Are you a Seattle homeowner with Louisiana Pacific siding on your house? If so, this blog is a must-read.
Siding is an essential component of any home, providing protection, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. While Louisiana Pacific (LP) siding, made from engineered wood, used to be a popular choice among homeowners, a lawsuit and its limitations in certain climates have raised concerns. Specifically, for homes in Seattle, it may not be the ideal option. In this blog, we will explore the distinct climate of Seattle, dive into the details of the LP siding lawsuit, and discuss the benefits of replacing LP siding for a more durable alternative for homeowners in the region.
Louisiana Pacific Siding Lawsuit
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Louisiana Pacific (LP) faced a class-action lawsuit over its Inner-Seal siding product. The lawsuit alleged that the product was defective and prone to premature rotting, cracking, and other forms of deterioration, causing damage to homes and reducing their value. The lawsuit ultimately resulted in a settlement in which LP agreed to pay $375 million to homeowners who had experienced problems with the Inner-Seal siding product.
The Distinct Weather of Seattle
Seattle is known for its consistent rainfall and high humidity levels, with an average of 152 rainy days per year. Due to these wet conditions, it’s essential for homeowners to consider the impact of moisture on their siding materials. Unfortunately, LP siding is not ideal for handling Seattle’s rainy weather. As a result, many homeowners in Seattle are replacing LP siding with more durable and weather-resistant materials to protect their homes and enhance their curb appeal.
Common LP Siding Issues in Seattle
LP siding can swell and buckle from moisture over time, affecting its ability to protect your home’s structure. Trapped moisture may also lead to mold and mildew growth, posing health risks. Also, LP siding is particularly susceptible to rot and insect infestation in consistently rainy conditions, causing the material to weaken and attract pests, further damaging your home’s structure. Finally, the damp conditions in Seattle can result in LP siding fading and discoloring over time, diminishing your home’s curb appeal and potentially requiring more frequent repainting.
Benefits of Replacing LP Siding
The benefits of replacing Louisiana Pacific siding are numerous. By upgrading to a more durable and weather-resistant material, such as fiber cement siding, vinyl, cedar, or metal siding, you can better protect your home from Seattle’s wet climate. Many new siding materials offer improved insulation, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Additionally, replacing LP siding will enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value. Most alternatives to LP siding require less maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run while ensuring your home is protected and maintains its attractive appearance.
Choosing the Right Siding Material
When selecting a new siding material for your home, it’s important to consider its compatibility with Seattle’s climate, your design preferences, budget, and maintenance requirements. As mentioned previously, some popular alternatives to LP siding in Seattle include fiber cement siding, vinyl, cedar, and metal siding. Upgrade your siding with a durable material that is backed by a thirty-year or longer warranty, and have peace of mind knowing your biggest investment is protected from the constant outside elements of Seattle’s rain.
Conclusion
In summary, replacing LP siding on your Seattle home is essential to protect against moisture damage, rot, and insect infestation. By upgrading to a more durable siding material, you can ensure that your home’s exterior is protected, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient, while also increasing its value and enhancing its curb appeal. At Exterior Crew, we offer a proven siding replacement process led by experienced specialists and project managers who will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to explore your options and find the perfect siding solution for your Seattle home.
