Prepare for the 2021 Storm Season With More Weather Resistant Siding

Do you frequently build in regions with heavy rain or strong winds? 2021 is projected to be a severe storm season, which means your builds will need some extra reinforcement. Finding the most durable siding or building solution for your projects can be confusing. Thankfully there are practical ways and durable products to help prevent damage and help protect against harsh weather so you can be prepared before the storm season arrives.

Protect Against Wind

If you are building in an area that experiences high wind-related events, the strength and durability of your siding is crucial. During storms, siding is typically damaged either by gusts of high wind or wind-driven rain blown into cavities, which can affect your building's effectiveness as a place of shelter and also compromise curb appeal.

Your Siding Material Matters

One of the easiest ways to protect your exterior from wind damage is to use durable siding materials. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding has been proven to stand up to storms better than other products such as vinyl and fiber cement. For example, fiber cement lap siding tends to be easily dented from debris, whereas high wind rated siding such as LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding comes with longer-lasting durability.

In addition to the material itself, choosing the right construction methods is key. With heavy winds comes the possibility of severe construction damage. The roof is typically the first part of the house to be affected by intense winds. If possible, avoid building homes with large roof overhangs so that wind doesn't have an opportunity to get caught beneath and force the roof off. Reinforcing specific areas such as joints and connections will help to ensure security throughout the structure.

Peace of Mind for Your Clients Means Peace of Mind for You

Your clients expect their homes to be a trustworthy place for shelter from the elements. LP SmartSide siding is one of the most durable siding materials offered. Choosing siding that can withstand wind gusts up to 200 mph and is backed by an industry-leading warranty will help give you and your clients peace of mind.

Prevent Water Damage 

If you build in an area with heavy rainfall, you are familiar with the importance of water damage prevention. Overexposure to moisture can result in rotting and molding that can be tricky to reverse. If a building is in a coastal area with frequent flooding, raising the home on stilts may be a suitable solution to avoid ground level water damage. For tropical moisture prevention, a steeper roof will allow water to quickly fall from the roof rather than remaining stagnant and damaging roofing materials.

LP SmartSide Trim & Siding is treated with LP's proprietary SmartGuard® process, a treatment that helps prevent these problems with your builds. The SmartGuard process ensures that every strand of the wood core is treated with a carefully formulated mix of resins, waxes, and zinc borate and that each piece is finished with an overlay to help protect against moisture as well as termites and fungal decay. LP SmartSide Trim & Siding has been testing for over 20 years in Hawaii, which has a high humidity climate with ample rainfall, and has been proven to stand up to humid climates.

Although there might be different approaches to resilient design based on environmental needs—like wind zones, extreme heat and flooding—having the proper durable building materials can be a crucial factor for mitigating home damage. 

Be ready for almost anything with a durable siding like LP SmartSide Trim & Siding. Discover more ways to protect your build here.