RISE

RISE makes synthetic fiber composite siding and trim from 94% recycled materials — mostly post-consumer carpet fibers that would otherwise hit the landfill. Their products are the only hard siding on the market rated for incidental ground contact, which matters when Montana snow piles against your foundation for four months straight.

The standout feature isn’t the recycled content marketing angle. It’s that 13’4” length that matches exactly 10 studs at 16” on-center spacing. Every contractor who’s spent a day cutting and fitting standard 12-foot siding knows what that means — fewer butt joints, less waste, cleaner installations.

What Makes RISE Different

RISE Building Products manufactures composite siding and trim made from recycled materials, specifically recycled polyester, nylon carpet fibers, and other materials. But the recycled content story is just the entry point. The real story is performance.

The synthetic fiber core resists rot and freeze-thaw damage in ways that wood-based products can’t match. Ground contact capability means you can install it where other sidings would fail — right down to grade where snow accumulation and spring melt create the perfect rot conditions. The material handles, cuts, and routes like natural wood with standard tools, so crews don’t need special training or equipment.

The product line includes:

• 5/4 x 8 inch x 13’4” RISE Trim
• ColoRISE Factory Finished 3/8” Lap Siding 8.25” x 13’ 4”
• RISE 3/8” Lap Siding 5.25” x 13’ 4” (4” Reveal)
• RISE Board and Batten 4/4 x 3 x 13 ft. 4 in.
• 5/4 x 6 inch x 13’4” RISE Trim

The siding meets ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4731 requirements for use in Type V-B construction and nonfire-rated walls. It features a flame-spread index of no greater than 200 and Class C fire rating per ASTM E84.

Technology and Applications

The manufacturing process takes 94% recycled content such as polyester and nylon fibers from carpets and fiberglass fibers from insulation and wind turbine blades and transforms them into dimensionally stable building products. The synthetic fiber composition includes polyester, nylon, and fiberglass, creating a material that’s lightweight for easier handling compared to fiber cement alternatives.

PPG Duracolor machine-applied paint provides the factory finish on ColorRISE products, available in smooth or woodgrain textures. Finish options include primed (ready for paint), pre-finished white (textured), and smooth.

Performance specifications show an allowable transverse load of 29 psf with fastener spacing at maximum 16 inches on center. The material requires nothing special — 6d galvanized nails work fine.

Applications range across:

• Exterior trim (corners, window surrounds, door casing)
• Fascia and soffit installations
• Residential exterior siding
• Batten for Board and Batten siding systems
• Areas prone to high moisture or ground contact

The 160-inch length isn’t arbitrary. Optimized for 16-inch on-center stud spacing (matches 10 studs), it reduces job-site joints and waste. That’s real labor savings when you’re trying to close in before freeze-up.

ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4138 provides the certification backing. Since 2018, RISE has positioned itself as a forward-thinking alternative to traditional cement and wood-based siding, though the company keeps specifics about founding dates and corporate structure close to the vest.

The Bottom Line

RISE delivers on its core promise — siding and trim that won’t rot when snow sits against it all winter. The 94% recycled content makes the environmental case, but performance drives the decision. High impact resistance and minimal expansion/contraction mean fewer callbacks. No silica dust when cutting means healthier job sites.

Skip RISE if you’re doing basic vinyl replacement or budget builds where initial cost trumps longevity. The premium makes sense for ground-contact applications, areas with severe freeze-thaw cycling, or anywhere moisture has been a recurring problem. Their commitment to circularity enhances product longevity and recyclability, but that’s secondary to getting a siding that survives Montana winters without drama.

For contractors tired of explaining why the bottom course rotted after five years of snow contact, RISE offers a solution that actually works. The 13’4” lengths are gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is RISE siding made from?

RISE siding and trim products are made from 94% recycled content, specifically recycled polyester and nylon fibers from carpets, plus fiberglass fibers from insulation and wind turbine blades. The synthetic fiber composite creates a dimensionally stable material that resists rot and freeze-thaw damage better than wood-based products.

Q: Can RISE siding touch the ground?

Yes, RISE is the only hard siding product rated for incidental ground contact with soil or masonry. This ground contact capability means you can install RISE siding right down to grade where snow accumulation and spring melt would typically cause rot problems with other siding materials.

Q: What lengths does RISE siding come in?

RISE siding and trim products come in 13 feet 4 inch (160 inch) lengths, which is specifically optimized to match exactly 10 studs at 16-inch on-center spacing. This length reduces butt joints and waste compared to standard 12-foot siding products.

Q: What fire rating does RISE siding have?

RISE siding carries a Class C fire rating per ASTM E84 testing with a flame-spread index of no greater than 200. The product meets ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4731 requirements for use in Type V-B construction and nonfire-rated walls.

Q: How do you cut and install RISE products?

RISE siding and trim can be cut, nailed, and screwed using standard woodworking tools just like natural wood, with no special equipment needed. The synthetic fiber material produces no silica dust when cutting (unlike fiber cement), and standard 6d galvanized nails work for fastening at maximum 16 inches on center.

Q: What finishes are available for RISE products?

RISE offers both primed and pre-finished options, including ColorRISE factory-finished products with PPG Duracolor machine-applied paint in smooth or woodgrain textures. Pre-finished options include textured white, while primed products are ready for field painting.