Hardie board siding

[Mcbeem5]

Maybe better, BUTT I have ZERO trust.

• 1980s: LP introduced its Inner-Seal siding, made from oriented strand board (OSB). It was marketed as a cost-effective alternative to traditional wood siding.
• Early 1990s: Widespread reports of premature deterioration, including swelling, rotting, and delamination—especially in moist climates—began surfacing.

• Reformulation: Post-1996​

  After the reputational damage, LP completely overhauled its product. They introduced LP SmartSide, which uses the SmartGuard® process:
  
  • Zinc borate: Protects against termites and fungal decay.
  • Resins and waxes: Improve moisture resistance and impact durability.
  • Resin-saturated overlay: Adds a final layer of protection and paint adhesion.
• The new formulation has been tested in extreme environments (like tropical Hawaii) and has held up well over decades.
  
  If you're evaluating older homes or siding replacements, anything installed before 1997 should be carefully inspected. Want help identifying whether a home has the older LP siding or the newer SmartSide?

 

[NormanBuntz]

Are there any cons to Hardie board siding. The style that looks like cedar horizontal siding?

This is for a summer cottage that I want to avoid painting every so many years. And I am not a fan of vinyl siding.

I know you need to prime where you cut the Hardie board siding.

I like the look, the baked in color of Hardie board. Carpenter who will do some work is not a fan of it. But half the cottage is already Hardie board.

This is vital. I know this because my carpenters in 2003 did not do it, and I began getting some crumbling end cuts after 18 years on the planks that angled along a roofline.

 

[Donald]

This is vital. I know this because my carpenters in 2003 did not do it, and I began getting some crumbling end cuts after 18 years on the planks that angled along a roofline.

The instruction say also to put a small piece of flashing behind each board to the board joint.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

It need maintenance ? What is the maintenance ?

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Are there any cons to Hardie board siding. The style that looks like cedar horizontal siding?

This is for a summer cottage that I want to avoid painting every so many years. And I am not a fan of vinyl siding.

I know you need to prime where you cut the Hardie board siding.

I like the look, the baked in color of Hardie board. Carpenter who will do some work is not a fan of it. But half the cottage is already Hardie board.

It's cementous fiber board so the inhaling the dust while it's being cut to size is bad for your lungs and you'll go through your fair share of blades. There can be some problems with fasteners and it's heavy but over all it's fine.