What each one actually is
LP SmartSide is engineered wood — wood strands bonded with resins and treated with a zinc-borate compound that resists rot, fungal decay, and termites. James Hardie is fiber cement: a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber.
The practical effect is weight and workability. Fiber cement is dense and heavy, which makes it durable but slower and more labor-intensive to cut and hang. Engineered wood is lighter, cuts with standard woodworking tools, and goes up faster — which usually means a lower installed cost for a comparable result.
How they handle storms
Both carry strong impact ratings, but the way they fail is different. Fiber cement is rigid; a hard enough hail strike can chip or crack it. Engineered wood flexes slightly, so it tends to dent rather than crack. For an insurance claim, either kind of storm damage is documentable — what matters is that it is documented to the carrier's gauge before the deadline.
- Both resist wind-driven rain when flashed and sealed correctly
- Fiber cement: rigid, can chip/crack on hard hail impact
- Engineered wood: lighter, flexes, tends to dent
- Both hold paint far longer than vinyl, which fades and warps
Which one we recommend
It depends on the home and the climate. In Atlanta, where humidity penalizes lesser substrates, we specify LP SmartSide on most siding projects — it is hail-rated, lighter, and faster to install without giving up curb appeal. Where a homeowner specifically wants fiber cement, we install it. Neither is a wrong answer; the wrong answer is vinyl on a home that takes regular storms.
| Factor | LP SmartSide | James Hardie |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Engineered wood (resin-bonded strands) | Fiber cement (cement, sand, cellulose) |
| Weight | Lighter — faster to install | Heavy — more labor |
| Impact behavior | Flexes, tends to dent | Rigid, can chip/crack |
| Tools | Standard woodworking tools | Specialized blades, dust control |
| Typical installed cost | Usually lower for comparable result | Usually higher (labor) |
| Finish | Pre-painted, cedar-grain or smooth | Pre-painted (ColorPlus) or field-painted |
Common questions
Is LP SmartSide as durable as Hardie?
For most homes, yes — both are warrantied for decades when installed correctly. They differ in how they handle impact (Hardie can chip, SmartSide dents) and in installed cost (SmartSide is usually lighter and cheaper to hang).
Which holds up better to hail?
Both are impact-rated. Fiber cement can crack on a hard strike; engineered wood tends to dent. Either way, storm damage to siding is often claimable — we document it to the adjuster's scope.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install LP SmartSide on most projects and James Hardie where a homeowner prefers fiber cement. We will tell you honestly which fits your home and budget.
Talk it through with a former adjuster
Free, no-obligation inspection. DJK Restoration documents storm damage to the scope your carrier will accept.