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All LP siding has this pattern stamped on it, it won’t be on every board.
A home with LP siding that has had proper painting and caulking can perform well for years, but this maintenance is often overlooked. Since it is made of pressed and glued wood chips, there are lots of end grains that will readily absorb water if it is not properly sealed. It is one of the most common problematic products we see.
Recognizing LP 
Louisiana-Pacific siding has this knot embossed on the surface. Notice the “LP” stamped on the knot.
LP is not alone, there are many other similar siding products out there, some like Omniboard, are made out of sawdust and glue. These can fail is the same way as LP and needs lots of maintenance.
The bottom edge of LP lap siding is where
the failure is first evident.
The most important thing you can do is diligent paint, caulk, trimming landscaping materials, gutter maintenance and NEVER let a garden sprinkler hit the home. If you have LP on your home are considering buying a home with it you should follow these important steps as described by the manufacturer.
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LP sidingPreventive Maintenance Tips:
Check for small construction dents and gouges. Fill these indentations with an exterior, non hardening sealer and prime before finishing.
Make sure sprinklers do not spray water directly onto the siding or trim.
Keep roof surfaces and gutters in working order so water is diverted away from the siding.
Keep shrubs, trees and plants a minimum of one foot from the siding.
Keep the painted surface free of mold, mildew and algae.
Make sure your siding and trim are six to eight inches from the ground. Don’t allow garden mulch to build up and compromise your clearance.
Maintain a one-inch per foot slope away from the foundation, so water will drain away from the house.
Replace missing or damaged caulking around the joints and seams where different surfaces meet.
Repaint your siding before the existing paint fails. Your local weather conditions will affect the longevity of your paint’s performance. Inspection is an essential part of maintenance. Perform the following checks once or twice a year.
Inspect your paint for cracking, peeling, fading or chalking. Pay special attention to the bottom rows and under the window casings.
Check all joints and seams for cracking or missing sealant.
Look for signs of mildew.
Inspect your flashing and gutters for damage or blockage
source: LP smartside
