LP SmartSide Siding Replacement

Some projects stand out because of the craftsmanship involved. Others stand out because of the people. This project was a little bit of both. The homeowner was a police officer who worked at my high school when I was a student. Like most kids, I knew him as the school cop walking the halls and helping keep things running smoothly. Years later, after starting Akin Brothers Construction, our paths crossed again—this time with him trusting us to complete a full siding replacement on his home in Ankeny.

What stood out most wasn't that he remembered me from school. It was the trust he placed in us and the collaborative approach we were able to take on the project. He wanted to save money where he could, so he completed the demolition himself while our team handled the installation. By working together, we were able to keep costs down without compromising quality. That willingness to find a solution that fit his goals is something we try to bring to every project we take on.

Replacing Deteriorated Hardie Siding

The home was originally clad with Hardie fiber cement siding that had deteriorated over time. Multiple areas had become brittle, cracked, and damaged from years of exposure to Iowa weather. Fortunately, the homeowner recognized the issue early and decided to act before moisture intrusion caused major structural damage.

The Value of Acting Early

One of the most important parts of this project is what we did not find. Because the homeowner took action before the siding failure became severe, there was no significant hidden rot or structural damage behind the walls. Too often, homeowners wait until siding failure leads to expensive repairs involving sheathing, framing, and trim. By addressing the problem early, this homeowner likely saved thousands of dollars in future repair costs.

28 Squares of LP SmartSide Installed

For this full siding replacement, we installed approximately 28 squares of LP SmartSide siding. LP SmartSide is one of our preferred siding products because it offers excellent durability, impact resistance, and long-term performance while maintaining the appearance of traditional wood siding. It's a product that performs exceptionally well in Iowa's changing climate.

Attention to Detail

Every siding installation is only as good as the details behind it. One practice we follow on every LP SmartSide project is sealing cut ends before installation. Every time a board is cut, the exposed end is sealed with paint before being installed. This extra step helps protect the material and ensures every joint is properly sealed and prepared for long-term performance. Many homeowners never see these details once the project is complete, but these small decisions often make the difference between a siding job that lasts and one that develops problems years down the road.

Correcting Existing Water Intrusion Issues

During the project, we also replaced trim and corrected flashing on two windows that had been leaking. Proper flashing is one of the most important details in any siding project because it directs water away from the home and prevents future moisture issues. Addressing these areas while the siding was removed ensured the home would remain protected for years to come.

Completed in One Week

Despite the size of the project, our team completed the installation in approximately one week. The homeowner specifically appreciated our speed, communication, and willingness to answer questions throughout the process. We believe homeowners deserve to understand exactly what is happening on their project and why certain details matter.

The Finished Result

Today, the home features clean lines, crisp trim details, properly flashed windows, and a professionally installed LP SmartSide exterior ready for paint. To most people driving by, it may simply look like a house with beautiful new siding. To us, it represents a homeowner who made a smart investment at the right time and a project completed with pride, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Looking for an Ankeny Siding Contractor?

If you're considering LP SmartSide siding, replacing aging Hardie siding, or planning an exterior renovation in Ankeny, we'd love the opportunity to help. At Akin Brothers Construction, we focus on quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and building lasting relationships with homeowners throughout Ankeny and the Des Moines metro.