FAQ

ManualsBrandsLP SmartSide ManualsBuilding materialsSmartSide 440 Series 1 in. x 6 in. x 16 ft. Primed Cedar Strand Trim

Date: November 2009

Preceding Version: June 2009

Frequently Asked Questions – LP® SmartSide® Siding, Trim, and Soffit

1. Can soffit be used for siding?

a. No. The soffit is designed specifically for a protected soffit application

whereas siding is designed for a direct exposure to the weather. Refer to

the installation instructions.

2. Is the LP SmartSide architectural series cedar shake siding primed?

a. Yes. It is primed on the face and edges.

3. Can I install SmartSide over foam sheathing?

a. Yes. The fastener length must provide 1.5-inches of penetration into the

wood stud or combined wood sheathing and stud. Avoid compression of

the foam sheathing. Refer to the foam sheathing manufacturer’s

installation instructions, the LP SmartSide installation instructions, and

the LP SmartSide code reports. LP SmartSide precision series panel siding

provides wall bracing when installed over wall assembly with maximum

1-inch thick foam sheathing on unconditioned side and ½-inch gypsum on

the conditioned side

4. Can I use a traditional transparent or semi-transparent stain on SmartSide products?

a. No. These stains are typically low in solids and provide less protection

from UV and other weathering effects. There are new acrylic latex paints

commercially available that can replicate the appearance of a semi-

transparent stain. Refer to the installation instructions for proper

finishing.

5. Can I use a solid stain on SmartSide products?

a. Yes. These stains are generally lower in solids so increased maintenance

will probably be required. Refer to the installation instructions for proper

finishing.

6. Can I leave Knotty Barnside project panel natural or unpainted?

a. No. It must be primed and painted. Refer to the installation instructions

for proper finishing.

7. Can I use a transparent or semi-transparent stain on Knotty Barnside?

a. No. These stains are typically low in solids and provide less protection

from UV and other weathering affects. There are new acrylic latex paints

commercially available that can replicate the appearance of a semi-

transparent stain. Refer to the installation instructions for proper

finishing.

8. Can I install SmartSide trim over lap siding, rather than butting to it?

a. Yes. Special precautions should be taken to provide proper spacing

between the lap siding and the trim, as well as fastening of the trim.

9. Can SmartSide panel be installed horizontally or diagonally?

a. No. LP SmartSide panel siding is designed specifically to be installed

parallel to the framing. Refer to the LP SmartSide® Precision series panel

siding installation instructions.

Summary of content (8 pages)

PAGE 1
Frequently Asked Questions – LP® SmartSide® Siding, Trim, and Soffit 1. Can soffit be used for siding? No. The soffit is designed specifically for a protected soffit application a. whereas siding is designed for a direct exposure to the weather. Refer to the installation instructions. 2. Is the LP SmartSide architectural series cedar shake siding primed? a. Yes. It is primed on the face and edges. 3. Can I install SmartSide over foam sheathing? a. Yes. The fastener length must provide 1.
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10. What kind of nails do I need? a. Corrosion resistant fasteners must be used to avoid rust staining and erosion of the fasteners. Please refer to the proper installation instructions and code report for the minimum size and type, as well as the fastening schedule. 11. If the installation is not consistent with the application instructions, will it void my warranty? a.
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19. Can LP® SmartSide® trim and fascia be miter cut? a. Do not miter cut the edges or ends of the trim at corners. Miter cuts or “picture framing” around door and window openings are acceptable. Butt joints are preferred but scarfed joints are permitted with LP SmartSide trim and fascia. All joints must be spaced 3/16 inch to accommodate expansion during equilibration. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation. 20. Can I overlap my LP SmartSide siding more than the recommended 1”? a.
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i. http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/NES/NER626.pdf ii. http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-1301.pdf 27. Can LP® SmartSide® siding be fastened directly to the studs? a. Certain LP SmartSide products can be attached to framed walls without sheathing such as Precision series siding. Refer to the LP SmartSide installation instructions for the specific type of LP SmartSide siding you are using.
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35. Can the butt joints on LP SmartSide lap siding be pan-flashed rather than caulked/sealed? a. The butt joints of LP SmartSide Precision Series lap siding can be panflashed without caulk, sealant, or joint cover if the siding is prefinished and the ends of the siding are factory primed and prefinished. All field cut ends must be caulked/sealed regardless of field priming or painting. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation. 36. Is LP SmartSide siding hail resistant? a.
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Precision Series products and to NER-626 for Foundation Series and some Architectural Series LP SmartSide siding. 44. Can I use LP SmartSide® siding in Canada? a. Yes, refer to CCMC listings 11826 and 12353 45. Will freezing conditions affect the performance of LP SmartSide® siding? a. LP SmartSide products are resistant to freeze thaw damage. 46. Can LP SmartSide® siding be used in humid climates? a. Yes, it is designed and tested to withstand wet humid conditions.
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a. LP® SmartSide® products should be painted as soon as possible after installation. They must be painted within 180-days of installation. Refer to the installation instructions for proper finishing of the siding and trim. 56. Can LP SmartSide® siding be blind nailed? a. LP SmartSide Precision Series lap siding can be blind nailed. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation. 57. Do all of the nail heads need to be caulked? a. Nail heads that are recessed or counter sunk must be caulked.
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a. No. The trim must be separated from the stucco and other masonry materials with an impervious flashing or air space. Refer to the installation instructions for proper installation.