RISE lap siding delivers the only hard siding that allows incidental ground contact — a game-changing advantage for Montana builders dealing with snow accumulation at grade. This 94% recycled-content siding resists rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage while cutting and installing like wood with standard tools.
Built from recycled carpet fibers and surplus fiberglass bound with formaldehyde-free MDI, RISE targets contractors who need moisture-resistant siding that won’t fail where it meets the ground. At 13’4” lengths optimized for 16” on-center framing, it reduces waste compared to standard 12-foot boards.
Performance and Installation
The siding handles 29 psf wind loads at 16” o.c. spacing — adequate for Montana’s wind corridors but not exceptional. Testing shows flame spread index of 200 or less (ASTM E84), meeting basic fire safety requirements without achieving the lower ratings of fiber cement.
RISE cuts and installs with circular saws, miter saws, routers, and nail guns — no special diamond blades or dust masks required. The material produces less jobsite waste and breakage compared to fiber cement. Installation follows standard lap siding practice: 1/8-inch shank roofing nails (stainless steel recommended), maximum 16-inch spacing, minimum 3/4 inch below the top edge, penetrating 1-1/2 inches into framing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 3/8 inch (9.53 mm) |
| Width | 8.25 inches (209.55 mm) |
| Length | 13 feet 4 inches (160 inches) |
| Reveal | 7 inches (177.8 mm) |
| Recommended Overlap | 1.25 inches (1-inch minimum per ESR-4731) |
| Wind Load Rating | 29 psf at 16” o.c. spacing |
| Flame Spread Index | 200 or less (ASTM E84) |
Butt joints require minimum 1-inch overlap with staggered placement. Two-part methyl methacrylate adhesive bonds the joints — but don’t apply it to painted surfaces. The protected barrier system provides two-sided water protection, defending both the front face and back surface from moisture intrusion.
Material Composition and Environmental Impact
RISE contains 94% recycled materials: approximately 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester and nylon, 11% surplus fiberglass, bound with 4% formaldehyde-free polymeric MDI. Saint-Gobain (parent company of CertainTeed) transforms literal garbage — old carpets and manufacturing waste — into functional siding.
The formaldehyde-free binder matters for indoor air quality during cutting and installation. No off-gassing concerns like some engineered wood products. The high recycled content appeals to LEED projects and green building programs, though the petroleum-based plastic components aren’t biodegradable.
Montana-Specific Considerations
The ground contact capability changes the conversation for Montana installations. Traditional lap siding fails where snow piles against walls for months. Wood rots. Fiber cement wicks moisture and delaminates. RISE’s synthetic composition and protective barrier system resist this damage cycle.
The material handles freeze-thaw cycles without degrading — critical when Montana sees 100+ freeze-thaw events annually. The 13’4” length works efficiently with 16” stud spacing, reducing cuts and waste on standard 8-foot wall sections.
Wind resistance at 29 psf covers most Montana applications except extreme mountain exposures. The material won’t blow apart like vinyl in chinook winds, though metal siding still outperforms it for raw wind resistance.
Color Options and Warranty
Available colors include Antler, Ash, Boulder, Driftwood, Garnet, Sage, White, Fieldstone, Graphite, Khaki Brown, Pinecone, Prairie Grass, and Spiceberry. RISE trim comes primed or pre-finished in Porcelain White, with Sherwin-Williams compatible touch-up paint kits available. CertainTeed accessories like mounting blocks and J-channels integrate with the system.
Saint-Gobain backs RISE with a 30-year warranty — respectable but not exceptional compared to 50-year fiber cement warranties or lifetime vinyl coverage.
Bottom Line
RISE earns consideration for specific Montana applications: areas with persistent ground-level moisture, projects prioritizing recycled content, and jobs where easy workability matters more than absolute lowest cost. The ground contact resistance solves a real problem that other lap sidings can’t match.
The trade-offs are clear. It costs more than vinyl. It lacks the fire resistance of fiber cement. The 30-year warranty trails premium competitors. But for builders tired of callbacks from rotted siding at grade level, RISE’s unique moisture resistance justifies the premium.
Not revolutionary. But the only hard siding that won’t fail where snow meets wall makes it worth stocking for problem-solving contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes RISE lap siding different from fiber cement or LP SmartSide?
RISE lap siding is the only hard siding that allows incidental ground contact without failing, thanks to its protective barrier system and 94% recycled synthetic composition. Unlike fiber cement that requires special tools and creates dust, RISE cuts and installs with standard woodworking tools while producing less jobsite breakage and waste.
Q: What are the actual dimensions and coverage of RISE lap siding?
RISE lap siding measures 3/8” thick x 8.25” wide x 13’4” long with a 7” reveal when installed. The 13’4” length is specifically optimized for 16” on-center stud spacing, reducing cuts and waste compared to standard 12-foot boards.
Q: Can RISE siding handle Montana’s wind and weather conditions?
RISE siding withstands 29 psf wind loads at 16” o.c. spacing and resists rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage through all weather conditions. The material is specifically engineered to handle moisture without degrading, making it suitable for Montana’s 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles.
Q: What is RISE siding actually made from?
RISE contains 94% recycled materials: approximately 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester and nylon, 11% surplus fiberglass, all bound with 4% formaldehyde-free polymeric MDI. This synthetic composition from recycled waste gives RISE its unique moisture resistance and ground contact capability.
Q: How do you properly install RISE lap siding?
Install RISE with 1/8” shank roofing nails (stainless steel recommended) at maximum 16” spacing, placing nails at least 3/4” below the top edge with 1-1/2” penetration into framing. Maintain minimum 1” overlap at butt joints, stagger all joints, and use two-part methyl methacrylate adhesive for bonding (but never on painted surfaces).
Q: What colors does RISE siding come in and what’s the warranty?
RISE lap siding comes in 13 colors including Antler, Ash, Boulder, Driftwood, Fieldstone, Garnet, Graphite, Khaki Brown, Pinecone, Prairie Grass, Sage, Spiceberry, and White. Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed backs RISE with a 30-year warranty.
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