* I also use/recommend LP Smart Side siding for the majority of siding replacements (corner boards pictured above).

The reasons are:

1.  LP Smart Side is an engineered wood product that performs extremely well.  Click for more:  www.lpsmartside.com

2.  LP Smart Side has a 50 year warranty vs Hardies' 30 year warranty.

3.  LP Smart Side installs much easier and looks like real wood (since it is manufactured using wood)

4.  LP Smart Side matches older homes original siding (see Photos page) 

5.  Hardie is only available in 12 ft. lengths while LP has 16 ft. lengths.  Longer lengths means less joints showing, less waste so better savings, and a cleaner look.       



I have no problem installing Hardie Fiber Cement Siding and Trim, however I would personally only use it in certain situations, like in my story outlined above.  BTW, I called LP and asked about woodpecker & squirrel damage on their Smart Side products and they said they have not had any reports of either drilling/chewing on Smart Side.  I guess it's the chemicals used in the manufacturing of their product that keeps the woodpeckers & squirrels away.


Before & After pictures of chimney jobs.

We Proudly Provide References!

My Chimney Story...



OK, so I walked outside & looked up at my chimney and saw a nice hole in my corner trim board. Now, I know any hole in your siding is not good. So I climbed up on my steep roof with spackling & knife in hand and repaired the hole. A week later I see another hole a few inches below the one I just repaired. So I climb up and repair that hole. Two weeks later I look up and see a hole next to the ones I’ve repaired, but this time it’s in my wood-grain siding and since there’s no backing behind my siding any spackling would just fall into my attic. I could not live with a piece of wood nailed over the hole so the only true fix is to pull off my corner boards, replace the siding and re-install the corner boards. 


Now, since I’m a smart man I realized 2 things, something was making those holes (duh) and I was not looking forward to replacing my siding and then have whatever varmint was doing the damage keep putting holes in my chimney! Soon after, and while I was researching the repair job, I was standing outside my house and heard the rapid drilling of a – wait for it – WOODPECKER! Yes, that stinking little bird was marking his territory by destroying my chimney! To that bird, my chimney looked like a tree. No matter how many times I repaired my chimney with wood, that bird would keep putting holes in it.


Did you know you can’t kill a woodpecker? Oh no, they’re an endangered bird. We must respect their little lives! REALLY? I was planning a “black ops night mission” complete with silenced sniper rifle & night vision goggles. “Hey Woody, say hello to my little friend”!


But that is a touch extreme so I looked for an easy solution. There was only 1: a fake owl on the chimney, which would only last till the woodpecker realized it was not real – maybe a few months. NOPE, that wasn’t a permanent solution and therefore unacceptable. Did you know that squirrels will climb in through the holes that woodpeckers make and nest in your home? Now, they are certainly capable of creating their own holes, but “why when our friend in mayhem has drilled such a nice hole”? These two critters are the 1- 2 punch of home damage! Squirrels will climb in and build nests all in your attic. That's the VERY LAST thing I wanted to happen!


Finally, wisdom prevailed! I opted to replace all the wood on my chimney with Hardie-Plank Fiber Cement Siding and Hardie 1x4 corner boards and now my chimney looks GREAT and I have peace of mind. Woodpeckers are only attracted to wood and since Hardie-Plank is a cement based material that bird will not think it's a tree. I like it when you can fix things and they STAY FIXED! Hardie-Plank is the next best thing to a brick chimney and it's backed with a 30 year warranty. The only maintenance I now have is painting. No more repairs or replacing rotted wood.


Weather and critters are your houses' worst enemy. Installing Hardie-Plank Siding eliminates the need to paint more frequently and protects your home from critters, varmints & such from gaining entrance and nesting in your attic.


Did You Know? Ÿ

  • A properly executed exterior paint job lasts 7 years on average. Ÿ
  • The paint on a wood-sided chimney lasts 3 years on average due to weather & direct sun. Ÿ
  • Replacing rotted corner boards &/or siding every few years is costly. Ÿ
  • Woodpeckers, squirrels, even rats and insects gain access through rotted wood.


Once paint begins to “break down” from normal wear, wood is no

longer protected from the elements and deteriorates quickly.



What’s the Solution?


Protect your home by installing Hardie-Plank Fiber Cement*(see below) Siding & Trim on your chimney. Hardie-plank siding has a 30 yr. warranty. It’s the next best thing to a brick chimney! Check out jameshardie.com for detailed information.


We will install Hardie-Plank Cement Siding and paint the chimney using Kelly Moore Paint! This one-time investment protects your home and gives you immediate peace of mind.


We use high-end tools, equipment and materials to complete your job. These tools provide precision cuts, proper installation of siding & trim and a professional finished product. Add in 30+ years of construction and painting experience and your chimney will look brand new!.


Oh yeah, we can also paint your house if needed.




Hey, DIY guys...

In case you're thinking, "I can do that", please consider the following:


  • Can I safely walk around on my roof and have my hands free to work?
  • Do I have the tools to cut all those angles properly?
  • Do I have the experience to handle any unforeseen issues?
  • Am I going to spill paint on my roof shingles as I'm trying to paint my chimney?
  • Am I going to build the walk boards and ladders that provide a secure & safe working platform?
  • Do I have the TIME it would take to start AND finish the job?


Trust me, this is one job you don't want to do. It is dangerous and challenging. There is a potential of doing more damage than what was there originally and, heaven forbid, falling off the roof and incurring serious injury. Let us worry about all this.


Doing it right the first time saves money and frustration in the long run!