RISE lap siding solves the ground contact problem that plagues every other hard siding product on the market. This 94% recycled composite material handles incidental ground contact without voiding the warranty — something fiber cement, engineered wood, and vinyl can’t claim. At 13 feet 4 inches, the length is specifically optimized for 16-inch on-center stud spacing, cutting waste and installation time for contractors who understand that material efficiency matters as much as material performance.
Ground Contact Changes the Game
RISE is the only hard siding allowing incidental ground contact. That’s not marketing fluff — it’s a fundamental material advantage. Two-sided water protection (front and back) combined with protective water barrier technology means contractors don’t have to maintain the typical 6-8 inch clearance from grade. For sloped lots, foundation step-downs, and anywhere snow accumulates against siding, this eliminates a major failure point.
The ground contact capability comes from the material composition itself. Approximately 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester and nylon, 11% surplus fiberglass, all bound with formaldehyde-free polymeric MDI. Unlike wood-based products that rely on chemical treatments or surface coatings for protection, RISE’s synthetic composition inherently resists moisture absorption.
Made from recycled synthetic fibers, it is suitable for demanding applications, including ground contact, thanks to a protective water barrier. This isn’t theoretical — RISE is moisture-resistant, defies freeze-thaw damage, and resists rot, making it suitable for demanding exterior applications, including ground contact with protective barriers.
Installation Built for Speed
The 13’4” length optimized for 16” on-center stud spacing isn’t arbitrary. It divides evenly into 10 stud bays with zero waste. Compare that to standard 12-foot lap siding that leaves awkward 8-inch offcuts or requires constant measuring for efficient cuts.
Cuts like natural wood with standard tools — circular saws, miter saws, routers all work without special blades. Less jobsite waste/breakage vs fiber cement matters when crews are hauling material up scaffolding. Fiber cement shatters when dropped. RISE bounces.
Installation follows standard lap siding procedures with specific requirements:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Overlap | 1.25 inches recommended; 1-inch minimum (ESR-4731) |
| Fastener Type | 1/8-inch shank diameter x 1/4-inch head diameter roofing nails (stainless steel recommended) |
| Fastener Spacing | Maximum 16 inches (406 mm) on-center |
| Nail Placement | Minimum 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) below the top of the siding |
| Penetration | Minimum 1-1/2 inches (38.1 mm) into the framing |
Butt joints should be lapped a minimum of 1 inch with joints staggered. Two-part methyl methacrylate adhesive recommended (do not apply to painted surfaces) for field joints where maximum weather resistance matters.
Performance That Matters in Montana
Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles demand materials that handle thermal movement without cracking. RISE delivers measurable performance:
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Wind Load | 29 psf (negative transverse load per ASTM E330 at 16” o.c. spacing) |
| Flame Spread | 200 or less (ASTM E84) |
| Weather Resistance | Resistant to rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage |
That 29 psf wind load rating handles Montana’s chinook winds and prairie gusts. The freeze-thaw resistance addresses the core failure mode for siding in this climate — water infiltration followed by expansion cracking.
30-Year Warranty backed by Saint-Gobain / CertainTeed provides the backing contractors need. Saint-Gobain isn’t some startup — they’ve been in building materials for 350+ years.
The 94% Recycled Reality
94% total recycled materials breaks down into specific post-consumer and post-industrial streams. This isn’t greenwashing with vague “eco-friendly” claims. Approximately 56% post-consumer carpet fibers means actual carpets diverted from landfills. Approximately 30% polyester and nylon includes everything from plastic bottles to industrial textile waste. Approximately 11% surplus fiberglass comes from insulation manufacturing and wind turbine blade production.
RISE products are made from recycled synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and fiberglass, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cement and wood-based sidings since 2018. The formaldehyde-free polymeric MDI (pMDI) (4%) binder eliminates off-gassing concerns during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes RISE different from fiber cement siding?
RISE allows ground contact, creates less jobsite waste/breakage, handles easier (cuts like wood), and contains higher recycled content than fiber cement. The 13’4” length optimized for standard framing reduces cuts compared to 12-foot fiber cement planks.
How does the ground contact capability work?
Two-sided water protection (front and back) combined with protective water barrier technology prevents moisture infiltration even when siding touches grade. The synthetic fiber composition doesn’t absorb water like wood-based products.
What colors are available?
Colors include Antler, Ash, Boulder, Driftwood, Garnet, Sage, White, Fieldstone, Graphite, Khaki Brown, Pinecone, Prairie Grass, and Spiceberry.
Does RISE require special installation tools?
No. Standard woodworking tools (circular/miter saw, router, nail gun) handle RISE without modification. No special blades or bits required.
What trim and accessories work with RISE siding?
RISE Trim (available primed or pre-finished in Porcelain White), Sherwin-Williams compatible touch-up paint kits, and mounting blocks and J-channels as part of CertainTeed accessory ecosystem complete the system.
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