When it comes to siding, builders and homeowners want the same thing: a product that looks great, lasts long, installs easily, and provides real value. For years, fiber cement (James Hardie) and engineered wood (LP SmartSide) have dominated the market—but today, Ascend® Composite Cladding is quickly becoming the preferred choice for both new construction and remodels.
Ascend was engineered to outperform traditional materials in durability, weather resistance, installation efficiency, and long-term appearance. Here’s why more professionals and homeowners are making the switch.
1. Unmatched Durability Without the Downsides of Fiber Cement or Wood
James Hardie and LP SmartSide each have a clear weakness:
- Hardie is brittle, prone to cracking, and can chip during installation.
- LP SmartSide is wood-based, meaning moisture is its natural enemy—even with treatments.
Ascend avoids both issues.
Why Ascend Wins
- Composite technology resists moisture, warping, swelling, and rot
- Won’t crack or chip like fiber cement
- Virtually maintenance-free—no repainting or recaulking cycles like wood-based products
- Withstands harsh climates including Idaho’s freeze-thaw cycles
For homeowners, this means a siding product that keeps its shape and color for decades. For builders, it means fewer warranty callbacks and happier clients.
2. Ascend Offers a 7″ Reveal That Looks Like Real Wood (Without the Maintenance)
Homeowners love the bold, modern look of wider exposure siding. Ascend delivers a realistic wood-grain aesthetic with a deep 7″ reveal—something many builders prefer for curb appeal.
Compared to Hardie & LP
- Hardie often requires touch-up painting at the jobsite
- LP’s finish can fade and may require repainting
- Both try to imitate wood—but still look like fiber cement or engineered wood up close
Ascend’s finish is engineered for long-lasting, vibrant color and a more natural-looking texture.
3. Faster, Easier, and Safer Install = Lower Labor Costs
Hardie is notoriously heavy and requires:
- Specialized blades
- Dust protection
- Multiple crews to lift boards
LP SmartSide is lighter but still requires careful handling and a multi-step painting or finishing system.
Ascend changes the equation entirely.
Installation Benefits of Ascend
- Lightweight boards—can be carried and installed by one person
- No special tools needed
- No silica dust like fiber cement
- Self-aligning design speeds up install
- Fewer callbacks thanks to dimensional stability
Builders save significant time and labor—often reducing installation time by 30–50%.
4. Industry-Leading Color Protection
One of the biggest frustrations with Hardie and LP is long-term color fade and the need for repainting.
Ascend uses a specialized color technology that locks pigments into the cladding, providing:
- Outstanding UV resistance
- Fade protection
- Colors that stay rich for years
That means less maintenance for homeowners—no costly repainting every 7–10 years.
5. Better Energy Efficiency With Integrated Insulation
Ascend features a built-in insulation layer, something Hardie and LP do not offer.
Benefits include:
- Higher energy efficiency
- Better thermal performance
- Reduced exterior noise
- More comfortable indoor temperatures
This provides immediate value for homeowners and is a selling point for builders seeking to meet stricter energy standards.
6. Superior Warranty That Protects Homeowners Long-Term
Warranties matter—especially when comparing materials that will be on a home for decades.
Ascend Offers:
- Lifetime non-prorated warranty
- High fade protection coverage
- Transferability for resale
Hardie and LP offer strong warranties but often with prorated terms or more restrictions.
Builders appreciate warranties that reduce risk. Homeowners appreciate peace of mind.
7. Better Performance in Harsh Weather
In regions with snow, moisture, high winds, or large temperature swings, materials get tested hard.
Ascend Provides:
- Excellent wind resistance (up to 180 mph depending on application)
- Moisture resistance superior to fiber cement or engineered wood
- Freeze-thaw stability
- Impact resistance without cracking
This makes Ascend especially ideal for climates like Idaho and the mountain west.
Ascend Is the Next Generation of Siding
Hardie and LP have been go-to choices for years—but the market has evolved. Builders want faster installs and fewer callbacks. Homeowners want beautiful siding that stays beautiful without maintenance headaches.
Ascend Composite Cladding checks all those boxes and more.
It:
- Outperforms fiber cement and engineered wood
- Installs faster with fewer tools and less labor
- Provides top-tier durability and fade resistance
- Offers a realistic wood look without the upkeep
- Gives homeowners a long-lasting, energy-efficient exterior
For both new construction and remodels, Ascend is simply the smarter choice.