Pros Know Best: This Expert Remodeler Loves the Benefits of ASCEND® Cladding So Much, He Brought It Home

After 30 rewarding years as a remodeling professional, Steve Smith of Rooftop Designs has seen practically everything the market has to offer. From new roofing products to the latest in doors, windows and trim, Smith is not often surprised, but he was recently taken aback by ASCEND® Composite Cladding from Alside that he says is unlike other siding options. Impressed by the advantages engineered into each exceptional-looking plank, he now personally enjoys everything ASCEND has to offer after choosing it for his own home makeover.

As regional manager for the Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and West Virginia territory, Smith is proud of the way Rooftop Designs competes head-to-head with larger home remodeling outfits by remaining quick, clean and detail-oriented. That pride extends to products like ASCEND that help his crews work fast and efficiently.

With an ever-shifting roster of projects to manage across multiple states, Smith also appreciates how the small things can add up to big advantages on the job site and over the life of a home when products are designed and manufactured for simpler, smarter installation.

“The idea is that we compete with the big boys with some really great products like ASCEND Composite Cladding. I use it on my home, and I recommend it to friends and family because I know they’re going to love it, too.”

—Steve Smith, regional manager, Rooftop Designs

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

When Smith first got his hands on ASCEND planks, its robust, resilient feel of the product instantly stood out. Whereas some premium siding options can cast doubt on the long-term durability of thinner, flimsier panels, ASCEND planks felt strong and sturdy to Smith, who knew warping or buckling would not be an issue as the cladding aged or absorbed heat.

“There are a lot of little things that impressed me,” said Smith. “If you want the benefits of high-end siding, well, you have to have deeper pockets in some cases. And you can't use standard trim with a lot of the products out there, but with ASCEND you can use standard J-channel window trim. You don't have the extra cost and complication where you’re constantly changing things out, and I really appreciate that.”

Smith added that concerns about complicated installation work and ongoing maintenance are negated by ASCEND.

“There’s so much you can get into with HOA requirements and with products themselves,” he said. “With some types of siding you still end up with visible nail holes, so now you’re going back to caulk all of those. Or you get a lot of wood trim around the windows of certain homes and later on it’s not maintained and rots away―and maybe the homeowner doesn’t even know that until it’s too late.

“In my experience, not all siding is as clean and maintenance-free as you’d want for what you’re spending, so that’s why ASCEND Composite Cladding makes a lot of sense to us.”

KEEPING CREWS ON SCHEDULE

Smith also likes that ASCEND’s light weight makes it a cinch to handle, and that a self-aligning stack lock makes it easier to install using fewer laborers. Plus, no sealing, touching up, joint flashing or caulking is required, meaning there’s less mess and material waste compared to many siding options like fiber cement and engineered wood.

“You might have special siding, but then all your accessories have to be special, too. ASCEND is compatible with standard and architectural accents and tends to be a lot more versatile. Even your J-channel doesn't have to be a deep pocket when you go up to the windows; it’s a lot simpler to get to that final slide-in without needing to readjust everything. The planks also have a big, broad exposure so you’re covering more space and covering it faster.”

A forgiving hang is not the only way ASCEND can absolve installers of potential missteps. Should a mistake occur, it is also easier to make corrections using ASCEND planks.

“Really you're not having to manipulate anything else that might be there, and that saves you a lot of time,” Smith said. “My crews know they can easily remove the J-channel and starter strips and start over again. You don't get to a corner and say, ‘Oh now we have a problem because this is sticking out.’ Or maybe you used a different product and it’s not going to be flush anymore with the hose bibs or outlet boxes. We don’t have those worries.”

BRINGING IT HOME

When the time came to give his own property new curb appeal, Smith already knew that ASCEND Composite Cladding in the refreshing color of Mountain Fern was the way to go. And with 20 on-trend colors to choose from, he’s confident in finding a perfect complement for practically any home style or owner preference that Rooftop Designs might encounter moving forward.

“I redid our shed using ASCEND and asked my wife, ‘What are you thinking for the house?’ and she said, ‘That’s it. I want the same thing,’” Smith said. “Well, the verdict was a good one, because now she wants matched gutters and downspouts, and at least I’m in the right line of business for making all those plans come true!

“When you really know the product, when you go home to it every day, that comes across in the conversations you have with clients, and it’s how we operate. If I’m telling you this is better, then believe it because better residential construction materials and craftsmanship are what got us here.”

STAYING ON TOP

With a passion for the best products and results, Rooftop Designs is one home remodeling company that is sure to build on its success in the years ahead. According to Smith, ASCEND Composite Cladding is a big part of the plan to make clients’ biggest dreams come true.

“When your siding is not simple, then suddenly you’re changing things and calling the homeowner, and now your supplier is involved and the foreman is frustrated. When it comes down to it, I know I’m not going to have one of those days when it’s ASCEND going up.”