Alside Adds Latest ASCEND Composite Cladding System

Alside® introduced ASCEND its latest composite cladding system.

The product’s design is easy to install, costs less, and has a fetching high-quality finish for professionals and homeowners.

The cladding comes in 20 fade-resistant colors, and also has tall exposures and texture that resembles deep-grain wood.

According to the company it requires little to no maintenance.

It combines with a self-aligning stack lock that does not need specialized tools for installation.

“Not only is ASCEND a beautiful product, but it offers incredible value for builders and remodelers through cost savings, profitability increases, and productivity improvements,” says Shawn Hardy, senior vice president of Alside.

An important part of the ASCEND composite is the inclusion of glass fibers.

This is possible with the help of composite technology provided by Tundra, a material sciences Twin Cities-based company.

The (GP)2 Technology is a glass-reinforced polymer and graphite-infused polystyrene that provides:

• Class A fire rating
• Strong wind load performance
• R-2 thermal resistance

“The goal with the development and launch of ASCEND is to provide at least a 10% lower total installed cost versus fiber cement and engineered wood while achieving the established and familiar look of real wood,” adds Shawn Hardy.

“Alside’s ASCEND Composite Cladding product is the first of its kind,” says Kurt Heikkila, founder and CEO of Tundra.

“The proprietary composite technology enables the performance to expand traditional thermoplastics further into the building and construction markets.”

Customers can also purchase matching trim, window, and accessory products.