RISE Board and Batten 4/4 x 3 x 13 ft. 4 in.

RISE Board and Batten delivers the only ground-contact rated hard siding on the market, built from 94% recycled synthetic fibers. The unique 13’ 4” length minimizes waste with standard 16” O.C. stud spacing — ten studs, no leftover scraps. For Montana contractors dealing with snow accumulation at foundation lines and freeze-thaw cycles that destroy lesser materials, this product changes the conversation about what siding can handle.

Ground Contact Changes Everything

RISE is the only hard siding product with ground-contact capability. That’s not marketing fluff. While 4” ground clearance remains the recommended best practice, ground contact is allowed. RISE offers superior moisture resistance and is suitable for ground contact, unlike OSB-based products like LP SmartSide.

Think about Montana snowpack. Most siding fails where snow sits against it for months. Fiber cement won’t tolerate it. RISE allows ground contact (Hardie does not). Engineered wood products rot. RISE doesn’t care.

The material resists rot and freeze-thaw damage. Made from recycled synthetic fibers, it resists moisture, freeze-thaw damage, and rot, suitable for demanding exterior applications, including ground contact. For builders tired of callbacks about rotted battens at grade, this matters.

Material Performance from 94% Recycled Content

94% Recycled synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, fiberglass) and polymers make up the board. According to CertainTeed, RISE products are made from 94% recycled content, including fibers from recycled carpet, vehicle liners, insulation, and wind turbine blades. This isn’t greenwashing — it’s engineered performance from waste streams.

The specs back it up:

Specification	Value
Allowable transverse load	29 psf
Flame spread index	<= 200 (Class C)
Test standard	ASTM E84
Warranty	30-Year Substrate Limited Warranty

RISE provides a more natural wood look and feel compared to cellular PVC, with lower thermal expansion rates. That expansion difference shows up on hot July days and January cold snaps — PVC gaps open up, RISE stays stable.

Installation Built for Montana Temperature Swings

Temperature matters for gap spacing. 3/16” gap if installation temperature is below 60°F; 1/8” gap if above 60°F. Montana contractors know you’re installing below 60°F most of the year. That extra 1/16” prevents buckling when chinooks hit or summer finally arrives.

Installation requirements:

• Use 8d trim nails or 7d trim screws (e.g., Simpson Strong-Tie 2-1/4”). Fasteners must penetrate substrate at least 1-1/4”
• Fasten every 16” O.C. into studs
• If using only nail-able sheathing, reduce spacing to 12” O.C.
• All joints and gaps must be sealed with ASTM C920 Class 50 or higher caulk

Can be handled, cut, and routed like natural wood with standard tools. Stainless steel nails recommended for best results; pneumatic nailers allowed. No special blades, no concrete dust like fiber cement. Your crew’s existing tools work fine.

The 13’ 4” Length Advantage

13’ 4” (160 inches) isn’t random. Available in 13’ 4” lengths for easy installation on 16” on-center studs. Do the math: 160” ÷ 16” = 10 studs exactly. No measuring, no waste, no piecing together scraps.

Standard 12’ or 16’ boards leave awkward remnants. RISE’s length eliminates the scrap pile. On a whole-house batten job, that efficiency adds up — fewer cuts, less waste hauling, cleaner jobsite.

Certifications and Testing

ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-4731 and DrJ Technical Evaluation Report (TER 1210-01) back the performance claims. These aren’t manufacturer tests — they’re third-party validations that matter for code compliance.

FAQ

What makes RISE different from fiber cement board and batten?

RISE allows ground contact (Hardie does not), has significantly higher recycled content (94% vs ~10-15%), and produces less dust during cutting. The ground contact rating alone separates it from every other hard siding option.

Can RISE battens handle direct ground contact in areas with heavy snow?

4” ground clearance recommended (best practice), though ground contact is allowed. Ground contact versions include a protective water barrier. This makes RISE unique — no other hard siding manufacturer allows ground contact.

How does the 13’ 4” length reduce waste compared to standard lengths?

13’ 4” (160 inches) divides perfectly into 16 inches on center framing — exactly 10 stud bays with zero waste. Standard 12’ boards leave 4’ of unusable scrap. 16’ boards require cutting 8” off every piece.

What’s the proper gap spacing for Montana’s temperature range?

3/16” gap if installation temperature is below 60°F; 1/8” gap if above 60°F. Given Montana’s climate, you’ll use the 3/16” gap most of the year. All joints and gaps must be sealed with ASTM C920 Class 50 or higher caulk.

Is special equipment needed to cut and install RISE battens?

Can be handled, cut, and routed like natural wood with standard tools. Stainless steel nails recommended for best results; pneumatic nailers allowed. No masonry blades, no dust masks, no special handling — just standard carpentry tools.