Allura manufactures fiber cement exterior products that matter in Montana — siding, panels, shakes, soffits, and trim engineered to handle freeze-thaw cycles, wildfire exposure, and hurricane-force chinook winds. They’re a leading North American manufacturer focused on providing a complete line of materials that combine natural wood appearance with high-performance durability.
The company positions itself as a partner to contractors rather than just another supplier, with a mission of “Making the Material Difference” by focusing on what matters most to builders and homeowners. After 75 years in the industry, they’ve earned a reputation for responsiveness that smaller contractors appreciate.
The Shake Select Panel System — Numbers That Matter
Allura’s shake panels deliver the cedar look without the maintenance headaches. The key is their panel system that speeds installation while maintaining authentic appearance.
The 5/16” thick Shake Select panels measure 16” x 48” with 7” exposure, weighing approximately 2.3 lbs per square foot. Each full case contains 129 units, and each panel covers 2 square feet. That’s manageable weight for crew handling, especially compared to individual shingle installation.
The 1/4” thickness option runs lighter — approximately 10 lbs per panel — which matters when you’re hauling materials up scaffolding all day. Both thicknesses come in straight edge, staggered edge, and half-round profiles.
| Shake Select Specifications | 5/16” Panels | 1/4” Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Dimensions | 16” × 48” | 16” × 48” |
| Exposure | 7” | 7” |
| Weight per Panel | 12-13 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Coverage per Panel | 2 sq ft | 2 sq ft |
| Units per Case | 129 | Not specified |
| Weight per sq ft | 2.3 lbs | ~2.0 lbs |
The panels are engineered for hurricane-force wind resistance — more than adequate for Montana’s chinook winds. Miami-Dade approval and compliance with multiple wind-load standards (Florida FL20742, Texas EC-16) confirm the engineering.
Fire Performance for WUI Construction
Montana contractors working in wildfire-prone areas need specifics, not marketing fluff. Allura’s fiber cement carries a Class A fire rating (non-combustible) with a Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index ≤5 per ASTM E84. Additional testing confirms non-combustible status per ASTM E136 and CAN/ULC S114.
The material is specifically noted as suitable for WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) applications — critical for Montana where entire counties fall within high-risk zones. Unlike vinyl that melts or wood that ignites, fiber cement maintains structural integrity during wildfire exposure.
Climate Performance Beyond the Basics
Allura specifically engineers their products for freeze-thaw resistance — not just a footnote but a core design parameter. The panels carry FEMA Class 5 designation for flood-damage resistant materials, useful for properties near Montana’s rivers and seasonal flooding zones.
Moisture movement complies with ASTM C1185 criteria, and the material density ranges from 85-94 lb/ft³ — dense enough to resist impact from hail and windborne debris but not so heavy it becomes a handling problem.
The products comply with 2024, 2021, 2018, and 2015 International Building and Residential Codes, plus green standards like CalGreen and ICC 700. More important than the alphabet soup of standards: the material performs in temperature swings from -30°F to 100°F without warping or cracking.
Spectrum Factory Finishing — Time Saved is Money Earned
Montana’s short building season makes factory finishing more than a convenience. Allura’s Spectrum system applies moisture- and UV-resistant coatings on all five sides in a climate-controlled facility, with warranties up to 25 years for solid colors.
The factory finish uses Sherwin-Williams finishes with inter-ground natural pigments for UV resistance. They offer 25 available colors — enough choice without overwhelming selection paralysis.
The controlled application ensures consistent color and quality while reducing installation time and weather dependency. No waiting for perfect painting weather in July when you could be framing the next job.
Installation Support That Actually Helps
Allura emphasizes being a partner rather than just a supplier, backing it up with practical jobsite tools. They’ve developed mobile-ready QR codes on pallet bags that link to real-time installation instructions — scan with your phone and get answers without calling the office.
Their digital training platforms and chatbots provide dealer and contractor support beyond the usual printed manual approach. Small contractors without dedicated training departments appreciate accessible technical support.
Who Should Consider Allura
Building professionals voted Allura as Best Exterior Siding in their 2014 Brand Survey, with particular praise for responsiveness and reliability. The company specifically targets small-to-medium contractors and custom builders rather than chasing high-volume national accounts.
Their sweet spot: contractors who need consistent product availability, technical support when problems arise, and materials engineered for regional conditions rather than generic national specs. Products typically last 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance — a selling point for quality-focused builders.
The Bottom Line
Allura delivers fiber cement products with specifications that matter for Montana construction. Class A fire ratings for WUI zones. Hurricane-rated wind resistance that laughs at chinooks. Factory finishing that saves weeks during the short build season. Freeze-thaw engineering baked into the material science.
They’re not the cheapest option. But for contractors building in Montana’s extreme conditions — where wildfire, wind, and weather create a triple threat — Allura’s engineering and support infrastructure justify consideration. The combination of proven durability, regional performance specs, and contractor-focused service makes them a solid choice for quality builds.
FAQ
What actual thickness options does Allura offer for shake panels?
Allura manufactures shake panels in two thicknesses: 5/16” (approximately 7.9mm) and 1/4” (0.25”). The thicker option provides more rigidity for high-wind installations, while the quarter-inch saves weight for easier handling.
How does Allura’s fire rating compare to other siding materials?
Allura fiber cement achieves Class A fire rating with Flame Spread Index of 0 and Smoke Developed Index ≤5. That’s non-combustible performance — vinyl melts, wood burns, but fiber cement maintains structural integrity during wildfire exposure.
What’s the real weight contractors deal with during installation?
The 5/16” panels weigh 12-13 lbs each (2.3 lbs per square foot), while 1/4” panels weigh approximately 10 lbs per panel. With 129 units per case for the 16” shake, you’re looking at roughly 1,550-1,677 lbs per full case of the thicker panels.
Does Allura require special installation training?
Allura provides mobile-ready QR codes on pallet bags linking to real-time installation instructions, plus digital training platforms and chatbots for contractor support. They emphasize defined installation requirements for long-term performance — follow their specs or risk callback issues.
What kind of warranty coverage should contractors expect?
Allura offers a 30-year Transferable Limited Product Warranty. Factory-applied Spectrum finishes carry warranties up to 25 years for solid colors. That’s confidence in the material, though proper installation remains critical for warranty validity.
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