RISE Composite Technologies

RISE makes composite siding and trim from 94% recycled materials — mostly recycled carpet fibers and other synthetic materials. Their claim to fame? They’re the only hard siding product rated for incidental ground contact. That matters in Montana, where snow piles against buildings for months and freeze-thaw cycles destroy lesser materials.

What Makes RISE Different

The ground contact rating sets RISE apart from every other hard siding option. Their products feature a top-and-bottom protective water barrier that handles moisture in ways fiber cement and engineered wood can’t match. The material resists rot and freeze-thaw damage — critical when your siding sits in wet snow from November through April.

The material composition tells you exactly what you’re installing. RISE uses polyester and nylon fibers from recycled carpets, plus fiberglass fibers from insulation and wind turbine sources. More specifically, the breakdown is:

• 56% post-consumer carpet fibers
• 30% polyester/nylon from automotive waste
• 11% fiberglass from wind turbines
• 4% MDI (formaldehyde-free adhesive)

Their patented manufacturing process compresses these post-consumer and post-industrial synthetic fibers into boards that work like wood but perform like engineered materials.

The 13’4” Length Advantage

The 13’4” length matches exactly 10 studs at 16” on center. That’s 160 inches — no waste, fewer seams. No other manufacturer offers this specific stud-optimized length. On a 40-foot wall, you’re cutting three pieces instead of four or five. Less waste in the dumpster, fewer butt joints to flash, faster installation.

RISE offers both 13’4” and 20’ lengths across their product line. The 20-footers work great on ranch-style homes and agricultural buildings where you want minimal seams.

Performance Specifications

The numbers that matter for Montana contractors:

Specification	Value
Wind Load Rating	29 psf
Fire Rating	Class C (≤200 flame spread)
Standard Lap Siding	3/8” thick with 7” reveal
Trim Boards	5/4 x 4”, 6”, 8” widths
Temperature Range	-40°F to 100°F+
Warranty	15/30-year warranties

The material works with standard woodworking tools — cut it, nail it, screw it, route it. No special blades, no silica dust like fiber cement. Available finishes include smooth, woodgrain texture, factory-finished (ColorRISE), or primed for field painting.

Who Should Use RISE

This isn’t budget siding. It’s for contractors who understand that the only hard siding allowing incidental ground contact solves real problems. Perfect for:

• Buildings where snow accumulates against walls
• Areas with poor drainage or high water tables
• Projects where the 13’4” length reduces labor and waste
• Contractors tired of callbacks from rotted siding at grade

Skip RISE if you’re building in dry climates where ground contact doesn’t matter. The recycled content and freeze-thaw resistance cost more than basic vinyl or engineered wood.

RISE has been developing these products since 2005, and they’re now part of the CertainTeed portfolio under Saint-Gobain. The corporate backing means consistent supply and distribution, but the real value is in those performance specs — especially that ground contact rating no one else can match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can RISE siding actually touch the ground?

RISE is the only hard siding product rated for incidental ground contact, meaning it can handle occasional contact with soil or masonry without rotting or deteriorating. The material resists freeze-thaw damage and moisture absorption, making it suitable for areas where snow piles against walls or drainage is poor.

Q: What is RISE siding made from?

RISE products contain 94% recycled materials, specifically polyester and nylon fibers from recycled carpets, fiberglass from insulation and wind turbine blades, and reclaimed polymers. The exact breakdown is 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester/nylon from automotive waste, 11% fiberglass from wind turbines, and 4% MDI adhesive.

Q: Why does RISE come in 13’4” lengths?

The 13’4” length (160 inches) matches exactly 10 studs at 16” on-center spacing, eliminating waste and reducing the number of butt joints. RISE also offers 20-foot lengths for longer runs on ranch homes or agricultural buildings.

Q: What’s the warranty on RISE products?

RISE offers 15/30-year warranties on their siding and trim products. The specific warranty terms depend on whether you’re using their primed products or factory-finished ColorRISE line with PPG Duracolor paint.

Q: Can I cut RISE siding with regular tools?

Yes, RISE works with standard woodworking tools — you can cut, nail, screw, and route it just like wood. Unlike fiber cement, it doesn’t create silica dust when cut, making it safer to work with on the job site.

Q: What fire rating does RISE siding have?

RISE siding carries a Class C fire rating with a flame spread index of 200 or less per ASTM E84 testing. The products are approved for Type V-B construction and non-fire-rated structures according to ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4138.