Why Architects and Homeowners Are Switching to Ascend Composite Cladding

The Weather Warrior You Didn’t Know You Needed

Remember that time your neighbor’s wood siding warped after one rainy season? Ascend composite cladding laughs in the face of weather extremes. We tested this stuff in conditions that would make a polar bear shiver (think -40°F) and desert heat that could fry an egg. The result? Zero warping, fading, or cracking.

Coastal homeowners especially love how it stands up to salt spray. Take the Oceanview Residence in Maine – after switching from cedar to ascend composite cladding, they’ve gone 5 years without a single replacement panel. The secret? A proprietary polymer blend that’s tougher than your grandma’s Thanksgiving turkey.

Say Goodbye to Weekend Maintenance

Let’s be real – who actually enjoys power washing siding every spring? With ascend composite cladding, basic maintenance is as simple as:

• Occasional hosing down
• Mild soap for stubborn stains
• Zero painting/sanding/sealing

I recently visited a 2018 installation in Chicago where the owners literally haven’t touched their exterior since installation. No mold, no mildew, just crisp lines that still look factory-fresh. That’s what 93% UV resistance gets you – perfect for south-facing walls that take the brunt of sunlight.

Eco-Friendly Without the Tree-Hugger Stereotype

Here’s where it gets interesting. While composite materials get flak from purists, ascend’s formula uses:

• 60-70% recycled wood fibers
• Post-industrial plastics
• Low-VOC binding agents

A contractor friend shared that using ascend composite cladding on a mid-sized project keeps about 2 tons of waste out of landfills. Plus, the manufacturing process uses less water than traditional wood treatment – about what an average family uses in a month.

Design Flexibility That’ll Make Your Architect Giddy

Think composite means boring boxes? Think again. The latest ascend lines include:

• Weathered barnwood textures
• Sleek metallic finishes
• Custom color blending

That mixed-use development in Austin? They combined three different ascend profiles to create a faceted look that changes with the sunlight. Pro tip: Layering vertical and horizontal panels adds depth without complicated installations.

Real Projects That Show What’s Possible

Let’s look at numbers that matter:

Project Type	Location	Result
Beachfront Hotel	Florida	75% reduction in annual maintenance costs
Historic Renovation	Boston	Matching 1920s detailing with modern durability
Office Complex	Denver	LEED certification achieved

Choosing Your Perfect Match

Picking ascend composite cladding isn’t just about color swatches. Consider:

• Climate: Opt for thicker profiles in hail-prone areas
• Architecture: Modern vs. traditional needs different textures
• Budget: Higher-end lines offer deeper woodgrain details

A word to the wise – that “slight price difference” between grades matters. The premium line’s color-through technology means scratches won’t show white plastic underneath. Worth every penny for high-traffic areas.

Installation Insights From the Pros

Chatted with a crew that’s installed over 500,000 sq. ft. of ascend composite cladding. Their top advice:

• Leave expansion gaps – composites move differently than wood
• Use stainless steel fasteners every time
• Plan panel layout before cutting – the grain direction matters

Oh, and that “quick DIY install” marketing claim? Maybe for a garden shed. For full-home installations, hire someone who’s worked with composites before. The right installer makes all the difference in achieving that seamless high-end look.

The Bottom Line

Is ascend composite cladding perfect? Nothing is. But for 90% of residential and commercial projects, it hits that sweet spot between durability and design. Whether you’re battling nor’easters or desert sun, this material adapts while keeping its good looks. Next time you drive by a building that makes you think “How do they keep it looking so good?”, there’s a decent chance ascend composite cladding is the unsung hero.