Spotlight on Siding, Part 5: How Long Does Hardboard Siding Last?

Welcome to the final installment of our series on siding longevity.

Thus far in the series, we’ve covered the following types of siding:

• Vinyl Siding
• Cement Siding
• Composite Siding
• Wood Siding

In part 5 of the series, we’re diving into hardboard siding, specifically LP SmartSide hardboard siding, because it sets the bar for quality and durability in the industry for this type of siding material.

WHAT IS HARDBOARD SIDING MADE OF?

LP SmartSide is made from engineered wood, which brings together natural wood along with a proprietary formulation of waxes, resins and zinc borate. It’s also a lighter weight than other types of composite siding materials.

LIFESPAN

The lifespan of LP SmartSide ranges between 30 to 50 years, as long as it is properly installed and maintained. In the event that your contractor does not offer LP SmartSide, make sure the lifespan of whatever brand you choose is comparable.

A Note on Warranties

• LP SmartSide provides a 5/50-year transferable limited warranty. Here’s how it works:
  • It includes 5 years of 100% labor and replacement coverage.
  • Followed by a 50-year prorated warranty on the substrate.
  • Protects against splitting, cracking, termite damage & fungal decay.
  • Hail Protection, covering hail damage for hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter.
  • Transferability: This warranty is transferable to new homeowners.

Now that you have an idea of lifespan, and what to look for in a warranty, let’s take a look at the major factors that contribute to exactly how long your hardboard siding will last …

The Quality of the Cement Board Siding Solution

When you’re looking to invest in siding for your home, it’s important to make sure your contractor is installing a quality product, so be wary if a price seems too good to be true. Repairs and upkeep on sub-par siding can easily add up to more than just simply having a higher-quality solution installed — so take the time to vet the product!

Note: It is important to ask your siding contractor lots of questions about the potential project. These questions can range from warranties, to product specs, to installation. Always remember, a reputable contractor will have top-quality options available to install — and they will be happy to answer as many questions as you have.

The Quality of the Installation

When it comes to lifespan, the quality of your siding installation is just as important as the product that is being installed.

This is why it’s critical to work with LOCAL siding contractors that are fully insured, have a good reputation, and are actively receiving professional training that keeps their team up to date with current best practices for siding installation.

Note: It’s also a good idea to ask your potential contractor for handful of referrals, so you can ask local homeowners about their experience with the installation process before you sign on the dotted line.

Climate & Weather

Wisconsin weather can play a major role in the lifespan of your siding — no matter what material you choose — making upkeep and maintenance a super-important part of keeping your siding healthy.

Some of the major forms of weather and climate wear-and-tear on hardboard siding include:

• High Humidity & Rain: Wet or damp regions can increase risk of water intrusion.
• Freeze & Thaw Cycles: Wisconsinites know first hand how often this cycle can occur, so it’s important that a high-quality sealant is used (and maintained) on hardboard siding.
• Exposure from the Sun: UV rays can cause chalking, fading, and in some cases paint failure.
• High Winds, Storms & Debris: These can cause peeling layers, buckling and swelling, impact damage or siding blow off.

Factory Finish

LP SmartSide comes with a factory finish called SmartGuard Treatment. Here’s an overview of what it does …

• Zinc borate: effectively resists damage from termites and fungal decay for decades. It is a safe, naturally-derived additive.
• Industrial-grade Adhesive Resins: provide resistance to impact from hail.
• Waxes: LP adds water-resistant waxes to coat each strand/fiber of wood for improved durability in humid/rainy regions.
• A Resin-saturated Overlay: this final layer of protection against the elements provides a tough, durable base for paint adhesion, and also resists moisture.

Maintenance

Maintenance is a key component to extending the lifespan of your siding. It’s also the least-favorite topic of most homeowners.

Here’s a quick look at the maintenance schedule you can expect:

• Painting: this helps the siding maintain a protective seal and its good looks. With LP SmartSide, Repainting needs to occur every 7–15 years, depending on exposure and the quality of paint used.
• Caulking: Annual check-ups and re-caulking (as necessary) on joints and seams helps prevent water entry.
• An annual cleaning is also a good idea. LP tells you exactly how to do it here.

COST

As of this writing, the total installed cost for LP SmartSide hardboard siding — for an average 2,000-square-foot home — ranges between approximately $11,000–$24,000, depending on factors like siding type, labor, trim and paint.

Cost Breakdown:

• Total Cost (installed): Between $5.50 – $12.00 per sq. ft.
• Materials: Between $3.50 – $4.50 per sq. ft.
• Labor/Installation: Between $2.00 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
• Note: Depending on the solution you choose, additional labor and/or material costs can apply, especially if you do not choose a pre-primed solution.

HARDBOARD SIDING PROS

• Versatility: A beautiful, realistic woodgrain pattern — available in multiple styles, textures and colors — pairs with a variety of different types of home exteriors.
• It is Engineered for Cold & Wet Regions: The zinc borate component we mentioned runs throughout the product (not just on the surface), for excellent protection from freeze/thaw cycles. The siding is also tough enough to withstand high humidity.
• Impact Resistant & Durable: In many cases hardboard is more resistant to hail and impact when compared to other siding materials.
• Wind Resistant: LP SmartSide lap siding can withstand wind gusts of up to 200 miles per hour.
• Termites & Fungal Decay Resistant:  Another benefit of zinc borate treatment is that it makes LP SmartSide siding less susceptible to termite damage, as well as fungal decay — unlike wood siding which can more easily compromised.
• A fantastic 5/50 limited warranty.
• Superior Paint Adhesion & Longevity of Finish: “Accepting” paint the same way natural wood does, LP SmartSide siding holds paint for an amazing amount of time.
• It is Easy to Install: Lighter, faster, and easier to install than fiber cement, hardboard siding typically comes with a lower installation cost.

HARDBOARD SIDING CONS

• Hardboard siding can have moisture venerability (which can lead to rot) at cut edges and penetrations. That said, the zinc borate component of LP SmartSide minimizes this issue since it is integrated into the entire product, not just the surface.
• It requires regular painting every 5-10 years on average, with LP SmartSide siding needing painting every 7-15 years.
• It requires more maintenance, on average, than vinyl of fiber cement siding.
• It costs more than vinyl siding, although it is typically less expensive than fiber cement siding.
• It is sensitive to installation mistakes, which is one of the reasons a seasoned, local, licensed contractor is highly recommended.
• Flammability is also a consideration with hardboard siding, since it is made in part from actual wood, making it flammable.

Get In Touch

Whether you have questions about residential siding, or would like a complimentary inspection of your siding, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re always happy to help, any time of year!