RISE lap siding solves the seam problem that plagues every other siding manufacturer — with 20-foot lengths that nobody else offers. For Montana contractors dealing with long ranch homes, commercial buildings, and multi-family projects, those extra 4-8 feet per board mean fewer butt joints, faster installation, and cleaner sight lines.
The ground-contact capability sets RISE apart from fiber cement and engineered wood options. While James Hardie and LP SmartSide require careful clearance from grade, RISE can handle direct ground contact when installed with a protective barrier. That matters when you’re dealing with Montana’s spring snowmelt, poor drainage areas, or foundation walls where maintaining proper clearance gets tricky.
The 20-Foot Advantage and Material Performance
At 20 feet, RISE offers the longest lap siding boards on the market. LP SmartSide maxes out at 16 feet. Hardie stops at 12. Those extra feet translate directly to labor savings — fewer cuts, fewer joints to flash, less time on the ladder.
The material itself is 94% recycled synthetic fibers — polyester, nylon, and fiberglass primarily sourced from recycled carpet fibers. This composition delivers significantly less breakage than fiber cement during transport and handling. The thermal movement stays minimal compared to wood or OSB-based products, which matters through Montana’s temperature swings.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 3/8 inch |
| Total Width | 8.25 inches |
| Exposure (Reveal) | 7 inches |
| Length | 20 feet |
| Material Composition | 94% recycled synthetic fibers |
| Warranty | 30-Year Limited |
The siding features two-sided water protection — barriers on both front and back of the synthetic fiber core. This double protection, combined with the material’s resistance to rot and freeze-thaw damage, makes it particularly suited for Montana’s moisture challenges.
Installation Requirements and Ground Contact
Contractors highlight the efficiency of 20-foot boards and the lack of specialized tools needed — standard wood blades work. Installation follows standard lap siding practices: maximum 16 inches on-center stud spacing, 8d hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails with 0.297 inch head diameter, penetrating at least 1.5 inches into framing.
The overlap requirement is a minimum 1.25 inches, achieving the 7-inch exposure on the 8.25-inch board. Maintain at least 2 inches from ground level for standard installations, with a 1/16 inch gap at butt joints over studs. A 3/8 inch thick starter strip is required.
For ground-contact applications — one of RISE’s key advantages — the siding can be installed in low-lying areas with poor drainage where other sidings would fail. When installing near grade, proper flashing becomes critical — use 4-inch flashing behind butt joints for water management.
The siding works with self-sealing, drainage-capable house wraps per local building codes. For trim and roof lines, use color-matched elastomeric sealant meeting ASTM C920. Factory pre-finished options come in 10-18 colors, or you can get it primed with touch-up kits available for field cuts.
Professional Reception and Market Position
RISE is relatively new to the market, launching around 2021. The factory-finished surface reduces installation time by eliminating the need for additional painting or sealing. The low-maintenance features include fade resistance and easy cleaning.
Common applications include residential exteriors in eco-conscious building projects, renovations, and new construction where durability, sustainability, and low maintenance matter. The weather-resistant properties suit various climates, and the aesthetic versatility allows it to fit different architectural styles.
The 20-foot length advantage can’t be overstated for commercial projects. On a 60-foot wall, that’s three boards instead of five with 12-foot products. Fewer seams means better weather resistance and cleaner aesthetics. Combined with reduced job-site waste due to the length and extreme durability, RISE delivers measurable labor savings.
The product includes strong warranties with lifetime labor coverage, though installation quality can vary — proper installation remains crucial for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can RISE siding really touch the ground without problems?
RISE is ground-contact capable and can be installed touching the ground or in low-lying areas. The material resists rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage that would destroy wood or OSB products in ground contact. This capability comes from the synthetic fiber composition and dual water barriers, not from chemical treatments.
Q: How does RISE handle Montana’s temperature extremes?
RISE shows minimal thermal movement compared to wood and OSB products. The 94% recycled synthetic fiber composition — polyester, nylon, and fiberglass — provides dimensional stability through temperature swings. The material specifically resists freeze-thaw damage, making it suitable for Montana’s 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: What makes the 20-foot length practical for installation?
The 20-foot length is unique in the market — no other lap siding manufacturer offers this dimension. Standard wood-cutting tools work fine with RISE, so contractors don’t need specialized shears or masonry blades. The longer boards reduce butt joints by 40% compared to 12-foot products, speeding installation and improving weather resistance.
Q: Does RISE require special fasteners or installation techniques?
RISE installs with standard 8d hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails, requiring at least 1.5 inches penetration into framing. Maximum stud spacing is 16 inches on-center, with a minimum 1.25-inch overlap. The only special requirement is a 3/8 inch thick starter strip. Don’t use staples.
Q: How does the recycled content affect durability?
The 94% recycled synthetic fiber content delivers significantly less breakage than fiber cement. The material composition includes polyester, nylon, and fiberglass fibers primarily from recycled carpet. Two-sided water protection barriers protect the fiber core, creating a siding that handles moisture better than traditional wood products while maintaining structural integrity.
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