The Overlooked Advantages of LP® SmartSide®

When homeowners compare siding products, most conversations focus on color, warranty, or curb appeal. Those matter, but one of the biggest performance and appearance advantages of LP SmartSide is something most contractors rarely talk about: The availability of longer 16-foot board lengths.

At Lake Effect Exteriors, we pay attention to details that affect not just how a home looks on installation day, but how it performs years later in Michigan’s harsh climate. One of those details is minimizing unnecessary seams across the exterior.

For homeowners in Southeast Michigan dealing with wind-driven rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and humidity swings, fewer seams can make a major difference.

Why Seams Matter More Than Most Homeowners Realize

Every horizontal siding joint is a transition point. Even when installed correctly, seams are areas where:

• Water management becomes more critical

• Expansion and contraction movement is concentrated

• Caulking and joint flashing become more important

• Long-term maintenance risks increase

• Visual inconsistencies become more noticeable over time

Many fiber cement siding products commonly use 12-foot lengths. That means more butt joints across the wall.

With 16-foot LP® SmartSide® boards, installers can often reduce the total number of seams substantially across an entire elevation.

Fewer Seams = Cleaner Curb Appeal

One of the first things people notice about premium siding installations is how “smooth” and uninterrupted the walls appear.

Longer siding boards help create:

• More continuous sight lines

• Less visual clutter

• Fewer transition points

• Better shadow consistency

• A more custom, high-end appearance

This becomes especially noticeable on:

• Long ranch elevations

• Two-story sidewalls

• Modern farmhouse designs

• Historic home renovations

• New construction homes with large wall planes

Many homeowners cannot immediately explain why one siding installation looks more premium than another. Often, fewer visible seams and a more natural stagger are part of the reason.

Reducing Potential Water Intrusion Points

No siding system is the primary waterproof barrier of a home. That responsibility belongs to the wall assembly behind it, including:

• WRB systems

• Flashing

• Tape systems

• Window integration

• Drainage planes

However, siding joints still matter. Each additional seam creates another location requiring proper detailing and long-term performance from:

• Joint flashing

• Sealants

• Clearances

• Installation precision

By using longer 16-foot LP® SmartSide® boards where possible, the number of these transition points can be reduced significantly.

In a climate like Southeast Michigan, where homes experience:

• Wind-driven rain

• Ice buildup

• Heavy snow loads

• Freeze-thaw movement

• Seasonal humidity changes

Reducing unnecessary seams can contribute to a cleaner and more durable exterior assembly over time.

Better for Tall Walls and Gable Areas

One underrated advantage of longer LP® SmartSide® lengths is performance on taller architectural features. Large gables and two-story walls often look dramatically cleaner with fewer horizontal interruptions.

This is especially important on homes using:

• Board and batten siding

• Modern vertical layouts

• Contemporary farmhouse styles

• Large accent walls

• Mixed-texture designs

Longer material lengths allow installers to better control layout symmetry and avoid awkward seam placement in highly visible areas.

Less Waste in Certain Layouts

Depending on the wall dimensions, longer board lengths can sometimes reduce unnecessary material waste during installation.

This is particularly true on:

• Long elevations

• Open wall runs

• New construction projects

• Homes with repetitive layouts

While every project is different, strategic use of 16-foot boards can improve installation efficiency and create more optimized layouts.

Why Installation Still Matters Most

Even the best siding product can underperform if installed improperly.

Proper LP® SmartSide® installation still requires attention to:

• Moisture management

• Proper clearances

• Fastener placement

• Flashing integration

• Expansion spacing

• Window and roof transitions

• Ventilation details

At Lake Effect Exteriors, we focus heavily on the details behind the finished appearance because long-term durability starts with the installation process, not just the material itself.

As an LP SmartSide Preferred Contractor serving Southeast Michigan, we work to build siding systems designed specifically for Michigan weather conditions.

The Big Picture: Small Details Create Better Exteriors

Homeowners often compare siding products based on broad marketing claims, but the real-world difference frequently comes down to details that are easy to overlook.

Board length is one of them. Longer 16-foot LP® SmartSide® boards can help create:

• Cleaner-looking installations

• Fewer visible seams

• Reduced transition points

• More consistent wall appearance

• Better overall visual flow

And in many cases, those small details are exactly what separate an average siding project from one that truly stands out.

Serving Southeast Michigan Homeowners

Lake Effect Exteriors proudly installs premium exterior systems throughout all of Michigan including:

• Oakland County

• Wayne County

• Washtenaw County

• Ann Arbor

• Grosse Pointe

• Birmingham

• Northville

• Novi

• Plymouth

• Metro Detroit communities

If you're considering LP® SmartSide® for your home and want a contractor who understands the details that impact long-term performance and curb appeal, contact us for a consultation.

FAQ: LP® SmartSide® 16-Foot Siding Boards

Does LP® SmartSide® come in 16-foot lengths?

Yes. Many LP® SmartSide® lap siding products are available in 16-foot lengths, allowing for fewer seams compared to shorter siding products.

Why do fewer siding seams matter?

Fewer seams can improve curb appeal, reduce visual interruptions, and minimize potential transition points that require detailed water management.

Is LP® SmartSide® good for Michigan weather?

LP SmartSide is a popular engineered wood siding product for Michigan homes due to its durability, impact resistance, and ability to handle freeze-thaw climates when installed properly.

Does longer siding reduce maintenance?

Longer boards can reduce the number of joints and caulked transitions on a home, which may help simplify long-term maintenance compared to installations with more seams.

Who installs LP® SmartSide® in Michigan?

Lake Effect Exteriors installs LP® SmartSide® siding throughout Michigan, including Oakland County, Wayne County, and Washtenaw County.