Photo by Aubrey Odom

Originally Posted On: https://www.usqualityconstruction.com/blog/alside-ascend-cladding-reviews/

 

When you walk around your house, are you starting to notice issues with the exterior? Are peeling paint, buckling boards, or sagging soffits more the norm than the exception?

New siding options introduced in the past few years promise durability with little maintenance, and you might be tempted to make the investment. There are a lot of options and alternatives that can make this big investment choice a little daunting.

With its newest product, Alside has made the decision a little easier. Alside ASCEND brings together the best features of engineered wood, fiber cement, and vinyl in a single package, earning it the Best of IBSx Most Innovative Building Material award at the 2021 NAHB builder’s show.

The new product is more economical than wood, more insulating than fiber cement, and more durable than aluminum, all of which make it a top candidate for anyone looking to replace their current exterior.

Let’s take a look at Alside ASCEND composite cladding and what makes it so innovative.

What Is Alside ASCEND?

In developing ASCEND, Alside came up with patented technology that brings together new materials not typically seen in composite siding. The use of glass fibers, polymers, graphite, and polystyrene creates a cladding that is easier to install and maintain while giving you the closest look to real wood available.

The glass fibers used in making ASCEND are a key ingredient making it different from other siding options. The glass adds strength and stability that allows for the siding to be made into tall planks more like those made of wood. With a deep-grain texture added, it’s difficult to distinguish from wood even when you touch it.

The planks join with a self-aligning stack lock, which contributes to the faster install time. No special tools are needed, and you don’t need to seal it, flash joints, or caulk.

Mixed into the 20 designer colors is titanium dioxide. This protects against UV rays and allows Alside to offer a lifetime fade warranty on the color.

Backing the siding is polystyrene for insulation, a feature seen on vinyl siding but not fiber cement or other composite options. This offers better insulation and helps with durability.

Pros and Cons

Alside ASCEND reviews have been highly positive so far from homeowners and installers alike. The list of benefits makes it a highly appealing option for a home, and they far outweigh any downsides typically seen with composite siding.

Lifetime Warranty

If you have any concerns about ASCEND being new to the market, the lifetime warranty should help with that. It’s a non-prorated warranty that goes well beyond the typical 30-to-50 year options offered by fiber cement siding or engineered hardwood. That means you’re covered for the full replacement cost should anything ever go wrong.

Attractive Wood Look

Most alternative sidings attempt to mimic the look of wood in some way. But ASCEND has gotten it down and can easily fool your neighbors as the planks look and feel like cedar siding. The tall planks mimic more expensive wood siding options for great curb appeal.

The cladding comes in 20 colors to work with your home’s style. The pigments are weather and fade resistant so you can count on them to hold their looks and never need painting.

Insulation Factors

The ASCEND product is backed with graphite-infused polystyrene like most newer vinyl siding options. That gives it an R2 insulation value, far more than you get with fiber cement or engineered hardwood.

Faster Install Time

The average installation takes just three days thanks to the way Alside has engineered the product. It takes a smaller team to complete the project as well, which helps keep labor costs lower as well.

Extreme Durability

When you live where there’s extreme weather, you need siding that has extreme durability. ASCEND has incorporated moisture-resistant features that hold up with wet weather and keep it from buckling and warping.

The boards have impact modifiers to handle dents and dings, even up to one-inch hail. It’s been given a wind-resistance rating of up to 180 mph, so it can withstand the roughest weather. It also has a Class A fire rating.

Composite Siding Cons to Consider

ASCEND is still new to the market. While its makeup is different from others, there are some common cons to composite siding that have come up over the years.

For siding that contains wood fibers, the big issue is the high moisture content, which makes it just as susceptible to mold and other fungal infestations as real wood. Also, once moisture damages the siding, your only option is to replace damaged boards.

Because most composite siding incorporates synthetics like plastics and polymers, it’s not biodegradable like wood would be or recyclable like aluminum. Given the lifetime warranty of ASCEND, the installed boards should never end up in a landfill, but whatever waste is generated during installation would.

Issues with poor installation are also common with composite siding. While ease of install is a selling point, you’re better off hiring a siding contractor that knows how to install the product properly. Moisture can get in through gaps and lead to warping and other damage.

Looking For An Exterior Siding Contractor Near You?

Alside ASCEND brings together the best features of real wood and vinyl siding to give you a product that will make your house stand out in all the right ways. The warranty and ease of maintenance make it a winner for any homeowner who needs to replace their current siding.

If you’re intrigued by the benefits of Alside ASCEND cladding, contact our siding contractors to learn more and get a quote for your home. Our experienced team will walk you through the product options and help you get the look you want.