Choosing siding for your home can feel overwhelming, especially with high-quality options like James Hardie and LP SmartSide. The good news? Neither siding is a “bad” choice—they each have unique strengths depending on your priorities, budget, and local climate. At Road Home Exteriors, we’ve helped homeowners in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Parker, and other surrounding cities decide which siding fits their home best.
Whether you’re focused on durability, low maintenance, fire resistance, or curb appeal, understanding the differences between James Hardie and LP SmartSide will help you make a confident choice for your home.
Fire Resistance and Weather Performance
James Hardie:
- Non-combustible siding with a Flame Spread Index of zero and a Class A Fire Resistant Rating.
- WUI approved, Cal-Fire listed, and recognized by fire departments nationwide—its fire resistance may even help lower homeowners insurance in some cases.
- Engineered for specific regional climates through the Engineered for Climate® program.
- Designed to withstand hailstorms, high winds, snow, freezing temperatures, hurricanes, and intense UV exposure.
- Resists swelling, warping, cracking, splitting, and edge checking caused by moisture or temperature fluctuations.
LP SmartSide:
- Engineered for Colorado’s extreme weather, including hail, winds up to 200 mph, freeze/thaw cycles, and moisture exposure.
- Treated with SmartGuard® Technology, which includes Zinc Borate, moisture-repelling waxes, high-strength resins, and a durable overlay.
- Superior impact resistance—outperforms fiber cement and vinyl siding in third-party hail tests.
- Made from sustainably harvested aspen wood under SFI® standards with a carbon-negative lifecycle.
Both options are designed to protect your home in Denver Metro’s varied climate, from intense summer sun to hail-prone spring storms.
Durability and Maintenance
James Hardie:
- Pest-resistant, deterring termites, woodpeckers, and other insects.
- Up to five times thicker than vinyl siding, offering deeper shadow lines, rich wood-grain appearance, and enhanced curb appeal.
- Made with proven raw materials (no fly ash) for excellent dimensional stability and long-term durability.
- Low-maintenance, allowing homeowners to enjoy a beautiful exterior without frequent upkeep.
LP SmartSide:
- Backed by a 5/50-year limited warranty covering hail up to 1.75 inches, fungal decay, cracking, chipping, and peeling.
- LP Certified Installer status extends the substrate warranty to 10/50 years and finish warranty to 7/15 years.
- Easier and faster to install than fiber cement or vinyl, saving time on the jobsite and reducing material waste.
Both siding options are built to last, but your preferred maintenance level and installation priorities can guide your choice.
Appearance and Design Options
James Hardie:
- Factory-applied ColorPlus® Technology ensures UV resistance, excellent color retention, and long-lasting adhesion to prevent chipping, peeling, or cracking.
- Available in 18 Statement Collection colors with year-round installation options.
- Panels install seamlessly with no caulk or joint covers required, creating a polished, finished look.
LP SmartSide:
- Available in cedar-grain or smooth textures, with 16-foot lengths for fewer seams and faster installation.
- Comes primed or prefinished; ExpertFinish® line offers 16 prefinished colors.
- Clean lines and a polished appearance help boost curb appeal.
- Recognized as Green Builder Media’s Most Sustainable Siding Supplier in 2022.
Both siding options give your home a stylish, updated exterior, perfect for homeowners in Denver, Aurora, Parker, or Castle Rock.
Professional Installation Matters
Road Home Exteriors is a full-service exteriors company, which means we don’t just handle siding—we also install roofs, windows, gutters, and perform exterior painting. This comprehensive approach ensures that your Denver Metro home gets a cohesive, high-quality finish while simplifying project management for you.
We install James Hardie and LP SmartSide siding throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, Broomfield, and surrounding communities. Our team evaluates the benefits of each siding material in your local climate, helping you make an informed decision for long-term durability, fire safety, and aesthetic appeal.
Making the Final Choice
There’s no single “better” siding—James Hardie excels with fire resistance, low maintenance, and durability, while LP SmartSide offers environmental sustainability, superior impact resistance, and faster installation. The best choice depends on your priorities: minimal upkeep, sustainability, curb appeal, or protection from extreme weather.
At Road Home Exteriors, we are proud to be an LP Certified Installer and a James Hardie Alliance Member, ensuring your siding is installed by experts who meet the highest industry standards.
Ready to explore your siding options in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, or anywhere in the Denver Metro area? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Road Home Exteriors today. Our team will walk you through every option and help you make the best decision for your home with No-Pressure Sales.