RISE Board and Batten: The Only Ground-Contact Siding That Makes Sense

RISE Board and Batten delivers what no other hard siding can touch — ground-contact capability. That’s not marketing fluff. While Hardie won’t allow ground contact and OSB-based products like LP SmartSide can’t handle the moisture, RISE handles direct soil contact without rotting or degrading.

Made from 94% recycled materials — mostly post-consumer carpet fibers — this isn’t greenwashing. Hardie runs about 10-15% recycled content. RISE delivers six times that while maintaining 29 psf allowable transverse load and high impact resistance with minimal expansion/contraction.

The 13’4” Length That Actually Makes Sense

The 13’4” length isn’t random — it perfectly spans 10 studs at 16” O.C. No waste. No awkward cuts. At 2.5” actual width and 1” thickness, these battens install fast and clean.

Standard tools cut and route RISE like natural wood. No specialty blades. Less dust than cutting fiber cement. Stainless steel nails recommended, but pneumatic nailers work fine.

Installation follows predictable patterns. 8d trim nails or 7d trim screws, penetrating substrate at least 1-1/4”. Fasten every 16” O.C. into studs. Drop to 12” O.C. if using only nail-able sheathing.

Ground Contact Changes Everything

4” ground clearance is recommended best practice, but ground contact is allowed. Think about that. Snow piles against buildings. Water pools at foundations. Traditional siding fails exactly where buildings meet the ground.

RISE resists heavy rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. The moisture resistance beats OSB-based engineered wood products. Compared to cellular PVC, RISE provides a more natural wood look with lower thermal expansion rates.

Temperature matters for joint gaps. Leave 3/16” gap if installing below 60°F, 1/8” gap above 60°F. Seal all joints with ASTM C920 Class 50 or higher caulk — polyurethane or hybrid formulations work best.

Specification	Value
Dimensions	1” x 2.5” x 13’4”
Material	94% recycled synthetic fibers
Fire Rating	Class C (Flame Spread ≤200)
Transverse Load	29 psf
Max Fastener Spacing	16” O.C.
Warranty	30-year substrate limited

Pre-finished options work with high-performance coatings, or field-paint to match any scheme. Typical applications include batten for board-and-batten systems, exterior trim around windows and doors, fascia and corner boards, and soffit applications.

FAQ

How does RISE handle Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles?

RISE is specifically resistant to freeze-thaw damage and heavy snow. The ground-contact rating means it won’t rot when snow piles against it — something fiber cement and engineered wood can’t claim.

What’s the real recycled content compared to other sidings?

RISE contains 94% recycled materials, mostly post-consumer carpet fibers. Hardie runs about 10-15% recycled content. That’s a 6x difference in actual recycled material usage.

Can standard siding crews install RISE?

Yes — it cuts and routes like natural wood with standard tools. Use stainless steel nails for best results, though pneumatic nailers work fine. Less dust than cutting fiber cement means easier jobsite conditions.

Why the unusual 13’4” length?

The length minimizes waste with standard 16” O.C. stud spacing — it spans exactly 10 studs. Less cutting, less waste, faster installation.

Does RISE really allow ground contact?

Yes — it’s the only hard siding product with ground-contact rating. While 4” clearance is recommended best practice, ground contact is allowed. Neither fiber cement nor engineered wood products offer this capability.