where LP Specialty Products have had very little presence in the last six years. It has 10,000 housing starts, which is an ideal number to plan a program around.
Q: How well will SmartSide siding stand up to the Florida climate and termite concerns?
A: SmartSide was tested for more than seven years in Hilo, Hawaii under conditions that are lethal to most wood composite products. With an average temperature in the 70s, and an average rainfall of one-half inch of rain a day, Hilo is the perfect breeding ground for wood’s worst enemies — moisture and fungal decay. On top of that, SmartSide was placed on top of Hilo’s infamous Formosan termite mounds in boxes for three years. After seven years of testing, SmartSide is still performing beautifully. It comes with a 30-year limited warranty that is fully transferable, with a seven-year, 100 percent repair and replacement feature.
Q: Why should area homebuyers consider SmartSide as a viable alternative to cedar siding?
A: Due to the climate conditions and termite issues, affordable wood siding has not been a viable option for many homeowners in this region. SmartSide has a natural deep embossed cedar grain texture, with square edges that gives it an excellent curbside appearance. SmartSide exterior products are free of knots and voids or other imperfections and resists checking, shrinking, buckling, twisting and splitting at ends. It comes with a 30-year limited warranty that is fully transferable, with a seven year 100 percent repair and replacement feature.
Q: Why should area homebuilders consider using SmartSide on upcoming projects?
A: SmartSide products offer durability and long-term performance with lumber-like strength. SmartSide products are available in 4x8-foot sheets with multiple profiles available as well as full size, 16-foot lap lengths versus 12-foot lengths which are standard with fiber cement siding. This provides more coverage per piece for faster, less costly application. It is easy to install, no special fastening tools required, and it can be cut with standard circular saw blades. It may be cross-cut or mitered to fit exacting architectural requirements. No need for costly protection during installation. SmartSide is engineered from natural wood, there is no need for costly respirators required to cut fiber cement due to potentially harmful chemicals or particles. Smartside panels lay flat on the wall, yet are extremely lightweight compared to fiber cement siding.
Q: Who makes SmartSide?
A: SmartSide Products are manufactured by LP Specialty Products, a unit of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, a premier supplier of building products. Founded in 1973, LP is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and operates manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada, and in Chile.
Q: Who distributes SmartSide in the Jacksonville area?
A: Boise Cascade and Plywood Lumber.