RISE Trim 5/4″ x 8″ x 13’4″ is composite exterior trim made from 94% recycled materials — specifically polyester, nylon, and fiberglass from post-consumer and post-industrial synthetic fiber waste. The recycled content includes fibers from carpet, vehicle liners, insulation, and wind turbine blades.
At 160 inches long, this trim matches exactly 10 studs at 16-inch on-center spacing. That’s the killer feature. Standard fiber cement trim comes in 10-12 foot lengths, which means more joints and more waste on a typical wall. The 13’4” length reduces both.
The trim has an incidental ground contact rating — rare for composite products. A dual water protection barrier on both sides makes it resistant to decay, rot, and freeze/thaw cycles. For Montana’s 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles, that ground contact rating matters when trim meets grade or foundation walls.
Installation Specifications
RISE requires specific fastening patterns based on trim width:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Fastener Type | 8d trim nails or 7d trim screws |
| Penetration | Minimum 1-1/4 inch into framing |
| Spacing (studs) | 16 inches on-center |
| Spacing (sheathing) | 12 inches on-center |
| Pattern (≤8” width) | 2 fasteners |
| Pattern (>8” width) | 3 fasteners |
Temperature matters for joint spacing. Below 60°F, leave 3/16” gaps at butt joints. At 60°F or above, use 1/8” gaps. Montana installers working in shoulder seasons need to pay attention to this detail.
Keep the trim 4 inches above landscaping and 1/2 inch above finished surfaces like decks or roofs. The ground contact rating doesn’t mean you bury it — incidental contact only.
Material Performance vs Competition
RISE offers easier cutting and handling than fiber cement, with less breakage. Anyone who’s snapped a piece of fiber cement trim while loading knows that advantage matters. The 13’4” lengths beat typical 10-12 foot fiber cement options for reducing joints.
Compared to wood trim, RISE provides better durability and rot-proofing with lower maintenance. Against OSB trim, it delivers superior moisture resistance with that ground contact capability.
The material works with standard woodworking tools — no special blades required like some composites demand. Available in both textured (wood-grain) and smooth finishes, with factory-finished ColorRISE or primed options.
Bottom Line
The 30-year limited warranty backs a product that solves real problems. The 13’4” length optimization alone saves labor on most jobs. Add the ground contact rating and 94% recycled content, and you’ve got trim that performs where it counts.
Skip it for interior applications where the weather resistance doesn’t matter. But for exterior trim exposed to Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles, especially at grade level, RISE delivers measurable advantages over traditional materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is in the 94% recycled content? The material contains post-consumer and post-industrial synthetic fiber waste — polyester, nylon, and fiberglass. Sources include recycled carpet, vehicle liners, insulation, and wind turbine blades.
Can RISE trim actually touch the ground? The product has an incidental ground contact rating for soil or masonry contact. It includes protective water barriers on both sides. However, installation guidelines still require 4 inches clearance above landscaping — the rating covers incidental contact, not burial.
How does the 13’4” length save money on a typical job? At 160 inches, the trim matches exactly 10 studs at 16-inch on-center spacing. Standard 10-12 foot trim lengths would require an extra joint to cover the same distance, meaning more labor and potential failure points.
What fasteners work with RISE trim? Use 8d trim nails or 7d trim screws with minimum 1-1/4 inch penetration into framing. Standard trim fasteners work fine — no specialty hardware required.
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