5 Easy Steps for a Fast LP Smartside Installation: Homeowner’s Guide

March 18th, 2022 BY First American Roofing

LP Smartside installation isn’t as hard as it looks. Considering your home’s siding makes the first impression on guests, neighbors, and passersby, you want it to look good! Not only is choosing LP Smartside Siding is a great way to do that but it’s also durable, stunning and easy to install.

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to improve the look of your home, installing LP Smartside siding is the perfect solution. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the installation process, so you can feel confident about tackling this project on your own.

available colors to choose from before lp smartside installation
Photo courtesy of: LP Smartside

The Outstanding Benefits of LP Smartside Siding

LP Smartside® is the premium choice for engineered wood siding. It’s the go-to choice for homeowners looking for something that looks as good as it performs. And for 40 years they’ve continued to innovate and improve on their products to become more efficient and durable than any other engineered wood siding on the market.

But there are many other reasons that homeowners continue to choose LP Smartside® as their primary option:

Now that you know a few of the amazing benefits you’ll get upon completing your installation, let’s get into each step to get your home spruced up and ready to perform against the elements.

Tools Needed to Get the Job Done Right

Avoid a mid-installation trip to the hardware store and have these tools and materials on-hand, ready to go.

Materials:

Now that you have all of your materials and tools ready, you can follow these steps to install your new LP® siding with ease.

5 Steps to Quickly and Efficiently Install Your LP® Smartside®

When it comes to installing your LP® Smartside®, you want to do it right. Improper installation can not only affect your siding’s ability to protect your home, but it can void warranties or damage the siding before it ever gets a chance to perform. So follow these steps and you should be in good shape.

Note: Prep your home first by making sure all old siding, caulk, and flashing is removed gently and your home has a clean, clear surface to begin.

Step 1: Install Flashing and Sealant on Windows, Doors, etc.

Before you install your new siding, you want to make sure flashing around your windows, doors, and other trim is secure. This may require replacing old flashing, or re-sealing certain parts. But without sealants around these critical areas, you risk leaks during heavy rains or strong winds.

This siding will be installed by butting right up to the trim of your windows and doors. So once they’re flashed, make sure to install trim that is thicker than your new engineered wood siding. The edge of the trim should sit slightly above the siding so it maintains that water barrier. Installing the trim first also allows you to get the right measurements and installation for your siding.

Step 2A: Cutting Your Siding

It’s vital to know how to properly cut your siding before you begin. With LP® Smartside®, you can easily cut through it as engineered wood is one of the softer materials for siding. Blades glide easily through and make nice even cuts.

To cut your siding to size, note these tips:

Step 2B: Install Your Starter Strip

All siding and roofing jobs begin with a starter strip. The siding starter strip simulates the overlapping that takes place when all the siding is installed—each piece overlapping the one below it. The starter strip goes on the very bottom and helps to seal off that bottom piece from moisture, rodents, etc.

To install the starter strip you must:

Step 3: Install Your Remaining Siding (Bottom to Top)

Now that you have your starter strip in place, it’s time to install the rest of your siding. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Placing each piece tightly against the one below it, use a pneumatic nail gun to secure it in place (nails should be every six inches).

Step 4: Use Caulk at Joints and Trim

Once all of your siding is in place, use caulk to fill any gaps at the joints and around the trim. This will help create a watertight seal and protect from moisture infiltration. You can also use exterior paint to touch up any places that need it. All that is left now is a final check to make sure everything is aligned and flush against the edges, trim, and flashing.

applying caulk during lp smartside installation

Choose a Team Experienced in LP® Smartside®

While LP Smartside installation is easier than other types of siding, this doesn’t mean it should be your next DIY project. Having sloppy cuts and uneven siding can be noticed from a mile a way, and you probably don’t want to risk all the time and money just to install it incorrectly. Instead, trust the team that has worked with LP Smartside more times than we can count—First American Roofing & Siding. Our team is well versed in installing premium siding like LP® Smartside® and are happy to get you the home of your dreams with this outstanding siding.

Contact us to get the ball rolling on an inspection, estimate, and to dream up the best color for your new siding. We can’t wait to help!