When it comes to upgrading your home’s exterior, two of the biggest names you’ll hear are LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie®. Both offer engineered siding products that look great and promise durability — but if you dig deeper, LP SmartSide stands out as the smarter, stronger, and more flexible choice.
Here’s why:
1. Hardie Is Brittle and Prone to Cracking
One of the biggest problems with James Hardie fiber cement products is their brittleness. Fiber cement is a rigid material, and when it’s over-nailed — a common occurrence even among experienced installers — it cracks easily. Even minor mistakes like driving a nail just a little too deep can cause significant fractures that compromise the siding’s integrity.
Cracks open the door for moisture penetration, which can lead to major issues like rot, mold, and structural damagedown the line.
On the other hand, LP SmartSide products are engineered with a resin-saturated wood strand technology. This makes LP SmartSide far more impact-resistant and less prone to cracking, even if a nail is overdriven. That gives both homeowners and contractors more peace of mind.
2. LP SmartSide Is Tougher and More Impact-Resistant
LP SmartSide siding has been tested against extreme impacts, such as golf ball strikes and baseballs — and it holds up impressively well. In side-by-side comparisons, LP SmartSide consistently outperforms James Hardie when it comes to impact resistance.
Why does this matter? Hailstorms, falling branches, and everyday wear and tear are real threats. You want a siding material that can take a beating without failing. LP SmartSide delivers that toughness, while Hardie’s fiber cement construction tends to chip, crack, or even shatter under pressure.
3. Easier and Faster to Install
Because James Hardie is heavier, it’s more difficult and labor-intensive to install. It often requires special tools (like diamond-tipped blades) and more crew members just to lift and place it safely. The extra labor can drive up your project costs.
LP SmartSide, in contrast, is lighter, easier to cut, and quicker to install. Contractors love it because it reduces labor time and helps projects move faster — and savings on labor often get passed on to the homeowner.
4. Superior Warranty Protection
LP SmartSide products come with a 50-year limited warranty, offering excellent long-term protection. James Hardie also offers a strong warranty, but it’s generally shorter and more restrictive. In the end, LP gives you longer, stronger peace of mind.
5. Better in Harsh Climates
In areas with high humidity, heavy rain, or freeze-thaw cycles, fiber cement siding can absorb moisture and eventually deteriorate. LP SmartSide’s SmartGuard® process protects every strand against fungal decay and termites, making it a better long-term performer across a range of climates.
Final Verdict: LP SmartSide Wins
While James Hardie has built a strong reputation over the years, it simply can’t match the durability, flexibility, and ease of use that LP SmartSide offers.
LP SmartSide is tougher, lighter, easier to install, less brittle, and better protected — making it the superior siding choice for smart homeowners and contractors alike.
