Labor coverage is one of the most valuable parts of a siding warranty, but it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. The ASCEND warranty does not provide unlimited labor protection for every repair, installation concern, or type of exterior damage.

Contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners should understand when labor may be covered, when coverage ends, and which related expenses remain the property owner’s responsibility.

How Long Does ASCEND Labor Coverage Last?

For an eligible residential installation, the labor provision lasts for five years from the original installation date. During that period, if the manufacturer approves the claim and chooses to repair or replace covered defective material, qualifying labor may be provided at no charge to the original purchaser.

The five-year period begins when the ASCEND Composite Cladding is installed. It does not begin when a problem is discovered, when a claim is filed, or when a home is sold.

What Must Happen Before Labor Is Covered?

Labor is not automatically covered because a homeowner reports a problem. The manufacturer must first determine that the claim is valid under the written ASCEND warranty.

1. The property owner reports the suspected defect.
2. The required claim documents are submitted.
3. The manufacturer reviews the claim and may inspect the product.
4. The issue must qualify as a covered manufacturing defect.
5. The manufacturer determines whether to repair, refinish, replace, or otherwise resolve the claim.
6. Qualifying labor is considered only when the manufacturer elects to repair or replace covered material during the labor period.

What Types of Problems May Qualify?

ASCEND Composite Cladding and qualifying accessories are warranted against specified manufacturing defects that directly cause blistering, corroding, flaking, or peeling under normal use and service.

Labor coverage follows the underlying material warranty. If the product problem is excluded from the warranty, the related labor is also unlikely to be covered.

What Happens After the Fifth Year?

After the five-year labor period expires, the ASCEND warranty generally does not cover the cost of removing defective material, installing replacement material, reinstalling cladding, or reinstalling accessories.

A valid material claim may still receive a remedy under the applicable warranty terms, but the property owner is generally responsible for the labor and related project expenses.

Are Scaffolding and Lift Costs Covered?

Generally, no. The property owner is responsible for providing reasonable access to the product and for supplying scaffolding, lifts, or other specialized equipment when the affected area cannot be safely reached with a standard 15-foot extension ladder.

When safe and practical access is not available, the manufacturer may provide only the replacement material and decline responsibility for labor. The manufacturer determines whether access is safe and practical.

Does Labor Coverage Include Installation Problems?

No. The ASCEND manufacturer warranty does not cover improper installation or defects caused by installation. Labor coverage applies to qualifying manufacturing defects—not workmanship mistakes made by an installer.

• Improper fastener placement
• Failure to follow required clearances
• Incorrect flashing or moisture management
• Improper panel alignment or engagement
• Unauthorized alterations or repairs
• Failure to follow expansion and contraction requirements

Installation concerns should be addressed through the installing contractor’s workmanship warranty, if one was provided. The manufacturer’s product warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty are two separate forms of protection.

Does Labor Coverage Apply to Hail Damage?

No. ASCEND’s limited hail provision offers replacement materials only for an approved claim involving hail measuring up to one inch in diameter. The cost of labor and other replacement expenses remains the responsibility of the original or subsequent property owner.

Homeowners insurance is considered the primary source of coverage for hail damage. The property owner may also be required to provide evidence of the insurance claim and reliable third-party documentation of the hail size.

Does Labor Coverage Transfer to the Next Homeowner?

No. Although the ASCEND warranty may transfer once to the first subsequent individual resident owner, the labor provision does not transfer.

The subsequent owner receives a 50-year limited prorated material warranty measured from the original installation date. Labor, removal, reinstallation, and access expenses generally remain the subsequent owner’s responsibility.

What About Commercial and Multi-Family Projects?

Commercial, multi-family, condominium, cooperative, church, school, government, and other qualifying non-individual ownership structures follow different warranty terms.

Under the current written warranty, qualifying commercial and multi-family installations receive labor coverage for one year from the installation date. The related commercial material warranty is limited, prorated, and non-transferable.

What Documentation May Be Required?

Warranty claims should be submitted promptly and no later than 30 days after discovering the suspected defect. The manufacturer may request documentation needed to evaluate the claim.

• Proof of purchase
• Original installation date
• Name of the builder or installing contractor
• Proof of property ownership
• Photographs of the suspected defect
• Product and color information
• Transfer information when applicable
• Reasonable access for inspection

Why Contractors Should Explain Labor Coverage Clearly

Saying that a product has a lifetime warranty can create the wrong expectation if labor limitations are never discussed. Contractors should clearly separate material protection, manufacturer-provided labor, workmanship coverage, and homeowners insurance.

Clear communication protects the contractor’s credibility and helps customers understand the real value of the ASCEND warranty without assuming every future project cost will be covered.

The Bottom Line

Yes, the ASCEND Composite Cladding warranty covers qualifying labor for the original residential purchaser during the first five years after installation. The manufacturer must approve the claim and elect to repair or replace covered defective material.

After the fifth year, labor, removal, reinstallation, access equipment, and related expenses generally become the property owner’s responsibility. Labor coverage does not transfer to the next homeowner, does not cover installation defects, and does not apply to hail replacement work.