Durable siding steps up

In praise of durable siding

SAVING TIME AND INCREASING EFFICIENCY AMID INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

By Cameron Bailey, LP SmartSide Senior Corporate Brand Manager

LP Building Solutions continues to address labor issues through developing new products that install faster, including LP SmartSide Trim & Siding.

For example, LP recently partnered with RSMeans, an industry leader in construction cost estimates, to conduct a third-party study to test LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding. The siding comes in 16-foot lengths (versus the 12-foot industry standard) and weighs 45% less than fiber cement. The study found that these prefinished engineered wood siding products helped to reduce the build cycle, resulting in a 36% faster installation than fiber cement products.

What this means in terms of labor savings is that builders can finish three siding projects with LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products in the time it takes to complete two jobs with fiber cement products. So what’s the takeaway? LP’s proven siding solutions can provide enhanced efficiency, easier installation and longer-lasting performance. LP SmartSide products also require fewer tools to install and provide a durable exterior that helps withstand the passage of time.

Addressing Critical Industry Issues

With the current state of the building industry and the challenges that come with it, builders are looking for ways to make up for project delays through increased jobsite efficiency. Many are planning way ahead, shifting schedules, and evolving their business models to adapt to things like supply issues and lack of skilled labor. While transitioning to a new siding material can be intimidating and takes training, selecting a siding option with more durability and workability can help save a considerable amount of time on installation.

While maintaining a tidy worksite, completing a quick installation, and executing a fast clean-up can seem like tall orders, there’s a siding solution out there that can address all of these issues.

LP Building Solutions (LP) has helped allow builders to streamline the installation process by manufacturing a siding product with longer-lasting durability in mind. LP SmartSide Trim & Siding is a suite of engineered wood products that includes siding, trim, soffit, fascia, and accessories that, together, can lead to labor savings.

But how can builders trust these types of claims without ever having used the product? Beyond word-of-mouth, manufacturers are increasingly investing in third-party studies to prove product benefits.

As mentioned, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages amid COVID-19 have left construction companies with weaker productivity and bottom lines. Meanwhile, the demand for renovations and new builds has only increased. These ingredients create a perfect storm for labor issues. Beyond addressing labor challenges LP’s proven siding solutions with a more efficient siding material, LP provides the technology to help ensure builders have digital resources to help get can provide the job done right…and on time. LP creenhanced ated LP Remodeler’s Edge as a rewards efficiency, easier installation and longer-lasting program and online hub for LP SmartSide remodeling contractors. LP SkillBuilder is a free, comprehensive digital resource featuring LP SmartSide courses. Recently, performance. LP also added 27 Spanish training videos. With more builders going online for answers, these exclusive tools can help give them a leg up before the project begins. Selecting the right siding option and utilizing the resources available can help lay the foundation to help save on labor and help give builders and homeowners confidence in their homes.