GAF vs SmartSide siding: a manufacturers comparison

• Do you like this article?
• Tweet

Installing siding on your home can add curb appeal, prevent mold growth, protect against wood rot and mildew damage, reduce noise pollution and provide tax credits to homeowners. If you're looking to add siding to your home or upgrade siding you've had on your home, completing a GAF vs. SmartSide® comparison will help you narrow your options as a homeowner.

GAF

GAF was founded in 1886 and is currently the largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing materials. The company leveraged its expertise in developing roofing materials to produce fiber-cement siding. GAF siding is an alternative to traditional vinyl siding.

GAF sells its siding under the WeatherSide™ label. GAF siding prices vary depending on the type of siding you want to install. The Purity™ Shingle has a straight edge with a textured surface and costs around $148 for a bundle that will cover 33 square feet. The standard WeatherSide™ Shingle has a thatched edge with a wood grain texture and costs around $140 a bundle with each bundle covering 25 square feet.

Benefits of GAF Siding:

• Can be matched to your original siding
• Contains no asbestos
• Great for repairing damaged shingles
• Easy installation
• Innovative technology
• Ready for Painting
• Features a  25-year limited warranty

For more detailed information regarding GAF siding, click here.

SmartSide®

SmartSide® siding was developed by Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Building Products, in no small part in response to problems the company had with its past versions of LP siding. SmartSide® siding provides the look and durability of real wood. The manufacturing process begins with wood strands or fiber being combined with zinc borate and exterior-grade resins. The result is a product that withstands extreme heat, cold, humidity and rainfall. There are four SmartSide® product collections to suit any homeowner. One shingle covers approximately 32 square feet at a cost of around $24.

Benefits of SmartSide® Siding:

• 5/50-year warranty
• Less seams
• Realistic wood texture
• Easy to install
• Environmentally friendly
• Resists rot and decay
• Ready to paint

For more detailed information regarding SmartSide® siding, click here.

Comparing the two

When comparing the cost of GAF vs.SmartSide® siding, GAF siding prices are generally more expensive than SmartSide® siding prices, in large part because of the materials used for manufacturing. GAF's fiber-cement products require special handling and gear to protect against airborne particles during installation. SmartSide® products act and work like wood siding, and there are no special tools needed.

A limited number of both manufacturers' products can be found at contractor supply stores and home improvement retailers like Home Depot. You may be able to visit a local dealer and make a hands-on comparison for yourself.

 

A quality contractor can also help you decide on how much material you'll need and the type of siding that will work best for you when comparing GAF vs. SmartSide® siding. Reply! can assist you in this project by connecting you to local siding professionals ready to help you make the right siding decision for your home.