RISE 3/8" Lap Siding: The Only Hard Siding That Touches the Ground

RISE 3/8” Lap Siding allows for incidental ground contact — a capability no other hard siding can match. While James Hardie requires 2-6 inches clearance and LP SmartSide is susceptible to moisture damage near ground, RISE solves the eternal siding headache of foundation transitions and deck skirting.

The 13 feet 4 inch (160 inch) lengths hit the sweet spot for framing efficiency. That’s exactly 10 studs at 16 inches on center. Minimize waste by matching 16-inch on-center stud spacing. Fewer butt joints on long runs means less opportunity for water infiltration — critical when Montana throws 100+ freeze-thaw cycles at siding every year.

What Sets RISE Apart From Every Other Siding

The ground contact allowance changes jobsite reality. Areas requiring direct or near-ground contact (foundations, deck skirting) no longer need awkward transitions or moisture-prone details. That foundation-to-siding junction that keeps failing on other jobs? Not a problem here.

RISE also requires no special saw blades for cutting and produces no harmful silica dust. Anyone who’s dealt with fiber cement knows the drill — specialty blades, dust masks, OSHA compliance headaches. Cut, install, and handle like traditional wood without the need for special tools or silica dust protection. Standard carbide-tipped circular saw blades; no special dust collection required beyond standard PPE.

The material itself defies categorization. 94% reclaimed synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, fiberglass) and MDI adhesive with phenolic paper facers. Resists rot, freeze/thaw cycles, heavy rain, and snow; no wood fibers to decay. This matters when spring melt keeps siding wet for weeks.

Specification	Value
Thickness	3/8 in. (9.5 mm)
Width (total)	5.25 in.
Length	13 ft. 4 in. (160 in.)
Reveal	4 in. (exposed portion)
Weight	Approximately 1.2 lbs per linear foot
Overlap requirement	Minimum 1.25 inch lap for a 5.25 inch wide board

Installation Reality: Faster, Safer, Simpler

The silica-free installation transforms job site safety. No special equipment rental. No OSHA silica exposure plans. No explaining to homeowners why the crew looks like they’re suiting up for asbestos removal. Just standard tools and standard PPE.

Fasteners: 1/8 inch shank x 1/4 inch head roofing nails (minimum 1 inch penetration into framing). Fasteners spaced max 16 inches on center. Standard nailing pattern, standard tools, but with material that won’t punish minor ground contact mistakes.

Butt joints must land on studs; recommended to use joint flashings or sealants as per manufacturer guidelines. The 160-inch lengths mean fewer of these vulnerable joints compared to standard 12-foot fiber cement boards.

Texture options keep everyone happy: smooth or woodgrain (textured) surfaces available in both primed (field paintable) or pre-finished (factory applied colors) options.

Testing and Certifications

Flame-spread index of 200 or less (per ASTM E84) puts it in the same fire rating category as most other sidings — not exceptional, but compliant. The real value shows up in the weather resistance testing:

Standards tested include ASTM G155 (Accelerated Weathering), ASTM D1037 (Flexural Strength & Fastener Pull-Through), ASTM B117 (Salt-Spray Resistance), ASTM D2247 (Water Resistance), and ASTM E330 (Transverse Load Resistance). That’s the full battery of abuse testing that matters for Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure at elevation.

30-year limited substrate warranty against rotting, swelling, and delamination, backed for both siding and trim products. Standard warranty length, but covering ground-contact applications sets it apart.

Contractor Feedback

Generally positive with praise for its eco-friendliness and durability. Installers appreciate the wood-like handling and the lack of silica dust. Homeowners like the low maintenance and the ability to use it near the ground without worrying about rot.

Some mention that while more expensive than vinyl, the 13’ 4” length leads to fewer seams on long runs. That length efficiency matters on big wall spans — fewer joints, less labor, better weather protection.

Compatibility and Systems

Compatible with standard water-resistive barriers (house wrap) and RISE-branded trim and accessories. Suitable for installation over OSB or plywood structural sheathing — standard substrate requirements, nothing special needed.

The product works in residential and commercial exterior siding applications, including coastal environments and high-moisture regions. Made from recycled synthetic fibers, RISE resists moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and rot, even allowing incidental ground contact with a protective water barrier.

Bottom Line

RISE earns consideration for three reasons that matter to Montana contractors: ground contact capability that no other hard siding allows, 160-inch lengths that match framing perfectly, and silica-free cutting that eliminates a major job site hassle.

The RISE is a ‘hard siding’ product that provides the look and feel of real wood with much higher impact resistance and durability than standard vinyl. For contractors tired of explaining why siding can’t touch the ground or dealing with silica compliance paperwork, RISE solves real problems.

Not revolutionary. Not game-changing. Just a siding that handles ground contact without rotting and cuts without creating a health hazard. Sometimes that’s exactly what a job needs.

FAQ

Can RISE siding actually touch the ground?

Incidental ground contact is allowed for siding and trim, unique among hard siding products. Ground contact versions include a protective water barrier. This solves countless foundation transition headaches.

What makes the 13’4” length special?

13 feet 4 inches equals 160 inches, which matches exactly 10 studs at 16-inch on-center spacing. Perfect framing alignment means less waste and fewer butt joints compared to standard 12-foot boards.

How does cutting RISE compare to fiber cement?

RISE cuts and handles like traditional wood without special tools or silica dust protection. Standard carbide-tipped circular saw blades work; no special dust collection required beyond standard PPE. No OSHA silica compliance needed.

What’s it actually made from?

94% reclaimed synthetic fibers including polyester, nylon, and fiberglass bound with MDI adhesive and phenolic paper facers. Made from 94% recycled content including fibers from recycled carpets and garments.

How does it compare to LP SmartSide?

RISE is made from synthetic fibers and polymers, making it rot-proof, whereas LP is wood-based and susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed and cleared from the ground. RISE allows ground contact; LP requires clearance.

What kind of fasteners does RISE require?

1/8 inch shank x 1/4 inch head roofing nails with minimum 1 inch penetration into framing. Space fasteners maximum 16 inches on center. Standard nailing, nothing special.