When Hornik Construction began business in 2003 in Bridgeview, Illinois, the company exclusively used fiber cement and vinyl siding. Today, 80 percent of the company’s siding installations utilize LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding products.
“Our company primarily subcontracts siding installation for new home builders, which means that our customers and their clients demand a product that looks great and performs even better,” says Christine Hornik, president of Hornik Construction.
Here are some of the advantages that LP SmartSide engineered wood products offer:
- Longer lengths. LP SmartSide siding is manufactured in longer lengths than fiber cement. Having a 16-foot plank instead of a 12-foot plank means that Hornik crews can cover more with fewer planks and have fewer joints to finish.
- Lighter weight. In addition to being longer, LP SmartSide planks are lighter than fiber cement. They can be moved easily on the job site. Because they won’t crack or break when carried, Hornik crews really like working with the product.
- Better paint adhesion. The company has found that paint sticks to LP SmartSide siding better than fiber cement. All LP SmartSide products are factory pre-primed to take paint well, delivering optimal adhesion and consistent application.
For the past two years, Hornik Construction has attained the Master Level in LP’s BuildSmart Preferred Contractor Program, which offers exclusive lead generation, maximum cash rebates, co-marketing support and much more. “The BuildSmart program also offers excellent installation training and product education,” says Hornik.
“The best part about the LP BuildSmart Preferred Contractors Program are the points towards rewards such as tools, extra support, and cash. The program is a wonderful resource of information and training which helps us understand more about product installation and how to utilize them to their full potential,” says Hornik. “Co-branding and marketing with a reputable source such as LP has helped with lead generation and creation. LP is open to new ideas and designs for projects which in turn allows us to try new things with better results.”