Northwest Factory Finishes brings something contractors desperately need — siding that arrives on site already finished and ready to install. Pre-finish exterior building products including composite lap siding, soffit, panels and trim at their facility, eliminating the mess, delays, and weather dependency of field painting.
The real value shows up in their product lines. Fiber-cement (Proprietary Allura formula) lap siding with PPG machine-applied coating provides a durable, uniform, and fade-resistant surface that beats anything a painter can achieve on site. Their 8.25 in. x 13 ft. 4 in. ColoRISE products use Synthetic fiber (compressed recycled materials) — a whole different animal from traditional siding.
Allura ArmorShell Timber Series: The Fiber Cement That Works
The ArmorShell Timber Series delivers what Montana contractors need — 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) thick fiber cement that handles extreme weather without the callbacks. Non-combustible (Class A fire rating) matters when you’re building in WUI zones, and Resistant to rot, termites, hail, impact, and high-wind conditions covers the rest of Montana’s abuse.
The texture sells it. Realistic Wood Grain: Part of the Timber Series, providing a true-to-nature cedar aesthetic. Not the fake-looking embossed pattern you see on cheap vinyl. This stuff actually mimics cedar grain well enough that homeowners stop asking about real wood.
| Specification | ArmorShell Timber Series |
|---|---|
| Material | Cellulose fiber-reinforced cement (fiber cement) with Allura’s proprietary formula |
| Thickness | 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) |
| Length | 12 feet (3,658 mm) |
| Width | 8-1/4 inches (210 mm) |
| Weight | Approximately 2.3 lbs per sq ft |
| Fire Rating | Class A (Non-combustible) |
| Wind Resistance | Wildfire-prone areas requiring non-combustible exterior materials (Class A rating) |
| Warranty | 50-year substrate and 15-year finish warranty for Armorshell |
Eight colors in the Timber Series: Rock Creek, Granite Peak, Red Rock, Cedar, Woodland, and three others. Each gets Five-sided pre-finish eliminates the need for on-site painting and reduces installation time. That’s coverage on the face, edges, and back splash — not just the visible surface like field-painted siding.
The FEMA Class 5 flood-damage-resistant material rating means something if you’re building near any of Montana’s rivers. Fiber cement doesn’t absorb water and swell like wood or delaminate like cheap composites.
ColoRISE: The Recycled Siding That Breaks the Rules
ColoRISE changes what’s possible with composite siding. Synthetic fiber (compressed recycled materials) sounds like marketing fluff until you realize this stuff can touch the ground without rotting. Try that with wood or standard fiber cement.
The dimensions work for efficiency: 13 ft. 4 in. lengths mean fewer seams on long walls. Available in 4 in., 6 in., 8 in. widths plus the standard 8.25 in. lap profile.
| Specification | ColoRISE Products |
|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic fiber (compressed recycled materials) |
| Lengths | 13 ft. 4 in. |
| Available Widths | 4 in., 6 in., 8 in., 8.25 in. |
| Finish Technology | PPG Duracolor® machine-applied paint |
| Finish Warranty | 15-year finish limited warranty |
| Substrate Warranty | 30-year substrate limited warranty |
The PPG Duracolor® machine-applied paint isn’t slapped on with a brush. Machine application means consistent mil thickness, proper adhesion, and no thin spots where the painter got lazy. 15-year finish limited warranty backs it up, but the real benefit is not having callbacks for touch-ups every spring.
Why Factory Finishing Matters More Than You Think
Northwest Factory Finishes has a strong reputation in the building supply industry, particularly as a pioneer in prefinished exterior siding and building products. They are known for their high-quality, consistent finishes, including unique two-tone options. But forget the reputation — look at what factory finishing actually means for your jobs.
Field painting in Montana sucks. Too cold, too wet, too windy, or too hot. The window for proper paint application shrinks every year. Factory finishing happens in 140,000 sq. ft. facility where temperature and humidity stay perfect year-round. No dust, no bugs, no rain delays.
Proprietary ArmorShell color finishing process beats field application because machines don’t have bad days. Every board gets the same coverage, same dry time, same quality. Operating from a large 156,000 sq. ft. facility, they process over 10 million feet of materials annually — that’s industrial-scale consistency you can’t match with a spray rig in someone’s driveway.
The Two-tone finishes option solves the accent problem without masking and multiple coats. Order your field color and trim color already applied. No bleed, no overspray, no arguing about whose fault the wavy paint line is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does ArmorShell compare to standard fiber cement for freeze-thaw resistance?
The 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) thickness and Cellulose fiber-reinforced cement (fiber cement) with Allura’s proprietary formula provides solid freeze-thaw performance. The Five-sided pre-finish seals all exposed surfaces, preventing moisture intrusion that causes standard fiber cement to fail in Montana winters. FEMA Class 5 flood-damage-resistant material rating confirms it handles water exposure without degrading.
Q: Can ColoRISE products really handle ground contact?
Yes. Synthetic fiber (compressed recycled materials) doesn’t absorb moisture like wood fiber. The material won’t rot, delaminate, or support fungal growth even with incidental ground contact. Still need proper clearances for code, but splashback and snow contact won’t destroy it like traditional siding.
Q: What’s the real difference between field painting and factory finishing?
PPG Duracolor® machine-applied paint goes on in controlled conditions with consistent thickness and complete coverage. Five-sided pre-finish means edges and backs get sealed — impossible with field painting. Operating from a large 156,000 sq. ft. facility, they process over 10 million feet of materials annually, so they’ve dialed in the process. Your painter can’t match that consistency no matter how good they are.
Q: How do the warranties actually work?
50-year substrate and 15-year finish warranty for Armorshell covers the fiber cement products. 30-year substrate limited warranty and 15-year finish limited warranty cover ColoRISE. These are manufacturer warranties through Northwest Factory Finishes, not insurance policies. The warranty includes provisions for repair and reimbursement of certain labor costs during the first seven years, with liability decreasing over time. The company emphasizes quality control and adherence to proper installation practices, though the warranty excludes damages caused by improper construction, environmental factors, or misuse.
Q: What about color selection?
ArmorShell Timber Series offers eight colors including Rock Creek, Granite Peak, Red Rock, Cedar, and Woodland. All get the same PPG machine-applied coating provides a durable, uniform, and fade-resistant surface. The Two-tone finishes option lets you specify field and accent colors without field masking.
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Our doors & millwork specialists can help you find the right Northwest Factory Finishes products for your project.
