Alside’s Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie Siding are two popular choices for homeowners looking to enhance the exterior of their homes. While both options offer durability, aesthetics, and other desirable features, there are important differences to consider. 

At AIC Roofing & Construction we’ve helped thousands of Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati homeowners navigate their roof and siding replacements. We believe it’s important to be transparent about durability, energy efficiency and cost when it comes to your new siding. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each product to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Alside’s Ascend® Composite Cladding

First, let’s take a closer look at Ascend® Composite Cladding by Alside. This innovative product is designed to mimic the appearance of real wood while providing enhanced durability and resistance to the elements.

Ascend® Composite Cladding is not just your ordinary cladding. It is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using a unique blend of materials that sets it apart from the competition. Alside combines a proprietary blend of polymers, stabilizers, and other additives to deliver exceptional performance. This composition ensures that the cladding is resistant to rot, warping, and cracking, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home’s exterior will remain beautiful and intact for years to come.

But that’s not all. Ascend® Composite Cladding goes beyond durability. It also offers a myriad of aesthetic benefits that will elevate the look of your home. With a wide range of colors to choose from, you can find the perfect shade to complement your home’s style and create a visually stunning exterior. Whether you prefer a classic, timeless look or a bold, modern statement, Ascend® Composite Cladding has got you covered.

Furthermore, the cladding features a low-gloss finish that adds to its natural appeal. This subtle sheen not only enhances the authenticity of the wood-like appearance but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your home.

In the Central Kentucky and Cincinnati area you can expect to pay between $650-$950 per 100 square feet for Ascend® Composite Cladding. These ranges are just estimates. Pricing depends on your unique home and the product you choose.

Benefits of Using Ascend® Composite Cladding

Choosing Ascend® Composite Cladding for your home exterior offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it is incredibly durable, making it an excellent investment for long-term use. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. No matter what Mother Nature throws at it, Ascend® Composite Cladding will hold up, ensuring that your home remains protected and beautiful year after year.

But durability is not the only advantage. Ascend® Composite Cladding also offers excellent thermal performance, helping to insulate your home and reduce energy costs. Its advanced insulation properties keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, creating a more comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Additionally, Ascend® Composite Cladding is designed with moisture resistance in mind. You can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your cladding will not be affected by water damage or mold growth. This not only protects the structural integrity of your home but also ensures a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.

James Hardie Siding Explained

James Hardie Siding is another popular siding option. With its reputation for durability and versatility, James Hardie Siding has become a go-to choice for homeowners across the country.

James Hardie Siding is known for its fiber cement composition, which combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This unique blend creates a highly durable material that can withstand various weather conditions, including hurricanes and hailstorms.

In addition to its strength, James Hardie Siding is also fire-resistant, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind for homeowners. It resists flame spread and does not contribute fuel in case of a fire.

Advantages of Choosing James Hardie Siding

One of the key advantages of James Hardie Siding is its versatility in terms of design and style. It comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic. Whether you prefer a traditional, rustic, or modern look, James Hardie Siding has options to suit every taste.

Moreover, James Hardie Siding is known for its longevity. It resists rotting, warping, and damage caused by pests, ensuring that your home’s exterior remains intact for years to come. This low-maintenance siding option offers excellent value for money.

In the Central Kentucky and Cincinnati area you can expect to pay between $1,000-$1,500 per 100 square feet for James Hardie siding. These ranges are just estimates. Pricing depends on your unique home and the product you choose.

Material Composition: Ascend® vs James Hardie

Understanding the material composition of both Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie Siding is crucial in making an informed decision for your home’s exterior.

When it comes to Ascend® Composite Cladding, the innovative material is crafted from a specialized blend of polymers, stabilizers, and additives. This unique composition not only ensures exceptional durability but also provides resistance to various elements such as moisture, UV rays, and pests. The low-maintenance properties of Ascend® make it a popular choice for homeowners looking for a long-lasting and hassle-free cladding solution.

As mentioned earlier, Ascend® Composite Cladding is made of a specialized blend of polymers, stabilizers, and additives. This innovative composition ensures its durability, resistance to the elements, and low-maintenance properties.

On the other hand, James Hardie Siding boasts a composition of fiber cement, a robust material that combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This blend results in a highly durable siding option that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures. The fiber cement material also offers fire resistance, adding an extra layer of protection to your home.

Both Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie Siding offer excellent performance and longevity.

Durability and Maintenance: A Side-by-Side Analysis

When considering any exterior material, durability and maintenance play a crucial role in decision-making.

Choosing the right cladding for your home involves weighing various factors, with durability and maintenance being key considerations. The longevity of the material and the ease of upkeep can significantly impact the overall cost and appearance of your property over time.

Durability of Ascend® Composite Cladding

Ascend® Composite Cladding is designed to withstand the test of time. Its resistance to rot, warping, cracking, and fading ensures that it maintains its beauty and structural integrity for years without the need for extensive repairs or replacement.

Moreover, the advanced technology used in the manufacturing of Ascend® Composite Cladding enhances its durability by providing protection against harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and insect damage. This ensures that your exterior remains strong and visually appealing for an extended period.

Additionally, Ascend® Composite Cladding’s low-gloss finish helps to keep it looking fresh and vibrant while also reducing the visibility of any surface imperfections that may occur over time.

Maintenance Requirements for James Hardie Siding

James Hardie Siding requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and performance. While it is highly durable, it may require repainting every 10-15 years, depending on the climate and other external factors.

However, James Hardie Siding’s maintenance needs are relatively simple. Basic cleaning and inspections are usually sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. It is essential to check for any signs of damage or wear regularly and address them promptly to prevent further issues.

Furthermore, the versatility of James Hardie Siding allows for easy customization and color changes, providing homeowners with the flexibility to update the look of their property without extensive renovations. This adaptability adds to the appeal of James Hardie Siding as a durable and aesthetically pleasing cladding option.

Aesthetic Appeal: Comparing Looks and Styles

The visual impact of your home’s exterior is crucial in showcasing your personal style and enhancing curb appeal. A well-designed and aesthetically pleasing exterior can make a lasting impression on visitors and passersby, while also creating a welcoming atmosphere for you and your family.

When it comes to choosing the right cladding or siding for your home, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Two popular choices that offer both durability and aesthetic appeal are Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie Siding.

Ascend® Composite Cladding Design Options

Ascend® Composite Cladding offers a wide array of design options to suit different architectural styles and personal preferences. From classic and traditional to contemporary and modern, there is a design option to match every homeowner’s unique vision. The versatility of Ascend® Composite Cladding allows you to experiment with different textures, patterns, and finishes, giving your home a distinct and personalized look.

Moreover, Ascend® Composite Cladding’s color palette ranges from warm and inviting hues to bold and striking tones. This versatility allows homeowners to create a customized exterior that reflects their individual taste and complements the surrounding environment. Whether you prefer earthy tones that blend seamlessly with nature or vibrant shades that make a bold statement, Ascend® Composite Cladding has you covered.

James Hardie Siding Style Variations

James Hardie Siding is renowned for its vast selection of styles that can mimic various types of traditional siding materials. Whether you desire the look of wood, shingles, or stucco, there is a James Hardie style that can achieve it. The attention to detail in the design of James Hardie Siding ensures that your home will have the authentic appearance of your desired siding material, without the associated maintenance or vulnerability to weathering.

The color options available for James Hardie Siding are equally extensive, ensuring that homeowners can create a stunning and cohesive exterior that aligns with their design preferences. From warm neutrals to cool grays and vibrant blues, the color palette of James Hardie Siding allows you to express your personal style and create a visually captivating home.

Expert Siding Replacement

Ultimately, the choice between Ascend® Composite Cladding and James Hardie Siding depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Both options offer durability, aesthetic appeal, and other desirable features, but understanding the unique aspects of each product can help you make an informed decision that best suits your home.

Whether you’re just beginning your siding research or are ready to speak with a contractor, our Learning Center has answers about your project ranging from how long it will take to side your house to in-depth comparisons and reviews.

Just as important as choosing the right siding, is choosing the right contractor. AIC Roofing and Construction has been helping homeowners since 2003. We’re proud of the best-in-class reputation we’ve earned with homeowners. If you’re ready to get a free estimate on your siding project, contact us today!

3-tab attics barns chimney choosing a contractor commercial cost curb appeal DIY estimate financing flashing flat roof GAF glossary gutter replacement gutters gutter size gutter system ice dams inspections insurance missing shingles roof design roofing materials roofing system roof leak roof maintenance roof materials roof repair roof replacement roof shapes roof types shingle ratings shingles siding siding materials siding replacement skylights storm damage underlayment ventilation warranty winter