RISE 5/4 Trim 4 in. x 13 ft. 4 in.

RISE trim solves the ground contact problem that most composite trims can’t touch. Made from 94% recycled content including carpet fibers and fiberglass, this isn’t just another plastic board pretending to be sustainable. The certification for ground-contact application means contractors can install it where standard composites would fail — porch steps, skirting, anywhere trim meets grade in Montana’s snow-prone valleys.

Performance Where It Matters

The low expansion and contraction compared to PVC addresses the real enemy of exterior trim in Montana: temperature swings. While PVC trim buckles and gaps through freeze-thaw cycles, RISE maintains dimensional stability. The engineered freeze-thaw resistance isn’t marketing fluff — it’s built into the fiber-polymer matrix.

Specification	Value	Source
Material Composition	94% recycled content (carpet fibers and fiberglass)	manufacturer
Dimensions	5/4” x 6” x 13’4” (160”)	manufacturer
Wind Load Rating	29 psf allowable transverse load	ICC-ES ESR-4731
Flame Spread Index	≤ 200 (Class C)	ASTM E84
Ground Contact	Certified for ground-contact application	manufacturer
Fastener Spacing	Maximum 16” on center	manufacturer

The top-and-bottom water barrier protects both faces — critical when snow piles against skirting all winter. High impact resistance handles hail strikes and ladder bumps that crack fiber cement.

Installation Reality

Standard woodworking tools cut RISE like lumber — no specialty blades needed. Lighter than solid wood or fiber-cement trim means less strain hauling boards up ladders. The 13’4” length matches 16” fastener spacing perfectly — no awkward joints mid-span.

Use 1/8-in. shank x 1/4-in. head roofing nails with minimum 1-in. penetration into framing. That’s specific enough to avoid callbacks from popped fasteners. The product accepts primer and paint with exterior-grade latex or oil-based paint, though factory-finished ColoRISE options eliminate that step.

The Recycled Content Advantage

Fiber cement tops out at 30-40% recycled content. RISE hits 94%. For contractors bidding LEED projects or working with sustainability-conscious clients, that percentage matters. The relatively new brand status means less long-term field data compared to established products, but the overall installer sentiment remains positive for workability and sustainability.

Compared to wood, RISE eliminates rot, insect damage, and warping. Against PVC, it offers higher impact resistance and less expansion/contraction. The real differentiator remains that ground contact certification — most composites can’t make that claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes RISE different from other composite trim? Ground contact certification sets it apart — certified for applications like porch steps and skirting where trim meets grade. The 94% recycled content also exceeds most competitors significantly.

Can RISE trim be painted? Yes, it accepts exterior-grade latex or oil-based paint after priming, though factory-finished ColoRISE options are available.

What fasteners should be used? 1/8-inch shank x 1/4-inch head roofing nails with at least 1-inch penetration into framing. Space fasteners maximum 16 inches on center.

How does it handle Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles? Engineered specifically for freeze-thaw cycles with a top-and-bottom water barrier. Low expansion and contraction compared to PVC prevents the buckling and gapping common with other composites.

What’s the warranty coverage? 30-year limited warranty on the substrate, 15-year warranty on ColoRISE factory-applied finishes.